When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

PSALMS 9:12KJV
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Psalms 9:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 9:12 mean?

Psalms 9:12 says that when God investigates acts of violence or bloodshed, He remembers those who have suffered and does not ignore the cries of people who are humble or oppressed. The verse emphasizes that God is attentive to injustice and does not overlook the pleas of those who are downtrodden.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God, describing how God acts as a just judge who pays attention to wrongs done, especially when innocent blood is shed. The verse reassures readers that God listens to the humble (those who are afflicted or lowly) and will not forget them, even when others might. This fits into the larger context of the psalm, which praises God’s justice and care for those who suffer.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 9:12

  • "inquisition" (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This word means to seek out, investigate, or inquire. Here, it refers to God actively seeking justice for bloodshed, not just passively observing.
  • "blood" (דָּם, dam): This word points to violence or innocent bloodshed. The verse highlights that God notices and responds to such serious wrongdoing.
  • "cry" (צַעֲקָה, tsa‘aqah): This word means a cry for help, usually from someone in distress. It shows that God hears the desperate pleas of those who are suffering.
  • "humble" (עָנָו, ‘anav; עָנִי, ‘ani): Both words refer to people who are afflicted, oppressed, or lowly. The verse stresses that God does not forget those who are overlooked by others.

Why Psalms 9:12 matters

  • Psalms 9:12 clarifies that God is not distant or indifferent to injustice; He actively investigates and responds to violence and suffering.
  • The verse highlights God’s special attention to the humble or oppressed, assuring readers that their cries are not ignored, even if the world overlooks them.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme of Psalms 9, where David praises God’s fairness and His defense of those who are wronged, reinforcing trust in God’s justice.

Where else these words appear

“cry” Hebrew H6818 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
  • Exodus 12:30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
  • Job 34:28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

“humble” Hebrew H6035 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
  • Psalms 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
  • Proverbs 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

“humble” 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 35:10 All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
  • Ecclesiastes 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

“forgetteth” Hebrew H7911 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • Psalms 31:12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
  • Proverbs 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.