Psalm 10:18
New International Version
defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.

New Living Translation
You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them.

English Standard Version
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Berean Standard Bible
to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more.

King James Bible
To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.

New King James Version
To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.

New American Standard Bible
To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, So that mankind, which is of the earth, will no longer cause terror.

NASB 1995
To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, So that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.

NASB 1977
To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, That man who is of the earth may cause terror no more.

Legacy Standard Bible
To give justice to the orphan and the oppressed, So that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.

Amplified Bible
To vindicate and obtain justice for the fatherless and the oppressed, So that man who is of the earth will no longer terrify them.

Christian Standard Bible
doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed so that mere humans from the earth may terrify them no more.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed so that men of the earth may terrify them no more.

American Standard Version
To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, That man who is of the earth may be terrible no more.

Contemporary English Version
You defend orphans and everyone else in need, so that no one on earth can terrify others again.

English Revised Version
To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man which is of the earth may be terrible no more.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
in order to provide justice for orphans and oppressed people so that no mere mortal will terrify them again.

Good News Translation
You will hear the cries of the oppressed and the orphans; you will judge in their favor, so that mortal men may cause terror no more.

International Standard Version
to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that men of the earth may cause terror no more.

Majority Standard Bible
to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more.

NET Bible
You defend the fatherless and oppressed, so that mere mortals may no longer terrorize them.

New Heart English Bible
to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man who is of the earth may terrify no more.

Webster's Bible Translation
To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.

World English Bible
to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man who is of the earth may terrify no more.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
To judge the fatherless and bruised: He adds no more to oppress—man of the earth!

Young's Literal Translation
To judge the fatherless and bruised: He addeth no more to oppress -- man of the earth!

Smith's Literal Translation
To judge the orphan and the dejected, that the man of the earth shall no more add to make afraid.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To judge for the fatherless and for the humble, that man may no more presume to magnify himself upon earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
so as to judge for the orphan and the humble, so that man may no longer presume to magnify himself upon the earth.

New American Bible
You win justice for the orphaned and oppressed; no one on earth will cause terror again.

New Revised Standard Version
to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that those from earth may strike terror no more.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Execute justice to the fatherless and to the afflicted, so that man may not be destroyed from the face of the earth.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
To judge the orphan and The Evil One, that he may not add again to destroy the children of men from the Earth.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
To right the fatherless and the oppressed, That man who is of the earth may be terrible no more.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
to plead for the orphan and afflicted, that man may no more boast upon the earth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Perils of the Pilgrim
17You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear, 18to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more.

Cross References
Proverbs 23:10-11
Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, / for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you.

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Jeremiah 22:3
This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.

Exodus 22:22-24
You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. / My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless.

Deuteronomy 10:18
He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.

Isaiah 10:1-2
Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, / to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder.

Jeremiah 5:28
They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.

Zechariah 7:9-10
“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’

Malachi 3:5
“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.

Job 29:12
because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper.

James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Matthew 23:14
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.

Luke 18:7
Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them?

Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”


Treasury of Scripture

To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.

judge

Psalm 10:14
Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.

Psalm 72:4
He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

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

the man

Psalm 17:14
From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

Luke 16:25
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

1 Corinthians 15:47,48
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven…

oppress.

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Bruised Cause Chief Child David Decision Defending Earth Fatherless Judge Justice Longer Musician Oppress Oppressed Order Orphan Psalm Right Strike Terrible Terrify Terror Vindicate
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Bruised Cause Chief Child David Decision Defending Earth Fatherless Judge Justice Longer Musician Oppress Oppressed Order Orphan Psalm Right Strike Terrible Terrify Terror Vindicate
Psalm 10
1. David complains of the wicked
12. He prays for remedy
16. He professes his confidence














to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed
This phrase highlights God's concern for justice, particularly for the vulnerable and marginalized in society. The "fatherless" and "oppressed" are often mentioned in the Old Testament as groups deserving special protection (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 10:18). In ancient Israel, the fatherless, orphans, and widows were among the most vulnerable, lacking a male protector in a patriarchal society. God's law provided specific instructions to care for them, reflecting His character as a defender of the weak (Psalm 68:5). This concern is echoed in the New Testament, where James 1:27 describes pure religion as caring for orphans and widows. The call to vindicate them is a call to act justly, aligning with God's heart for justice and righteousness.

that the men of the earth may strike terror no more
This phrase speaks to the ultimate triumph of divine justice over human oppression. "The men of the earth" refers to those who wield power unjustly, often causing fear and suffering among the vulnerable. The psalmist's prayer is for a time when such terror will cease, reflecting a longing for God's kingdom where righteousness prevails. This hope is consistent with prophetic visions of peace and justice found in Isaiah 11:4-9, where the Messiah will judge with righteousness and establish peace. In a broader biblical context, this phrase anticipates the eschatological hope found in Revelation 21:4, where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death or mourning. The ultimate fulfillment of this hope is seen in Jesus Christ, who through His life, death, and resurrection, inaugurated the kingdom of God, promising a future where justice and peace will reign eternally.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Fatherless
Refers to orphans or those without parental protection, often used in the Bible to symbolize the vulnerable and defenseless in society.

2. The Oppressed
Those who are subject to harsh and unjust treatment, often marginalized and without power.

3. Men of the Earth
Represents those who perpetrate injustice and oppression, often seen as the wicked or ungodly in biblical terms.
Teaching Points
God's Heart for Justice
God is deeply concerned with justice, especially for the vulnerable. As believers, we are called to reflect His heart by advocating for the fatherless and oppressed.

Role of Believers
Christians are called to be active participants in God's work of justice, standing against oppression and supporting those in need.

Fear of the Lord vs. Fear of Man
The passage contrasts the fear of God, which leads to justice, with the fear of man, which leads to oppression. Believers should cultivate a reverence for God that drives them to act justly.

Eternal Perspective
While earthly justice may seem delayed, God promises ultimate vindication for the oppressed, reminding us to trust in His perfect timing and sovereignty.

Practical Compassion
True religion involves practical acts of compassion and justice, challenging believers to engage in tangible ways to support the vulnerable in their communities.(18) Oppressed.--See Psalm 9:9. "God's choice acquaintances are humble men."--Leighton.

That the man.--Literally, that may not continue to terrify (or defy) mere man from the earth, which may mean that mere mortals may have to confess their weakness in comparison with God. But Psalm 9:20, where the same word is used, indicates that it is here used in a contemptuous sense of the "heathen." "That the nations from the earth (i.e., spread over the earth) may know themselves to be but men, and no longer defy Israel and Israel's God."

Verse 18. - To judge the fatherless (see ver. 14) and the oppressed; i.e. to vindicate them - to judge between them and their oppressors. That the man of the earth may no more oppress; or, that terrene man may no longer terrify. There is a play upon the two words in the original, which might thus be rendered. But it has been said, with truth, that this sort of rhetorical ornament "does not suit the genius of our language" (Erle).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
to vindicate
לִשְׁפֹּ֥ט (liš·pōṭ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

the fatherless
יָת֗וֹם (yā·ṯō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3490: A bereaved person

and oppressed,
וָ֫דָ֥ךְ (wā·ḏāḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1790: Crushed, oppressed

that the men
אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ (’ĕ·nō·wōš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the earth
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

may strike terror
לַעֲרֹ֥ץ (la·‘ă·rōṣ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6206: To cause to tremble, tremble

no more.
בַּל־ (bal-)
Adverb
Strong's 1077: A failure, nothing, not at all, lest


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