Psalm 82 6

Psalm 82:6 kjv

I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

Psalm 82:6 nkjv

I said, "You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High.

Psalm 82:6 niv

"I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High.'

Psalm 82:6 esv

I said, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you;

Psalm 82:6 nlt

I say, 'You are gods;
you are all children of the Most High.

Psalm 82 verses

Psalm 82 6 Meaning

Psalm 82:6 declares God's original pronouncement to those who held positions of authority and judgment, primarily understood as human rulers or judges in ancient Israel. They were designated "gods" (Elohim) and "children of the Most High" because they were appointed by God Himself to dispense divine justice on earth. This verse emphasizes their exalted, divinely sanctioned status, highlighting the immense responsibility and accountability tied to their delegated authority. Despite this high calling, the psalm goes on to condemn their failure to uphold righteousness and their subsequent judgment.

Psalm 82 6 Context

Psalm 82 presents a unique divine court scene. The "I" of verse 6 is God, who is depicted standing in a "divine assembly" (Psa 82:1) to pronounce judgment upon the "gods" (Elohim) among whom He stands. These "gods" are accused of flagrant injustice, neglecting the poor, fatherless, and afflicted (Psa 82:2-4). They are condemned for operating in darkness and undermining the very foundations of the earth (Psa 82:5).

Historically and culturally, rulers and judges in ancient Israel were seen as direct representatives of God, upholding His divine law. The justice dispensed by judges was, in essence, God's justice. The term "elohim" could thus be applied to them to denote their divinely appointed status and weighty responsibility. This psalm serves as a powerful polemic against any notion that rulers or powerful figures operate outside God's ultimate authority or without accountability. It strongly asserts that even those endowed with great power by God will be judged severely if they fail to administer righteousness. Ultimately, despite their elevated title, they remain mortal and will die like any other human (Psa 82:7), affirming God's unique and ultimate sovereignty over all creation.

Psalm 82 6 Word analysis

• I said: Refers to God Himself speaking, indicating a direct divine declaration or decree. It establishes the origin of the status as coming from the highest authority.
• You are gods:
  • Hebrew: Elohim (אֱלֹהִים). This word can refer to the one true God, pagan deities, angels, or human judges/rulers. In this context, given the subsequent condemnation for their injustice and their mortality (Psa 82:7), it primarily refers to human judges or rulers in positions of power who were divinely appointed to administer justice.
  • Significance: The use of "Elohim" elevates their status, signifying that they were God's representatives on earth, vested with His authority to carry out His justice. Their judgment was meant to reflect God's own. It denotes a high privilege and a sacred duty, not inherent divinity or equality with the Almighty.
• And all of you are: Emphasizes the collective nature of the divine pronouncement, addressing the entire class of these powerful human officials. It underscores that this high calling was universally applied to those in such roles.
• children of the Most High:
  • Hebrew: b'ney Elyon (בְּנֵי עֶלְיוֹן).
  • Elyon (עֶלְיוֹן): Means "Most High," a common divine title for God, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty, transcendence, and exalted position above all creation.
  • Meaning: This phrase further clarifies their identity as those chosen, begotten, or designated by the Supreme God Himself. It implies a close relationship, divine origin of their authority, and their being an extension of His will on earth. It suggests a familial designation of delegated power and authority under God's ultimate Fatherhood.
• Words-group Analysis: "You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High" serves as a double affirmation of the lofty status conferred upon these rulers by God. It powerfully sets up the subsequent severe condemnation by highlighting the magnitude of their betrayal of a truly divine calling. It underscores the contrast between their divinely appointed glory and their shameful failure.

Psalm 82 6 Bonus section

The interpretation of Psalm 82:6 by Jesus in John 10:34-36 is paramount. When accused of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God, Jesus appealed to this very verse. He argued that if those "to whom the word of God came" (i.e., human judges or rulers who received God's Law) could be called "gods" by God Himself, then it was no blasphemy for Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent, to call Himself the Son of God. This does not imply that ordinary humans are equal to God, but rather reinforces that the term "gods" here refers to humans in a delegated and representational capacity, acknowledging God's unique power to confer such authority. This profoundly illuminates the nature of both human authority and Christ's divine Sonship. It teaches that even though humanity can be honored by divine association, true divinity belongs solely to God, from whom all legitimate authority flows. The severe contrast in Psalm 82 between their divine designation and their mortal demise ("you will die like men," Psa 82:7) powerfully conveys that even the most exalted human office does not exempt one from accountability to the Most High.

Psalm 82 6 Commentary

Psalm 82:6 is a foundational statement affirming God's direct appointment of human authorities to govern and judge. These human rulers were not inherently divine, but they were designated "gods" (Elohim) and "children of the Most High" because they acted as God's emissaries on earth, responsible for upholding His righteous standards of justice and equity. This high calling meant their rulings were meant to reflect God's own. The verse underscores that all human power and authority are delegated from the Creator and therefore bear immense accountability to Him. It establishes that their elevated status demands perfect justice and impartial rule, failing which they incur divine judgment despite their powerful position. This serves as a warning and a perpetual standard for all leadership.