He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

PSALMS 72:4KJV
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Psalms 72:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 72:4 mean?

Psalms 72:4 describes a ruler who will judge fairly for the poor, rescue the children of those in need, and destroy those who oppress others. The verse promises justice, protection, and deliverance for the vulnerable in society.

This verse is part of a psalm attributed to Solomon or written for him, describing the ideal king’s reign. The focus is on the king’s responsibility to defend those who are powerless and to act decisively against anyone who takes advantage of them. The verse highlights the expectation that a good ruler brings justice and relief to the most vulnerable.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 72:4

  • "judge" (שָׁפַט, shafat): This word often means to govern or decide cases, with an emphasis on fairness and upholding what is right, especially for those who cannot defend themselves.
  • "poor" (עָנִי, ani): This word refers to those who are afflicted, humble, or oppressed, not just financially poor but anyone lacking power or influence.
  • "save" (יָשַׁע, yasha): This means to deliver or rescue, showing that the king’s role includes active intervention to help those in distress.
  • "oppressor" (עָשַׁק, ashaq): This word points to someone who exploits or mistreats others, and the verse says the ruler will "break in pieces" (דָּכָא, daka) such people, meaning to crush or put an end to their harmful actions.

Why Psalms 72:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that biblical justice is not just about punishing wrongdoers but also about protecting and uplifting those who are vulnerable or mistreated.
  • The verse emphasizes that the ideal leader in Israel is measured by how he treats the poor and needy, not just by wealth or power.
  • Psalms 72:4 connects to the larger theme of the psalm, which describes a reign marked by righteousness, peace, and care for all people, especially those who are often overlooked.

Where else these words appear

“pieces” Hebrew H1792 · used in 18 verses

  • Job 4:19 How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?
  • Job 34:25 Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
  • Isaiah 19:10 And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish.

“oppressor” Hebrew H6231 · used in 35 verses

  • Leviticus 6:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 52:4 For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.

“needy” Hebrew H34 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 23:6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
  • Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
  • Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

“poor” Hebrew H6041 · used in 78 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
  • Ecclesiastes 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?