Psalm 146:7
ESV
who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free;
NIV
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free,
NASB
Who executes justice for the oppressed; Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners.
CSB
executing justice for the exploited and giving food to the hungry. The Lord frees prisoners.
NLT
He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners.
KJV
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners:
NKJV
Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.
What does Psalm 146:7 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 146; verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 146:5–10 lists the many wonderful attributes of God. Jacob was the patriarch of the nation which carried his God-given new name of Israel (Genesis 32:28). This is the God who created the universe and acts with justice and mercy. This God, named YHWH or Yahweh (Exodus 3:15), provides salvation, freedom, and care as well as judgment. This makes Him the only One worthy of praise.
In Hebrew, the phrase halelu-yāh is an expression of praise and worship to God. That term both begins and ends this psalm. In between, the psalmist notes that only God is truly reliable. Limited men are not a source of salvation. The Lord, however, created all things and acts with power towards those who are in need. Only God will rule eternally, making Him the only One truly worthy of praise.
