Psalms 82:3

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Psalms 82
  4. Psalms 82:3

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Psalms 1 Psalms 2 Psalms 3 Psalms 4 Psalms 5 Psalms 6 Psalms 7 Psalms 8 Psalms 9 Psalms 10 Psalms 11 Psalms 12 Psalms 13 Psalms 14 Psalms 15 Psalms 16 Psalms 17 Psalms 18 Psalms 19 Psalms 20 Psalms 21 Psalms 22 Psalms 23 Psalms 24 Psalms 25 Psalms 26 Psalms 27 Psalms 28 Psalms 29 Psalms 30 Psalms 31 Psalms 32 Psalms 33 Psalms 34 Psalms 35 Psalms 36 Psalms 37 Psalms 38 Psalms 39 Psalms 40 Psalms 41 Psalms 42 Psalms 43 Psalms 44 Psalms 45 Psalms 46 Psalms 47 Psalms 48 Psalms 49 Psalms 50 Psalms 51 Psalms 52 Psalms 53 Psalms 54 Psalms 55 Psalms 56 Psalms 57 Psalms 58 Psalms 59 Psalms 60 Psalms 61 Psalms 62 Psalms 63 Psalms 64 Psalms 65 Psalms 66 Psalms 67 Psalms 68 Psalms 69 Psalms 70 Psalms 71 Psalms 72 Psalms 73 Psalms 74 Psalms 75 Psalms 76 Psalms 77 Psalms 78 Psalms 79 Psalms 80 Psalms 81 Psalms 82 Psalms 83 Psalms 84 Psalms 85 Psalms 86 Psalms 87 Psalms 88 Psalms 89 Psalms 90 Psalms 91 Psalms 92 Psalms 93 Psalms 94 Psalms 95 Psalms 96 Psalms 97 Psalms 98 Psalms 99 Psalms 100 Psalms 101 Psalms 102 Psalms 103 Psalms 104 Psalms 105 Psalms 106 Psalms 107 Psalms 108 Psalms 109 Psalms 110 Psalms 111 Psalms 112 Psalms 113 Psalms 114 Psalms 115 Psalms 116 Psalms 117 Psalms 118 Psalms 119 Psalms 120 Psalms 121 Psalms 122 Psalms 123 Psalms 124 Psalms 125 Psalms 126 Psalms 127 Psalms 128 Psalms 129 Psalms 130 Psalms 131 Psalms 132 Psalms 133 Psalms 134 Psalms 135 Psalms 136 Psalms 137 Psalms 138 Psalms 139 Psalms 140 Psalms 141 Psalms 142 Psalms 143 Psalms 144 Psalms 145 Psalms 146 Psalms 147 Psalms 148 Psalms 149 Psalms 150

Verse

Psalms 82:1 Psalms 82:2 Psalms 82:3 Psalms 82:4 Psalms 82:5 Psalms 82:6 Psalms 82:7 Psalms 82:8

Psalms 82:3 KJV

Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

Previous Verse
« Psalms 82:2
Next Verse
Psalms 82:4 »

Psalms 82:3 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 82:3

Psalms 82:3: "Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy."

Introduction

This verse from Psalm 82 is a profound declaration of justice, calling upon the leaders and judges to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and compassion. It emphasizes the need to protect the vulnerable and ensure that justice is served within the community. Various public domain commentaries shed light on the implications of this verse for theologians, pastors, and scholars.

The Call for Justice

In this verse, the psalmist is entrusted with a divine mandate to defend the poor and fatherless. This reflects God's concern for the marginalized in society. Commentators point out that the term "defend" implies active involvement and advocacy.

  • Matthew Henry: He emphasizes that God expects those in leadership to act as guardians for the helpless. Leaders must remember that they are accountable to God for their treatment of the underprivileged.
  • Albert Barnes: Barnes underscores that this call is not just a suggestion but a command. He notes that the commands to "do justice" and "defend" are inherently linked to the character of God Himself, who is just and righteous.
  • Adam Clarke: Clarke interprets "fatherless" as symbolic of all who lack protection and support. He highlights the need for societal structures that offer care and support for those without advocates.

The Poor and Afflicted

The terms “poor” and “afflicted” encapsulate a broad range of people within the societal spectrum who require assistance. Those who are poor often suffer injustices simply due to their vulnerable status.

  • Matthew Henry: Henry notes that the poor are often oppressed by the powerful, and it is the responsibility of those in authority to rectify such injustices through equitable governance.
  • Albert Barnes: He asserts that the poor and needy are often overlooked in society. The justice demanded here implies a practical application—making sure that the legal and social systems work in favor of those least able to defend themselves.
  • Adam Clarke: Clarke elucidates that the "needy" are those who find themselves in desperate circumstances, highlighting the need for compassion and actions that promote welfare for these individuals.

Theological Implications

The verse also serves as an important theological foundation for social justice within the Christian faith. It pushes believers to acknowledge that justice is not merely a human construct but rooted in the character of God.

  • Matthew Henry: He stresses that God's concern for the needy reflects His character, and thus believers are called to imitate God by advocating for justice.
  • Albert Barnes: Barnes points out that failing to meet these standards of justice constitutes a serious neglect of duty for any leader or individual in a position of influence.
  • Adam Clarke: Clarke argues that this verse speaks to the heart of God's law and His desire for His people to live out His justice in their communities, therefore living in alignment with His will.

Practical Applications

For pastors and church leaders, the implications of Psalms 82:3 involve actively engaging in social justice initiatives and community outreach to vulnerable populations. This verse encourages congregations to embody love and care through actionable support for those who are less fortunate.

  • Matthew Henry: He encourages practical involvement, suggesting that churches take up causes that focus on widows, orphans, and the marginalized, reflecting God’s heart for justice.
  • Albert Barnes: Barnes suggests formulating programs aimed at social reform and community support, embodying the principles outlined in the verse.
  • Adam Clarke: Clarke calls for a re-examination of church priorities, urging leaders to ensure their churches are instrumental in uplifting the afflicted and needy, rather than becoming inward-focused.

Conclusion

Psalms 82:3 is a powerful reminder of the divine expectation for justice and advocacy for the vulnerable in society. As highlighted by the insights of renowned commentators, this verse not only calls for action but also signifies the heart of God towards His creation. For pastors, theologians, and scholars, this passage stands as a foundational truth that compels action within the framework of faith. The responsibilities outlined in this verse resonate with the call to live out the kingdom of God in tangible ways that advocate for justice, support the weak, and demonstrate unwavering compassion.

Psalms 82 (KJV) Verse Selection

Psalms 82:1 Psalms 82:2 Psalms 82:3 Psalms 82:4 Psalms 82:5 Psalms 82:6 Psalms 82:7 Psalms 82:8

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »