Psalms 43:1
Psalms 43:1 in Multiple Translations
Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.
Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: Oh deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
Be my judge, O God, supporting my cause against a nation without religion; O keep me from the false and evil man.
God, please vindicate me! Plead my case against an unfaithful nation; save me from these wicked and dishonest people.
Judge me, O God, and defend my cause against the vnmercifull people: deliuer mee from the deceitfull and wicked man.
Judge me, O God, And plead my cause against a nation not pious, From a man of deceit and perverseness Thou dost deliver me,
Vindicate me, God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation. Oh, deliver me from deceitful and wicked men.
Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
Unto the end, for the sons of Core, to give understanding.
God, declare that I ◄am innocent/have not done things that are wrong►. Defend me when ◄ungodly people/people who do not worship you► say things against me, rescue me from people who deceive and say things about me that are not true.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 43:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 43:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁפְטֵ֤/נִי
אֱלֹהִ֨ים
וְ/רִ֘יבָ֤/ה
רִיבִ֗/י
מִ/גּ֥וֹי
לֹא
חָסִ֑יד
מֵ֤/אִישׁ
מִרְמָ֖ה
וְ/עַוְלָ֣ה
תְפַלְּטֵֽ/נִי
שָׁפְטֵ֤/נִי
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֨ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וְ/רִ֘יבָ֤/ה
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
רִיבִ֗/י
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs | Suff
מִ/גּ֥וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חָסִ֑יד
châçîyd
H2623
pious
Adj
מֵ֤/אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
מִרְמָ֖ה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
N-fs
וְ/עַוְלָ֣ה
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
Conj | N-cs
תְפַלְּטֵֽ/נִי
pâlaṭ
H6403
to escape
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 43:1
שָׁפְטֵ֤/נִי
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אֱלֹהִ֨ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/רִ֘יבָ֤/ה
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
רִיבִ֗/י
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
מִ/גּ֥וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חָסִ֑יד
châçîyd
H2623
"pious"
Adj
A pious person is someone who is kind and faithful to God, like a saint. In the Bible, it describes people who are holy and merciful, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. This concept is important in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) faithful, kind, godly, holy one, saint, pious 1a) kind 1b) pious, godly 1c) faithful ones (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: godly (man), good, holy (one), merciful, saint, (un-) godly. See also: Deuteronomy 33:8; Psalms 85:9; Psalms 4:4.
מֵ֤/אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִרְמָ֖ה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
וְ/עַוְלָ֣ה
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
Conj | N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
תְפַלְּטֵֽ/נִי
pâlaṭ
H6403
"to escape"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To escape means to slip out of a difficult situation, like the Israelites did when they left Egypt, as told in Exodus 14. The word can also mean to deliver or save someone, often used to describe God's actions in the Bible. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to escape, save, deliver, slip away 1a) (Qal) to escape 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bring into security, deliver 1b2) to cause to escape, cast forth 1b3) to be delivered 1b4) to slip away 1c) (Hiphil) to bring into security, bring to safety
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: calve, carry away safe, deliver, (cause to) escape. See also: 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalms 37:40; Psalms 17:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 43:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 43:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 43:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 43:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 43:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 43:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 43:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 43:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 43:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 43:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 43:1
- Sermons on Psalms 43:1
Context — Send Out Your Light
1Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.
2For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression? 3Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain and to the place where You dwell.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 35:1 | Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me. |
| 2 | Psalms 26:1 | Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. |
| 3 | Psalms 7:8 | The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity. |
| 4 | Psalms 35:24 | Vindicate me by Your righteousness, O LORD my God, and do not let them gloat over me. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 24:15 | May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.” |
| 6 | Psalms 5:6 | You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. |
| 7 | Psalms 71:4 | Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless. |
| 8 | Micah 7:9 | Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. |
| 9 | 1 Peter 2:23 | When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. |
| 10 | Proverbs 22:23 | for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. |
Psalms 43:1 Summary
[This verse is a prayer where the psalmist is asking God to protect him from people who are treating him unfairly. He wants God to prove that he is innocent and defend him against those who are trying to hurt him, just like God promises to do in Jeremiah 20:13. The psalmist is putting his trust in God, knowing that He is his refuge and helper, as seen in Psalms 46:1. By crying out to God, the psalmist is showing that he believes God is able to deliver him from his troubles, and we can do the same when we face difficult situations, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be vindicated by God?
To be vindicated by God means that He will justify and defend us against our enemies, as seen in Psalms 43:1, and prove our innocence, as promised in Romans 8:33-34.
Who are the ungodly nation and deceitful men mentioned in this verse?
The ungodly nation and deceitful men refer to those who do not follow God and instead seek to harm and oppress His people, as described in Psalms 1:1 and 2 Timothy 3:13.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives when facing opposition?
When facing opposition, we can follow the example of the psalmist and cry out to God for deliverance, trusting in His power and faithfulness, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14 and 2 Corinthians 1:10.
What is the relationship between this verse and the rest of the psalm?
This verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which expresses the psalmist's longing for God's presence and deliverance in the midst of opposition, as seen in Psalms 43:2-3 and 42:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God to vindicate me and plead my case?
- How do I respond when faced with opposition or persecution, and what can I learn from the psalmist's example?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and faithfulness to deliver me from deceitful and unjust people?
- How can I apply the principle of crying out to God for help in my own life, and what are some specific situations where I need His intervention?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 43:1
Judge me, O God,.... The Targum adds, with the judgment of truth; see Romans 2:2; and plead my cause; which was a righteous one; and therefore he could commit it to God to be tried and judged by him,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 43:1
Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. Judge me - vindicate me. Plead my cause against an ungodly nation.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 43:1
Psalms 43 THE This Psalm seems to have been composed by the same author, and upon the same occasion with the former. David, praying against his fierce and crafty enemies, ; and to be restored to the temple, ,3; promiseth to serve God joyfully, . He encourageth his soul to trust in God, . Judge me; or, judge or give sentence for me, as this phrase is used, , and elsewhere. Ungodly, or unmerciful, i.e. cruel or inhuman; for it is a meiosis. Nation; so he calls the company of his enemies for their great numbers, and because they were the far greatest part, and almost the whole body of the nation. Deceitful and unjust; who covereth his wicked designs with fair and false pretences; which sort of men are hateful to thee, and to all good men. Man; either Saul; or rather, Ahithophel or Absalom. For he speaks of the holy hill of Zion, , which was not so till after Saul’ s time. Or man may be put collectively for the men of that time.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 43:1
Psalms 43:1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.Ver. 1. Judge me, O God] This psalm is, as it were, an epitome or an appendix to the former, and little differing in words or matter. Plead my cause] See Psalms 35:1. Against an ungodly nation] Heb. a nation not mild or merciful; so he calleth Absalom’ s complices, who sought and would have sucked his blood. Such are a people of God’ s wrath and of his curse. O deliver me, &c.] From Absalom, or Ahithophel, or the whole faction.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 43:1
XLIII. (1) An ungodly nation.—In the Hebrew simply a negative term, a nation not khasîd, i.e., not in the covenant. But naturally a positive idea of ungodliness and wickedness would attach to such a term.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 43:1
PSALM XLIII The psalmist begs God to take his part against his enemies, 1, 2; to send his light and truth to guide him to the tabernacle, 3; promises, if brought thither, to be faithful in the Divine service, 4; chides himself for despondency, and takes courage, 5. NOTES ON PSALM XLIII There is no title to this Psalm in the Hebrew, nor in the Chaldee. The Syriac says it was composed "by David when Jonathan told him that Saul intended to slay him." The Arabic says of this, as of the preceding, that it is a prayer for the backsliding Jews. It is most evidently on the same subject with the forty-second Psalm, had the same author or authors, and contains the remaining part of the complaint of the captive Jews in Babylon. It is written as a part of the forty-second Psalm in forty-six of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS. Verse 1. Judge me, O God, and plead my cause] ריבה ריבי ribah ribi, a forensic term, properly enough translated, plead my cause, be my counsellor and advocate. Ungodly nation] The Babylonians; the impious, perfidious, wicked, and deceitful Babylonians. The deceitful and unjust man.] Nebuchadnezzar.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 43:1
Psalms 43:1-5. A passionate prayer for deliverance from his enemies and restoration to the privileges of the sanctuary.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 43:1
Judge me, O God - This does not mean, Pronounce sentence upon me; but, Undertake my cause; interpose in my behalf; do justice in the case.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 43:1
1. Judge me, O God—It was David’s habit to appeal his cause to God, because he would be judged only by the divine law and justice. Psalms 7:8; Psalms 26:1.
Sermons on Psalms 43:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prayer in the Time of Trouble by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the issue of seeking righteous judgment from God in the face of an ungodly nation. He begins by acknowledging the sad reality of a nati |
|
Psalm 43: A Cry of Distress by Art Katz | Art Katz explores Psalm 43, emphasizing the psalmist's deep distress and his struggle to reconcile his experiences with his understanding of God's character. The psalmist's cry for |
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(The Life of David) 03 Friends and Foes in David's Life by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spending time in fellowship with God in order to overcome the giants in our lives. He uses the example of David, who spent |
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Great Faith Over Great Fear - Psalm 46 by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and victory found in the word of God. They highlight the importance of understanding the prophetic message of Jesus and the impact |
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The Lord, Avenger of His People by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the theme of God as the avenger of His people in his sermon based on Psalms 35, addressing the current societal challenges and moral decline. He highlights |
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The End Time by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the urgency of prayer in the end times, highlighting that as the return of the Son of Man approaches, faith and prayer will be in short supply among believe |
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Exposition on Psalm 36 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the dangers of ungodliness, emphasizing how the lack of fear of God leads to a willful ignorance of His commandments, resulting in a love for sin. He d |