Psalm 82 1

Psalm 82:1 kjv

God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

Psalm 82:1 nkjv

A Psalm of Asaph. God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods.

Psalm 82:1 niv

A psalm of Asaph. God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the "gods":

Psalm 82:1 esv

God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:

Psalm 82:1 nlt

God presides over heaven's court;
he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings:

Psalm 82 verses

Psalm 82 1 Meaning

Psalm 82:1 declares God's supreme authority and active role as the ultimate Judge over all, whether earthly rulers or powerful spiritual beings. It sets the scene for a divine courtroom where God takes His stand among those traditionally considered "gods" or powerful authorities, not to join them, but to exercise judgment over them for their unrighteousness and failure to uphold justice. This verse establishes the core message of the psalm: all authority, divine or human, is accountable to the Creator.

Psalm 82 1 Context

Psalm 82:1 opens a striking divine indictment. The entire Psalm is a psalm of Asaph, part of a collection often focusing on God's sovereignty and justice. The historical context relates to the judicial system of ancient Israel, where judges held immense power and were considered to represent God's justice on earth (cf. Exod 21:6, Exod 22:9 where 'elohim' is translated as "judges" in some versions). It is also viewed through the lens of ancient Near Eastern concepts of a "divine council" where a chief deity presided over lesser deities. The psalm's polemic directly challenges any belief, whether literal pagan polytheism or metaphorical deification of human rulers, that elevates powers beyond accountability to the One True God. It highlights God's unique position as the sovereign judge who does not tolerate injustice.

Psalm 82 1 Word analysis

• God (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim):
  • This is the Hebrew plural noun for "God" or "gods." While it often refers to the singular God of Israel, its plural form here also sets up the "gods" in the latter part of the verse.
  • Significance: Its primary use here is for the one true God, demonstrating His power and majesty. It also intentionally introduces the duality and contrast with the "gods" whom He judges.
• stands (נִצָּב - nitzav):
  • A Pual participle of natsav, meaning "to stand, to be placed." It implies an active, purposeful posture.
  • Significance: God is not passive but takes an active, decisive position. He "takes His stand" like a judge about to render a verdict or assert authority. It speaks to His ready, unyielding presence.
• in the divine assembly (בַּעֲדַת־אֵל - ba-'ădat-'El):
  • עֲדַת ('ădat): "assembly," "congregation," "council." It signifies a gathering of important persons.
  • אֵל ('El): "God," "mighty one," "deity." Here it qualifies "assembly" as a "divine" one.
  • Significance: This phrase points to a "divine council" or "heavenly court" concept, seen in other ancient Near Eastern texts and in the Bible (e.g., Job 1, 1 Kgs 22). It could refer to:
    1. A heavenly court of spiritual beings/angels over whom God presides.
    2. Figuratively, a meeting of earthly rulers/judges, who, as divine representatives or wielding god-like power, are here brought before God's judgment.The choice underscores God's sovereignty over both spiritual and temporal realms.
• in the midst of (בְּקֶרֶב - b'qerev):
  • A preposition meaning "in the inner part of," "among," "in the middle of."
  • Significance: It emphasizes God's direct presence and intervention among those He is judging. He is not judging from a distance but is fully present within their sphere of influence.
• the gods (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim):
  • The same word as the first "God" in the verse.
  • Significance: This crucial term has led to varied interpretations. Based on the context of Ps 82 (especially vv. 2-7) and New Testament references (John 10:34-36):
    1. Human rulers/judges: They are called "gods" because they are entrusted with God's authority to judge, acting as His representatives. The subsequent verses judging injustice against the poor strongly support this view.
    2. Heavenly beings/spiritual powers: Refers to a class of powerful, spiritual beings, perhaps angels or lesser divine figures in a "divine council" structure. This aligns with other ancient Israelite understandings of the cosmos where spiritual entities held sway over nations.
  • In either case, these "gods" are powerful entities, whether human or spiritual, who hold authority and are subject to God's ultimate scrutiny.
• He judges (יִשְׁפֹּט - yishpot):
  • From the verb shaphat, meaning "to judge," "to govern," "to execute justice," "to punish." It is an imperfect verb, suggesting an ongoing or decisive action.
  • Significance: This is the core action. God is not merely observing; He is actively exercising His judicial power. It denotes a solemn, binding verdict and implies a process of justice being meted out against those who have failed in their divinely delegated roles.

Psalm 82 1 Bonus section

• The Polemic Against Idolatry/Corrupt Power: Psalm 82 stands as a strong theological and practical polemic. If "gods" refers to pagan deities, it asserts God's ultimate superiority and active judgment even over supposed rival gods, rendering them impotent and subject to His rule. If it refers to human rulers, it's a condemnation of any human authority that acts as if it is above God's law or compassion. This counters any self-deification of leaders and asserts that all power is stewardship.
• Foreboding of Judgment: The act of God taking His stand and judging suggests an impending, decisive end to injustice. This Psalm resonates with broader biblical themes of divine accountability and the ultimate establishment of God's righteous kingdom.
• Ethical Foundation: The Psalm serves as an ethical foundation for governance. By asserting God's judgment over even "gods," it establishes a clear benchmark for justice and righteousness that leaders are meant to uphold, particularly concerning the poor and marginalized. It reinforces that earthly rule has a divine imperative and a divine accountability.

Psalm 82 1 Commentary

Psalm 82:1 vividly portrays God's ultimate authority and righteous character. It sets the scene for a cosmic judgment where the Lord, the one true Elohim, assumes His rightful place to evaluate and condemn those referred to as "gods." This term "gods" (Elohim) here most profoundly points to human rulers and judges who, by virtue of their delegated authority to administer justice, were intended to be God's representatives. However, they are depicted as having perverted justice and failed in their duty to care for the vulnerable. The verse thus serves as a powerful declaration that no one, regardless of their perceived power or position—whether an earthly king or a spiritual principality—stands above God's divine scrutiny. His presence in this "divine assembly" is not one of participation among equals, but of a sovereign judge summoning His subordinates to account. This truth offers comfort to the oppressed and a grave warning to those in authority: ultimate justice originates from and returns to God alone. All forms of power, given or assumed, are provisional and will be judged by the Lord who reigns over all creation.