Psalms 82:3

שִׁפְטוּ דַ֥ל וְיָת֑וֹם עָנִ֖י וָרָ֣שׁ הַצְדִּֽיקוּ
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

שִׁפְטוּ
שִׁפְטוּ
Root word judge, judges, judged, plead, judgeth, …
Dictionary form: שָׁפַט · shaw-PAHT

Verb — Qal, Imperative, second person masculine plural simple action — "he did" a command — try "___!" the built-in subject is "you (a group)"

In the KJV here: defend
judge ×16 to judge ×11 judged ×10 the judge ×8 judges ×7 shall judge ×6 and he judged ×5 the judges ×5
More options
judge — Most versatile; fits legal, divine, and civic contexts.
render judgment — Formal; emphasizes the act of issuing a verdict.
govern — Best when the role involves ruling or leading a community.
defend — Use when the judging protects the vulnerable or oppressed.
decide — Neutral, contemporary; good for dispute-resolution contexts.
vindicate — Highlights declaring someone innocent or upholding their cause.

BDB8955 H8199

BDB8954 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8956

שָׁפַט185 verb judge, govern (Late Hebrew in derivatives; Phoenician שפט = שֹׁפֵט, also in proper name; Punic sufet Lzb381; Biblical Aramaic שָֽׁפְטִין; Assyrian šapâtu (t = ת), synonym dânu (דִּין), judge DlWB 684, šip‰u (ט), probably judgment [and šapi‰u, caption?] JenZA iv (1889), 278 f.; on possible connection with Arabic see NöZMG xi (1886), 724; on usage of verb See FergusonJBL viii (1888), 130 ff.); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׁ Judg 16:31 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִשְׁפֹּט Gen 16:5, יִשְׁפּוֺט Isa 11:3 3 masculine plural יִשְׁפְּטוּ Gen 31:53 +, יִשְׁפּ֫וּטוּ Exod 18:26 (Ki יִשְׁפּוּט֫וּ; compare Ges«GKC:47g»§ 47g), etc.; Infinitive absolute שָׁפוֺט Gen 19:9 construct שְׁפֹט Ruth 1:1, לַשְׁפֹּט Exod 8:13 +, etc.; Imperative שְׁפָטֿ Prov 31:9, שָׁפְטָה Ps 82:8; Lam 3:59, שִׁפְטוּ Isa 1:17 +, שְׁפֹ֑טוּ Zech 7:9, etc.; Participle שֹׁפֵט 1Sam 3:13 +, etc.; —
1. act as law-giver, judge, governor (giving law, deciding controversies and executing law, civil, religious, political, social; both early and late):
  a. of God only, שֹׁפֵט כל הארץ Gen 18:25 (J), || מֶלֶךְ,מְחֹקֵק Isa 33:22.
  b. of man, Gen 19:9 (twice in verse) (J), Moses deciding cases Exod 18:13 (E), making known statutes vExod 18:16 (E); so his assistants vExod 18:22 vExod 18:22 vExod 18:26 vExod 18:26 (E), || Deut 1:16 of שׁפטי ישׂראל Num 25:5 (executioners); ׳י set שֹׁפְטִים over Israel Judg 2:16; Judg 2:18; 2Sam 7:11 = 1Chr 17:10, to deliver Israel, שׁפט ישׂדאל Judg 3:10; Judg 4:4; Judg 10:2; Judg 10:3 + 9 t. Judges; 1Sam 4:18; 1Sam 7:15; 1Sam 7:16; 1Sam 7:17; 2Kgs 23:22, compare 1Sam 7:6 Participle שֹׁפֵט as substantive also Judg 2:17; Judg 2:18; Judg 2:19; 1Sam 8:1; 1Sam 8:2; 2Kgs 23:22 ׳שֹׁפְטֵי יִשׂ 1Chr 17:6 (|| 2Sam 7:7 שִׂבְטֵי), בִּימֵי שְׁפֹט הַשֹּׁפְטִים Ruth 1:1 (twice in verse) (compare מוֺשִׁיעִים Obad 1:21); שׁפט, || מֶלֶךְ 1Sam 8:5; 1Sam 8:6; 1Sam 8:20; Hos 7:7; Hos 13:10 שֹׁפֵט ישׂראל Mic 4:14 (= king); king judges people 1Kgs 3:9 (twice in verse) = 2Chr 1:10; 1Kgs 15:5 = 2Chr 26:21; 2Chr 1:11 absolute 1Kgs 7:7; Isa 16:5 || שׂרים Exod 2:14 (E) Amos 2:3; Zeph 3:3 || יוֺעַץ Isa 1:26; Job 12:17, compare Isa 3:2 שֹׁפְטֵי אָרֶץ Isa 40:23 (|| רוֺזְנִים), Prov 8:16 (|| שׂרים), Ps 2:10; Ps 148:11 (|| מלכים); שׁפטינו אשׁר שׁפטונו Dan 9:12 (twice in verse).
2. specifically decide controversy, discriminate between Persons, in civil, political, domestic and religious questions:
  a. of God Ps 82:1: בֵּיןוּ֗֗֗בֵין ׳שׁ Gen 16:5 (J; domestic), Judg 11:27 (twice in verse); 1Sam 24:13; 1Sam 24:16 (all of war), Ezek 34:20 (relig.); with בֵּיןלְ֗֗֗ Ezek 34:17; Ezek 34:22 (religious); with בֵּנֵינוּ Gen 31:53 (E; domestic), Isa 2:4 = Mic 4:3 (of war); with בְּ 2Chr 20:12 (war); with accusative 1Kgs 8:32 = 2Chr 6:23; Eccl 3:17, condemning wicked and justifying righteous Job 21:22 (|| ידע), Job 23:7 absolute Exod 5:21 (J) Job 22:13 צֶדֶק ׳שׁ Jer 11:20; Ps 9:5 ׳י is שׁוֺפֵט צַדִּיק Ps 7:12.
  b. of man, בֵּיןוּ֗֗֗בֵין ׳שׁ Exod 18:16 (E) Num 35:24 (P) Deut 1:16 (all civil), Isa 5:3 (relig.); with accusative Lev 19:15 (H) Deut 25:1 (all civil), Ezek 20:4 (twice in verse); Ezek 22:2 (twice in verse); Ezek 23:36 מִשְׁפָּט ׳שׁ Deut 16:18; 1Kgs 3:28 (Solomon); במשׁפטים Ezek 44:24, with ל 2Chr 19:6 absolute Ezek 44:24; Isa 11:3 (king); influenced by bribes Mic 3:11; Mic 7:3; Job 9:24 Absalom desires to decide cases as שֹׁפֵט 2Sam 15:4 (implying lack of such in his time); according to 2Chr 19:5. 6 Jehoshaphat set up שׁפטים, apparently for the first as judges in this specific sense; code of Deuteronomy recognizes them: הַשֹּׁפֵט declares דְּבַר הַמִּשְׁפָּט Deut 17:9; Deut 17:12; Deut 25:2 שׁפטים + שֹׁטְרִים Deut 16:18; 1Chr 23:4; 1Chr 26:29; Josh 8:33 (+ זְקֵנִים), Josh 23:2; Josh 24:1 (D; both + זקנים, רָאשִׁים), + זקנים only Deut 21:2; Ezra 10:14, + כֹּהֲנִים Deut 19:17; Deut 19:18, שׂרים 2Chr 1:2.
3. execute judgment:
  a. discriminating, of man only, משׁפט אמת Zech 7:9, ׳מֵישָׁרִים שׁ Ps 58:2 judge uprightly; משׁפט שׁלום Zech 8:16, צֶדֶק Prov 31:9, עָוֶל Ps 82:2.
  b. vindicating, with accusative: (I) subject God, יתום Ps 10:18, accusative of person Ps 26:1; Ps 43:1; Ps 58:12 (read שֹׁפְטָם for שׁפטים), משׁפט ׳שׁ Lam 3:59 מִיַּד vindicate by delivering from hand of 1Sam 24:16; 2Sam 18:19; 2Sam 18:31 שָׁפְטֵנִי כְּ צִדְקִי ׳י Ps 7:9 שָׁפְטֵנִי כְּ צִדְקְךָ Ps 35:24. (2) subject man, with accusative יתום Isa 1:17; Isa 1:23 דל(יםׅ Isa 11:4; Prov 29:14; Ps 82:3 עניי עם Ps 72:4 משׁפט אביונים Jer 5:28.
  c. condemning and punishing, (I) God ׳כְּדַרְכֵי פ according to ways of Ezek 7:3; Ezek 7:8; Ezek 18:30; Ezek 24:14; Ezek 33:20; Ezek 36:19 במשׁפטים Ezek 7:27; Ezek 23:24 משׁפטי נאפות Ezek 16:38 (= Ezek 23:45 of human judges); with accusative 1Sam 3:13; Ps 51:5; Ezek 11:10; Ezek 11:11; Ezek 21:35; Ezek 35:11. (2) of man, only שֹׁפְטֵי נַפְשׁוֺ Ps 109:31 and Ezek 23:45 above, probably also Ps 141:6 (corrupt).
  d. at theophanic advent for final judgment: God is שֹׁפֵט Ps 50:6; Ps 75:8 שׁפט הארץ Ps 94:2, with accusative בא לשׁפט הארץ Ps 96:13 = 1Chr 16:33; Ps 98:9 הארץ ׳שׁ Ps 82:8 כל הנוים Joel 4:12 עמים Ps 67:5 תבל Ps 9:9; Ps 96:13 = Ps 98:9 מישׁרים ׳שׁ Ps 75:3. Niph`al Perfect 1 singular נִשְׁפַּטְתִּי Ezek 20:36 + 4 t.; Imperfect 1 singular אִשָּׁפֵט Ezek 20:36 אִשָּֽׁפְטָה 1Sam 12:7, etc.; Infinitive construct חִשָּׁפֵט 2Chr 22:8 suffix הִשָּֽׁפְטוֺ Ps 37:33; Ps 109:7 Participle נִשְׁפָּט Isa 59:4 + 4 t.; —
1. reciprocal, (Ges«GKC:51d»§ 51d), enter into controversy, plead: with אֵת with, of God Jer 2:35; Ezek 17:20; Ezek 20:35; Ezek 20:36 (twice in verse); Ezek 38:22 of man 1Sam 12:7 (+ וְאַגִּידָה לָכֶם ᵐ5 We Dr BuHpt Now), Prov 29:9 with עִם, of God Joel 4:2, of man 2Chr 22:8 with ל, of God Jer 25:31 יחד ׳נשׁ Isa 43:26 have controversy together; באשׁ by fire (of God) Isa 66:16 באמונה Isa 59:4.
2. passive be judged, Ps 9:20; Ps 37:33; Ps 109:7. Pô`el Participle suffix מְשֹׁפְטִי (dubious; Hi Bu מִשְׁפָּטִי), = my apponent-at-law (Ges«GKC:55b»§ 55b) Job 9:15 + Zf Job 3:15; Ps 109:31 We and others

BDB9978 H8199 H8200

BDB9977 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9979

[שְׁפַט] verb judge (Biblical Hebrew שָׁפַט); — Participle as plural noun absolute שָֽׁפְמִין Ezra 7:25 judges.

שַׁפִּיר see שׁפר. below

judge, judges, judged, plead, judgeth, …
šāpaṭ
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively)
  • to judge, govern, vindicate, punish
    • (Qal)
      • to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man)
        • to rule, govern, judge
        to decide controversy (of God, man)"to execute judgment
        • discriminating (of man)
          • "vindicating"condemning and punishing"at theophanic advent for final judgment
      (Niphal)
      • to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together
        • "to be judged
      (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)

דַ֥ל
דַ֥ל
Root word poor, needy, weaker, lean
Dictionary form: דַּל · dahl

Adjective — masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: the poor
the poor ×21 of the poor ×8 but the poor ×2 is poor ×2 to the poor ×2 a poor man ×1 and poor ×1 and the poor ×1
More options
poor — Broadest, most neutral; fits most contexts.
needy — Emphasizes lack of resources or support.
destitute — Stronger; highlights complete deprivation.
lowly — Stresses low social standing over material lack.
impoverished — Formal register; good for narrative or legal texts.
weak — Prefer when physical or social feebleness is in view.

BDB1939 H1800

BDB1938 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1940

דַּל adjective see below דלל.

BDB1950 H1800

BDB1949 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1951

דַּל adjective low, weak, poor, thin (especially common in Wisdom literature and poetry) — דַּל Lev 14:21 + 8 t., דָּ֑ל Exod 23:3 + 17 t. + שָדּל Ps 82:3 דַּלִּים Amos 2:7 + 17 t.; דַּלּוֺת Gen 41:19 — weak, thin, of kine Gen 41:19 (E); of Amnon 2Sam 13:4 weak, of family of Saul 2Sam 3:1 (opposed to חָזֵק) compare Judg 6:15 reduced, poor (opposed to rich) Lev 14:21(P) Ruth 3:10 (opposed to עָשִׁיר) Jer 5:4 (opposed to הגדולים, vJer 5:5) Prov 28:15; Zeph 3:12 (עַם עָנִי וָדָ֑ל); mostly substantive, a poor (man), the poor Exod 23:3 (JE); opposed to עָשִׁיר Exod 30:15 (P) Prov 10:15; Prov 22:16; Prov 28:11 opposed to הוֺן Prov 19:4 || אביון 1Sam 2:8; Job 5:16; Ps 72:13; Ps 82:4; Ps 113:7; Prov 14:31; Isa 14:30; Isa 25:4; Amos 4:1; Amos 8:6 compare also Job 20:10; Job 20:19; Prov 22:9; Jer 39:10 reduced, weak, helpless (|| עני) Job 34:28; Ps 82:3(|| also יתום), Prov 22:22; Prov 10:2; Prov 11:4; Prov 26:6; Amos 2:7 || אלמנה Job 31:16 opposed to שׁוֺעַ Job 34:19 — compare also Ps 41:2; Prov 19:17; Prov 21:13; Prov 28:3; Prov 28:8; Prov 29:7; Prov 29:14.

poor, needy, weaker, lean
dal
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
  • low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low

וְ יָת֑וֹם
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יָת֑וֹם
Root word fatherless, children, orphans, child
Dictionary form: יָתוֹם · yaw-TOME

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: and fatherless
the fatherless ×13 of the fatherless ×7 and the fatherless ×6 fatherless ×3 for the fatherless ×3 and fatherless ×1 his fatherless children ×1 in thee the fatherless ×1
More options
orphan — Most direct modern equivalent; broadly understood.
fatherless child — Emphasizes paternal loss; useful in poetic or legal contexts.
parentless child — More inclusive; good when full parental loss is implied.
vulnerable child — Captures social helplessness; suits advocacy or wisdom passages.
bereaved child — Highlights grief dimension; fits lament or prophetic rhetoric.

BDB3844 H3490

BDB3843 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3845

יָתוֺם noun [masculine] orphan (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic יַתְמָא, ; Phoenician יתם; Arabic pupil, orphan) — יָתוֺם Exod 22:21 + 29 t.; plural יְתוֺמִים v.Exod 22:23 + 8 t.; suffix יְתֹמֶיךָ Jer 49:11 יְתֹמָיו Isa 9:16 לִיתוֺמָיו Ps 109:12 — orphan, i.e. fatherless (|| אַלְמָנָה) Exod 22:23; Ps 109:9; Lam 5:3 (|| אַין אָב); Job 24:9; Ps 109:12 probably also Exod 22:21; Deut 10:18; Deut 14:29; Deut 16:11; Deut 16:14; Deut 24:17; Deut 24:19; Deut 24:20; Deut 24:21; Deut 26:12; Deut 26:13; Deut 27:19; Ps 94:6; Ps 146:9; Jer 7:6; Jer 22:3; Zech 7:10; Mal 3:5 (in all these, mentioned as helpless, exposed to injury, || אַלְמָנָה and גֵּר); similarly, || אַלְמָנָה Job 22:9; Job 24:3; Job 29:12; Job 31:17; Ps 68:6; Isa 1:17; Isa 1:23; Isa 9:16; Isa 10:2; without אלמנה Hos 14:4; Job 6:27; Job 31:21; Ps 10:14; Ps 10:18; Prov 23:10; Jer 5:28 (in no case clear that both parents are dead).

fatherless, children, orphans, child
yātôm
a bereaved person
  • an orphan, fatherless

עָנִ֖י
עָנִ֖י
Root word poor, afflicted, lowly
Dictionary form: עָנִי · aw-NEE

Adjective — masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: to the afflicted
the poor ×18 of the poor ×7 am poor ×5 of the afflicted ×5 from the poor ×2 o poor ×2 the afflicted ×2 to the poor ×2
More options
poor — Broadest modern equivalent; fits most contexts naturally.
needy — Emphasizes lack of resources; good for socioeconomic contexts.
oppressed — Highlights external cause of suffering; suits justice passages.
afflicted — Modernizes KJV rendering; stresses hardship and distress.
downtrodden — Vivid; best for prophetic or poetic passages of lament.
humble — Captures lowly/meek nuance; suits wisdom and piety contexts.

BDB6210 H6035 H6041

BDB6209 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6211

עָנָי (?; LagBN 48) noun masculine poor, afflicted, humble, meek; — עָנָו Num 12:3 (Kt; Qr עָנָיו is to ensure the ָ֯ according to Di Köii. 1. 76); elsewhere plural עֲנָוִים Isa 29:19 + 11 t. + Kt עֲנָוִים Isa 32:7; Ps 9:19 (Qr עֲנִיִּים); Qr עֲנָוִים Ps 9:13; Ps 10:12; Prov 3:34; Prov 14:21; Prov 16:19 (Kt עניים); construct עַנְוֵי Zeph 2:3 + 2 t., + Kt ענוי (Qr עֲנִיֵּי) Amos 8:4 (so Job 24:4 van d. H.; but עֲנִיֵּי Kt and Qr Baer Ginsb) — these forms shew confusion with עָנִי, which is perhaps only another form of עָנָו (otherwise Rahlfsop. cit. 62 f. Dr'Poor' in HastingsDB; עָנָו = humble, meek, עָנִי = passive humbled, afflicted); —

1. poor, needy, Prov 14:21 (Qr).
2. poor and weak. oppressed by rich and powerful Amos 2:7; Isa 29:19; Isa 32:7 (Kt); ענוי (ה)ארץ Ps 76:10; Isa 11:4; Zeph 2:3; Amos 8:4 (Kt), Job 24:4.
3. poor, weak and afflicted Israel (usually rendered meek) Ps 10:17; Ps 22:27; Ps 25:9 (twice in verse); Ps 34:3; Ps 37:11; Ps 69:33 (עָנִי 3, also in all these Psalms), Ps 147:6; Ps 149:4; Isa 61:1 (|| נשׁברי לב, compare Isa 66:2 עָנִי 3), Ps 9:19 (Kt) vPs 9:13; Ps 10:12 (Qr).
4. humble, lowly, meek Num 12:3 (Moses); Prov 3:34; Prov 16:19 (both Qr).

BDB6213 H6041

BDB6212 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6214

עָנִי adj poor, afflicted, humble; — ׳ע Deut 24:12 + 51 t.; plural עֲיִּים Isa 3:15 + 6 t.; construct עֲנִיֵּי Isa 10:2 + 4 t. (see also Kt and Qr below עָנָו above); suffix עֲנִיֶּיךָ Ps 72:2; Ps 74:19, עֲנִיֶּ֑ךָ Deut 15:11, עֲנִיָּו Isa 49:13 feminine singular עֲנִיָּה Isa 51:21; Isa 54:11 ( + Isa 10:30 ᵑ0, but read עֲנִיהָ, see I. ענה); —

1. poor, needy, || אביון Deut 15:11; Deut 24:14. 15 Prov 31:20, || יתום Job 24:9; Exod 22:24 (E), Deut 24:12 having right to gleanings Lev 19:10; Lev 23:22 (H); ׳יְמֵי ע Prov 15:15, compare Prov 14:21 (Kt).
2. poor and weak, oppressed by the rich and powerful Isa 3:14; Isa 3:15; Isa 32:7 (Qr), Isa 58:7; Isa 29:12; Isa 36:6; Isa 36:15; Prov 30:14; Eccl 6:8; Ezek 18:17; Zech 7:10; Job 24:4, also Amos 8:4 (Qr); || דל Job 34:28; Prov 22:22 עֲנִיֵּי עַמִּי Isa 10:2 עני ואביוך Job 24:14; Prov 31:9; Jer 22:16; Ezek 16:49; Ezek 18:12; Ezek 22:29.
3. poor, weak, afflicted Israel, or pious in Israel afflicted by wicked nations or the wicked in Israel itself Ps 10:2; Ps 10:9 (twice in verse); Ps 14:6 (dubious, compare Ps 53:6) Ps 102:1 (or proper name), Isa 14:32; Hab 3:14 of Zion, עֲנִיָּה Isa 51:21; Isa 54:11 ׳שׁד ע Ps 12:6 ׳יחיד וע Ps 25:16 עני ואביון Ps 35:10; Ps 37:14; Ps 40:18 = Ps 70:6; Ps 74:21; Ps 86:1; Ps 109:16; Ps 109:22, plural Isa 41:17 עני וְכוֺאֵב Ps 69:30 וָרָשׁ ׳ע Ps 82:3 ׳עֱנוּת ע Ps 22:25 וְגֹוֵעַ ׳ע Ps 88:16 || דל Isa 26:6; Zeph 3:12 וּנְכֵהרֿוּחַ ׳ע Isa 66:2 — Zech 11:7; Zech 11:11 see II. כְּנַעֲנִי; — God does not forget them Ps 9:13 (Kt); Ps 9:19 (Qr); Ps 10:12 (Kt) Ps 74:19, but has compassion on them Isa 49:13, saves Ps 34:7, delivers Ps 35:10, and bestows various favours Ps 68:11; Ps 140:13, the king also judges Ps 72:2; Ps 72:4, and delivers Ps 72:12.
4. humble, lowly, Zech 9:9 (victorious king); opposed to לֵצִים Prov 3:34 (Kt); opposed to גֵּאִים Prov 16:19 (Kt); עם עני opposed to רמות עינים Ps 18:28 = 2Sam 22:28.

BDB9783 H6031 H6035 H6041

BDB9782 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9784

II. ענה (√ of following; see Biblical Hebrew III. ענה, עָנָו, עָנִי).

poor, afflicted, lowly
ʿānî
depressed, in mind or circumstances
  • poor, afflicted, humble, wretched
    • poor, needy
      • "poor and weak"poor, weak, afflicted, wretched"humble, lowly

וָ רָ֣שׁ
וָ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
רָ֣שׁ
Root word poor, lack, needy
Dictionary form: רוּשׁ · roosh

Verb — Qal, Participle Active, masculine singular, absolute state simple action — "he did" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: and needy
the poor ×5 of the poor ×3 but the poor ×2 is the poor ×2 a poor ×1 am a poor ×1 and a poor man ×1 and needy ×1
More options
poor — Most versatile; fits both noun and adjective uses.
destitute — Stronger than poor; emphasizes complete lack of resources.
impoverished — Verbal/adjectival; highlights a process of becoming poor.
needy — Relational nuance; stresses dependence on others' help.
broke — Informal/colloquial; suits narrative or conversational contexts.
go without — Verbal sense; captures the 'lack' or 'do lack' meaning.

BDB7677 H7326 H7389

BDB7676 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7678

רָאשׁ poor, רֵאשׁ poverty, see רושׁ.

BDB7832 H7326 H3426 H7567

BDB7831 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7833

[רוּשׁ or רִישׁ]24 verb be in want, poor (related to ירשׁ [compare Qal 3, Niph`al Hiph`il 3]? so Thes); —

Qal Perfect 3 plural כְּפִירִים רָשׁוּ וְרָעֵ֑בוּ Ps 34:11 young lions are in want and hunger; elsewhere Participle רָשׁ 1Sam 18:23 + 16 t., רָאשׁ 2Sam 12:1 + 2 t.; plural רָשִׁים Prov 22:7, רָאשִׁים Prov 13:23 — (often opposed to עָשִׁיר): as adjective 1Sam 18:23; 2Sam 12:1; 2Sam 12:4; Prov 28:3; Eccl 4:14 as substantive = poor man (men), 2Sam 12:3; Ps 82:3; Eccl 5:7, especially Prov 10:4; Prov 13:8; Prov 13:23 + 12 t. Proverbs. Hithpo`lel Participle מִתְרוֺשֵׁשׁ Prov 13:7 one impoverishing himself (opposed to מִתְעַשֵּׁר; compare Pô'l. רושׁשׁ Eccl 11:12; Eccl 13:5). — Jer 5:17; Mal 1:4 see רשׁשׁ. p. 439f

poor, lack, needy
rûš
to be destitute
  • to be poor, be in want, lack
    • (Qal)
      • to be poor
        • "to be in want or hunger"poor man (subst)
      (Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)

הַצְדִּֽיקוּ
הַצְדִּֽיקוּ
Root word justified, righteous, justify, just, justice, …
Dictionary form: צָדַק · tsaw-DAHK

Verb — Hiphil, Imperative, second person masculine plural causative — "he made (someone) do" a command — try "___!" the built-in subject is "you (a group)"

In the KJV here: do justice
be justified ×4 justify ×2 and by justifying ×1 and hast justified ×1 and justifying ×1 and righteous ×1 be cleansed ×1 be just ×1
More options
be just — Broad default; fits legal and moral contexts well.
be righteous — Moral/ethical register; prefer in theological contexts.
be vindicated — Emphasizes external declaration of innocence or right standing.
be acquitted — Legal register; suits courtroom or judicial settings.
justify — Active causative sense; declaring or proving someone right.
be in the right — Colloquial; good for relational dispute contexts.

BDB6943 H6663

BDB6942 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6944

[צָדֵק, צָדֹק] verb denominative be just, righteous; —

Qal Perfect 3 feminine singular צָֽדְקָה Isa 38:26 2 masculine singular צָדַקְתָּ Job 33:12; Job 35:7 etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִצְדַּק Job 9:2 +; יִצְדָּ֑ק Job 4:17; Job 11:2 3 feminine plural תִּצְדַּקְנָה Ezek 16:52 (ᵐ5 Co תְּצַדְּקִין, not Berthol Toy Krae), etc; —
1. have a just cause, be in the right, Job 9:15; Job 9:20; Job 13:18; Job 34:5 in complaint Job 33:12 with מִן person Gen 38:26 (J; of Tamar).
2. be justified, in one's plea Job 11:2 with עִם (man with God) Job 9:2; Job 25:4 ׳בי Isa 45:25 by witnesses Isa 43:9 by acquittal Ps 143:2; Isa 43:26 by condemnation of opponent Job 40:8.
3. be just: of God, in his government, in charging with sin Ps 51:6 of ׳מִשְׁפְּטֵייֿ Ps 19:10.
4. be just, righteous, in conduct and character: of men Job 10:15; Job 15:14; Job 22:3; Job 35:7, with מִן compare, Job 4:17 (more than God; Dr at God's hand, מִן 2 d), Ezek 16:52 (< ᵐ5 Co Pi`el). Niph`al Perfect 3 masculine singular וְנִצְדַּק קֹדֶשׁ consecutive Dan 8:14 the holy place shall be put right, in a right condition (MartiKau Buhl SS; Bev Dr MartiComm. be justified, its cause vindicated). Pi`el Perfect 3 feminine singular צִדְּקָה Jer 3:11 Imperfect 2 feminine singular תְּצַדְּקִי Ezek 16:51 Infinitive construct suffix צַדְּקֶ֑ךָּ Job 33:32 צַדֶּקְתֵּךְ (Ges«GKC:52p»§ 52p) Ezek 16:52 צַדְּקוֺ Job 32:2 — justify: עַל צַדְּקוֺ נַפְשׁוֺ מֵאֱלֹהִים Job 32:2 because he justified himself rather than God (compare Qal 1); make to appear righteous Jer 3:11; Ezek 16:51; Ezek 16:52 (all with מִן compare); חָפַצְתִּי צַדְּקֶ֑ךָּ Job 33:32 I desire to justify thee (in thy plea, compare Qal 2). Hiph`il Perfect 1 singular suffix הִצְדַּקְתִּיו 2Sam 15:4 3 masculine plural הִצְדִּיקוּ Deut 25:1 Imperfect 3 masculine singular יַצְדִּיק Isa 53:11 1 singular אַצְדִּיק Exod 23:7; Job 27:5 Infinitive construct הַצְדִּיק 1Kgs 8:32 = 2Chr 6:23 Imperative masculine plural הַצְדִּיקוּ Ps 82:3 Participle מַצְדִּיק Prov 17:15, etc.; —
1. do justice, in administering law 2Sam 15:4; Ps 82:3.
2. declare righteous, justify, with accusative (ה)צַדִּיק Deut 25:1; 1Kgs 8:32 = 2Chr 6:23 רָשָׁע Exod 23:7 (E) Isa 5:23; Prov 17:15 Justify accusers, by recognizing charge as just Job 27:5.
3. justify, vindicate the cause of, save, with accusative, Isa 50:8 (of God), with לְ of object Isa 53:11 (of servant of ׳י).
4. make righteous, turn to righteousness, Dan 12:3, compare Aboth Dan 5:26; Dan 5:27 Bev. Hithpa`el Imperfect 1 plural נִצְטַדָּ֑ק Gen 44:16 (J) how shall we justify ourselves, clear ourselves from suspicion?

BDB9839 H6665 H6663 H6666

BDB9838 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9840

צִדְקָה noun feminine right doing (Talmud, Old Aramaic; see Biblical Hebrew צְדָקָה, √ צדק); — ׳צ Dan 4:24.

justified, righteous, justify, just, justice, …
ṣādaq
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
  • to be just, be righteous
    • (Qal)
      • to have a just cause, be in the right
        • "to be justified"to be just (of God)"to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character)
      (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified"(Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous"(Hiphil)
      • to do or bring justice (in administering law)
        • "to declare righteous, justify"to justify, vindicate the cause of, save"to make righteous, turn to righteousness
      (Hithpael) to justify oneself

This book is chanted to the poetic accent system (used only in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs). Each group below ends at one of its pausing accents — translate a group as one unit.
שִׁפְטוּ דַ֥ל וְיָת֑וֹם Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here עָנִ֖י וָרָ֣שׁ הַצְדִּֽיקוּ Silluq — end of the verse

שִׁפְטוּ-דַל וְיָתוֹם עָנִי וָרָשׁ הַצְדִּֽיקוּ׃
3
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Cross References

James 1:27

θρησκεία καθαρὰ καὶ ἀμίαντος παρὰ τῷ θεῷ καὶ πατρὶ αὕτη ἐστίν ἐπισκέπτεσθαι ὀρφανοὺς καὶ χήρας ἐν τῇ θλίψει αὐτῶν ἄσπιλον ἑαυτὸν τηρεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ κόσμου
27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Jeremiah 22:3

כֹּה׀ אָמַר יְהוָה עֲשׂוּ מִשְׁפָּט וּצְדָקָה וְהַצִּילוּ גָזוּל מִיַּד עָשׁוֹק וְגֵר יָתוֹם וְאַלְמָנָה אַל-תֹּנוּ אַל-תַּחְמֹסוּ וְדָם נָקִי אַֽל-תִּשְׁפְּכוּ בַּמָּקוֹם הַזֶּֽה׃
3
Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.

Psalms 10:18

לִשְׁפֹּט יָתוֹם וָדָךְ בַּל-יוֹסִיף עוֹד לַעֲרֹץ אֱנוֹשׁ מִן-הָאָֽרֶץ׃
18
To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.

Jeremiah 22:16

דָּן דִּין-עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן אָז טוֹב הֲלוֹא-הִיא הַדַּעַת אֹתִי נְאֻם-יְהוָֽה׃
16
He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 5:28

שָׁמְנוּ עָשְׁתוּ גַּם עָֽבְרוּ דִבְרֵי-רָע דִּין לֹא-דָנוּ דִּין יָתוֹם וְיַצְלִיחוּ וּמִשְׁפַּט אֶבְיוֹנִים לֹא שָׁפָֽטוּ׃
28
They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Deuteronomy 24:17

לֹא תַטֶּה מִשְׁפַּט גֵּר יָתוֹם וְלֹא תַֽחֲבֹל בֶּגֶד אַלְמָנָֽה׃
17
Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:

Isaiah 1:17

לִמְדוּ הֵיטֵב דִּרְשׁוּ מִשְׁפָּט אַשְּׁרוּ חָמוֹץ שִׁפְטוּ יָתוֹם רִיבוּ אַלְמָנָֽה׃
17
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Deuteronomy 10:18

עֹשֶׂה מִשְׁפַּט יָתוֹם וְאַלְמָנָה וְאֹהֵב גֵּר לָתֶת לוֹ לֶחֶם וְשִׂמְלָֽה׃
18
He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.

Isaiah 1:23

שָׂרַיִךְ סוֹרְרִים וְחַבְרֵי גַּנָּבִים כֻּלּוֹ אֹהֵב שֹׁחַד וְרֹדֵף שַׁלְמֹנִים יָתוֹם לֹא יִשְׁפֹּטוּ וְרִיב אַלְמָנָה לֹֽא-יָבוֹא אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
23
Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.
Psalms 82:2
Read Psalms 82
Psalms 82:4