Psalm 82 7

Psalm 82:7 kjv

But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

Psalm 82:7 nkjv

But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes."

Psalm 82:7 niv

But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler."

Psalm 82:7 esv

nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince."

Psalm 82:7 nlt

But you will die like mere mortals
and fall like every other ruler.'"

Psalm 82 verses

Psalm 82 7 Meaning

Psalm 82:7 declares a stark judgment upon those addressed as "gods" in the divine assembly. Despite their elevated status or perceived power, whether as unjust human rulers or rebellious spiritual entities, they are emphatically pronounced mortal and destined for an ignominious fall. This verse serves as a solemn reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and that no being, no matter how powerful or highly placed, is exempt from His judgment or the universal decree of mortality. Their pretense of enduring power or quasi-divinity is stripped away, revealing their ultimate frailty and subjection to God's decree, consigning them to the same fate as any common person or fallen dignitary.

Psalm 82 7 Context

Psalm 82 portrays God (Elohim) taking His stand in the "divine assembly" (or "great congregation" in some translations), judging other "gods" ('ělōhîm). These "gods" are condemned for their persistent injustice, showing partiality to the wicked, and failing to uphold the rights of the poor, orphans, and oppressed. They are characterized by a lack of knowledge and understanding, resulting in the foundational instability of the earth (Ps 82:5). Verse 6 declares that God Himself designated them as "gods" and "sons of the Most High," reflecting their assigned authority or exalted status. However, verse 7 delivers the devastating pronouncement that despite this status, they will meet a common human fate of death and downfall. This context establishes God's ultimate sovereignty over all forms of power, whether human or spiritual, holding them accountable for their stewardship. Historically, this Psalm could be seen as a polemic against rulers in the ancient Near East who claimed divinity or infallible authority, emphasizing that even those with immense power are mortal and accountable to the one true God.

Psalm 82 7 Word analysis

• But / Nevertheless (אָכֵן - 'āḵēn): This Hebrew adverb conveys certainty, affirmation, or emphasis, often implying a contrast or shift in thought. Here, it introduces a stark and certain pronouncement that stands in sharp contradiction to the elevated status mentioned in the preceding verse ("You are gods"). It marks a definitive pivot from recognition of their supposed standing to the inevitable judgment upon them.
• you will die (תְמוּתוּן - təmûṯûn): This is the Hiphil imperfect form of the verb mûṯ (מוּת), meaning "to die." The Hiphil here suggests "you will certainly die" or emphasizes the finality of their demise. The plural form clearly indicates all of the addressed "gods" or rulers will face this end. It signifies a cessation of life and power.
• like mere mortals (כְאָדָם - kə'ādām): This phrase contrasts sharply with the earlier "You are gods." Kə- (כְּ) means "like" or "as," and 'ādām (אָדָם) means "man" or "humankind." The usage highlights that despite any elevated title or authority, their end will be no different from that of any ordinary human being – subject to mortality and decay. It strips them of any claims to immortality or unique existence apart from the general fate of mankind.
• you will fall (וְכִפַּלְתֶּם - wəkippəltem): This is from the verb nāphal (נָפַל), meaning "to fall, cast down, fail." The form here (Niphal perfect with waw-consecutive, or perhaps a rare Pilpel of kāphal related to doubling, though naphal is much more common interpretation contextually) emphasizes a sudden, complete downfall. It goes beyond mere physical death to signify a collapse from their position of power, influence, or honor. It suggests defeat, disgrace, or ruin.
• like every other ruler / like one of the princes (כְאַחַד הַשָּׂרִים - kə'aḥaḏ haśśārîm): Kə-'aḥaḏ (כְאַחַד) means "as one of" or "like one," emphasizing commonality. Haśśārîm (הַשָּׂרִים) refers to "the princes, officials, rulers." This simile underlines that their downfall will not be unique or distinct but typical of any earthly potentate who loses power, suffers defeat, or ultimately succumbs to mortality. It universalizes their fate, linking them directly to other earthly authorities who wielded power but were ultimately ephemeral.

Words-group analysis:

• But you will die like mere mortals: This phrase emphatically declares their mortality. The opening "But" establishes the immediate and severe contrast with their prior elevated description. The phrase powerfully reduces them from supposed gods to ordinary, vulnerable humans, highlighting the fragility of life for all creation outside of God. It underlines the futility of their unjust reign.
• you will fall like every other ruler: This parallel phrase reiterates the previous one, emphasizing the loss of power and status. "Fall" signifies more than just physical death; it implies dethronement, disgrace, and ruin from a position of authority. By comparing them to "every other ruler" or "one of the princes," the divine judgment trivializes their power and ambition, placing them among the common defeated or deposed earthly authorities. It underscores God's absolute dominion over all, including those who may exercise authority, and their accountability for how they use that power.

Psalm 82 7 Bonus section

The strong parallel structure of "you will die like mere mortals" and "you will fall like every other ruler" is a powerful rhetorical device. It employs synonymous parallelism to drive home the dual consequence of their unrighteousness: death (a universal biological fate) and a fall (a specific social/political/spiritual disgrace or demise). This reinforces that their punishment encompasses both an end to their life and the dismantling of their authority. The verse holds significant theological weight, affirming monotheism's principle that God alone is truly immortal and eternally sovereign, while all other powers, however formidable, are contingent, temporary, and ultimately accountable to Him. It establishes that all delegated authority, whether human or supernatural, is ultimately provisional and carries immense responsibility, with severe consequences for its misuse.

Psalm 82 7 Commentary

Psalm 82:7 serves as a climactic judgment within a cosmic courtroom scene. After establishing the divine origin of the "gods'" (whether human rulers or spiritual powers) authority in verse 6, verse 7 abruptly shatters any illusion of their ultimate invincibility or eternal nature. The powerful "But" emphasizes the shocking contrast between their exalted title and their inevitable, humbling fate. Their proneness to "die like mere mortals" utterly negates any claim to quasi-divinity or exemption from the universal human experience of mortality. Furthermore, their decree to "fall like every other ruler" implies not just physical demise, but a comprehensive loss of power, dignity, and position. This is a profound statement against injustice and an assertion of God's unassailable sovereignty. It warns that no amount of earthly power, prestige, or even perceived divine status can insulate one from divine judgment and the inescapable reality of a common end when they fail in their assigned duties of upholding justice.

• Example: A tyrannical ruler who abuses power, thinking their authority makes them immune, will ultimately face the same death and judgment as the least of their subjects.
• Example: Even spiritual entities or ideologies that influence nations away from God's justice will ultimately be brought low by the supreme King, just as any earthly kingdom eventually crumbles.