Psalm 82 2

Psalm 82:2 kjv

How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

Psalm 82:2 nkjv

How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah

Psalm 82:2 niv

"How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?

Psalm 82:2 esv

"How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah

Psalm 82:2 nlt

"How long will you hand down unjust decisions
by favoring the wicked? Interlude

Psalm 82 verses

Psalm 82 2 Meaning

Psalm 82:2 declares God's righteous indignation and direct rebuke against those entrusted with judgment. It asks, "How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?" This question signifies divine impatience with corrupted leadership and highlights two core failures: rendering unfair verdicts and favoring those who actively oppose God's ways, particularly at the expense of the vulnerable. It is a powerful statement about God's demand for true justice on earth.

Psalm 82 2 Context

Psalm 82 begins by presenting a scene of the "Divine Council," where God ("Elohim") stands among the "gods" or "divine assembly" ('elohim in Hebrew). This elohim could refer to human judges and rulers in Israel (as affirmed by Jesus in Jn 10:34 quoting Ps 82:6), who were seen as representing God's authority in their role as administrators of justice. Alternatively, some interpretations suggest it refers to heavenly beings or angels who govern nations, or even the deified kings of the ancient Near East, highlighting God's ultimate supremacy over all supposed authorities.

Regardless of the precise identity of these "gods," the core context is an indictment. The preceding verse (Ps 82:1) states God's position as the supreme Judge among these lower "judges." Verse 2 immediately follows with God's stern question, challenging their competence and integrity. This verse sets the tone for the entire Psalm, which proceeds to list their specific failures to render justice and then pronounces their inevitable demise. The Psalm functions as a divine warning that all authority is ultimately derived from and accountable to God, and any perversion of justice will not go unpunished. It emphasizes God's zealous commitment to upholding justice, especially for the weak and vulnerable.

Psalm 82 2 Word analysis

• How long: עַד־מָתַי ('ad-matay). A rhetorical question expressing divine impatience, exasperation, and a demand for an end to the current unjust practices. It indicates a clear limit to God's forbearance.
• will you judge: תִּשְׁפְּטוּ (tishp'tu). From the root שָׁפַט (shaphat), meaning "to judge, govern, decide." The verb is plural, referring to multiple judges/rulers. It highlights their primary function and responsibility which they are failing.
• unjustly: עָוֶל ('awel). A noun meaning "iniquity, injustice, perversity, falsehood, unrighteousness." It modifies "judge," indicating that their judgments are characterized by moral wrong, crookedness, and a departure from divine standards. It's not just a mistake but a corrupt inclination.
• And show partiality: תִּשְׂאוּ פְנֵי (tissu p'ney). Literally, "lift up the faces of." The Hebrew idiom נָשָׂא פָנִים (nasa panim) means "to show favor to, to be partial, to show deference." It refers to the act of accepting someone's person or status over the merits of the case, indicating bias, favoritism, or bribery. It implies that justice is compromised by considering personal advantage or influence rather than righteousness.
• to the wicked: רְשָׁעִים (resha'im). The plural form of רָשָׁע (rasha), referring to "wicked ones, guilty ones, those hostile to God's law." These are individuals who actively practice unrighteousness. The accusation is that the judges not only commit injustice but also actively protect or favor those who are inherently unrighteous, often at the expense of the righteous or vulnerable.
• Selah: סֶלָה (Selah). A musical or liturgical instruction, likely indicating a pause for contemplation or an emphatic interlude. Here, it marks a moment to ponder the gravity of God's accusation and the indictment against the unrighteous rulers.

Psalm 82 2 Bonus section

• The phrasing "How long?" ('ad-matay) is common in Psalms of lament and petition (e.g., Ps 13:1, Ps 35:17), often directed to God in desperation. Here, it is remarkably directed by God to the unjust rulers, emphasizing the reversal of expectation and divine intolerance.
• The Psalm implies that judgment on earth should mirror divine justice, as those in authority are meant to reflect God's own character. When they fail, it is a cosmic affront to His sovereignty.
• The charge against showing "partiality to the wicked" implies an active perversion of justice where the righteous or the poor are disadvantaged, and the wrongdoers are permitted to prosper or go unpunished. This is an inversion of God's righteous order.

Psalm 82 2 Commentary

Psalm 82:2 serves as a scathing divine indictment against all forms of human authority that fail to administer justice according to God's standards. It reveals God as the ultimate arbiter, holding even those in positions of power accountable. The "how long" ('ad-matay) underscores divine impatience with systemic corruption and bias within earthly legal and governmental systems. These judges are accused of two fundamental betrayals: actively twisting justice ('awel) and demonstrating favoritism towards those who violate divine law (resha'im). This implies that their judgments are not merely erroneous but fundamentally morally flawed, stemming from a disregard for righteousness and often leading to the oppression of the weak (as elaborated in subsequent verses). The verse emphatically asserts that no ruler, judge, or powerful figure operates beyond God's oversight. His holy character demands an end to perverted justice and challenges every authority to align their rule with His unwavering righteousness, highlighting His special concern for the poor and vulnerable.