Psalms 82:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

How long will ye judge {H8199}{H8799)} unjustly {H5766}, and accept {H5375}{H8799)} the persons {H6440} of the wicked {H7563}? Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"How long will you go on judging unfairly, favoring the wicked? (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

How long will ye judge unjustly, And respect the persons of the wicked? [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 82:2 delivers a scathing divine rebuke to those in positions of authority, challenging their persistent failure to administer justice impartially. The rhetorical question, "How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked?" underscores God's deep indignation at the perversion of justice, where favoritism and corruption override the righteous treatment of the vulnerable. The concluding "Selah" invites a solemn pause, emphasizing the gravity of this divine indictment and the urgent call for righteous governance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 82 stands as a unique "Psalm of Asaph," opening with a dramatic scene: God Himself taking His stand in the "divine council" or "congregation of the mighty" (verse 1). This assembly, whether understood as heavenly beings or, more commonly in this context, as human rulers and judges, is the direct recipient of God's judgment. Verse 2 immediately plunges into the heart of their transgression, articulating the specific charges of injustice and partiality that underpin the entire psalm's indictment. The subsequent verses (3-4) elaborate on the duties these "gods" have neglected—to defend the poor, the fatherless, the afflicted, and the needy—while verses 5-7 pronounce their ultimate downfall for their ignorance and unrighteousness. The psalm concludes with a plea for God to rise and judge the earth, as all nations belong to Him (verse 8), reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty over all earthly authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, judges and rulers were considered God's representatives, entrusted with upholding His covenantal laws and administering justice according to divine standards. The Mosaic Law explicitly commanded impartiality in judgment, forbidding bribery, favoritism, and oppression of the vulnerable (e.g., [Exodus 23:6-8](/exodus/23-6-8 "Exodus 23:6-8 - Justice for the Poor and the Stranger"), [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Do Not Pervert Justice")). The phrase "accept the persons" (or "respect of persons") was a well-understood idiom for showing favoritism based on wealth, status, or influence, rather than on the merits of a case. This was a pervasive problem in ancient societies, and the prophets frequently condemned such corruption (e.g., [Isaiah 10:1-2](/isaiah/10-1-2 "Isaiah 10:1-2 - Woe to Unjust Judges"), [Amos 5:12](/amos/5-12 "Amos 5:12 - Oppression of the Righteous")). Psalms 82:2 thus reflects a timeless struggle against judicial corruption, rooted in the specific cultural and legal expectations of God's covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 82:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, asserting God's ultimate authority over all earthly rulers and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. He is not a distant observer but an active judge of human affairs. Secondly, it underscores the **Accountability of Authority**, emphasizing that those entrusted with power are not autonomous but are divinely appointed stewards who will be held to account for their administration of justice. This theme resonates throughout the wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 29:4](/proverbs/29-4 "Proverbs 29:4 - A King Who Exercises Justice Stabilizes the Land"). Thirdly, the verse brings into sharp focus the biblical emphasis on **Care for the Vulnerable and Oppressed**. The perversion of justice directly harms the poor, the fatherless, and the needy, a concern that echoes through the Law and Prophets (e.g., [Zechariah 7:9-10](/zechariah/7-9-10 "Zechariah 7:9-10 - Administer True Justice")). Finally, the rhetorical question itself, "How long...?", conveys God's **Divine Impatience with Injustice**, signaling that His patience has limits and that judgment is imminent for those who persist in wickedness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unjustly (Hebrew, _'awel'_):** This term signifies perversity, iniquity, or wrong. It is not merely an error or mistake but implies a deliberate twisting or subversion of what is right and fair. It speaks to a moral corruption in judgment, where the outcome is predetermined by bias or evil intent rather than by truth.
* **Accept the persons (Hebrew, _nasa' panim'_):** Literally meaning "to lift up the face," this idiom in a judicial context denotes showing partiality or favoritism. It refers to judging based on a person's status, wealth, or influence, rather than on their character or the merits of the case. This practice was explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law, as it undermines the very foundation of equitable justice.
* **Selah (Hebrew, _selah'_):** A term of uncertain precise meaning, often understood as a musical or liturgical notation indicating a pause, a lifting up, or an interlude. In the context of the Psalms, it frequently signals a moment for the reader or hearer to pause, reflect deeply, and meditate on the profound truth or weighty statement that has just been uttered. Here, it underscores the gravity of God's accusation and invites serious contemplation of its implications.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How long will ye judge unjustly,"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question expressing divine exasperation and impatience. It is not seeking information but rather conveying profound disapproval and a sense of urgency. The "ye" refers directly to the "gods" or human authorities mentioned in verse 1, indicting them for their prolonged and habitual perversion of justice. It highlights that their injustice is not an isolated incident but an ongoing pattern of behavior.
* **"and accept the persons of the wicked?"**: This clause specifies the nature of their unjust judgment. To "accept the persons of the wicked" means to show favoritism or partiality towards those who are morally corrupt, perhaps because they are wealthy, powerful, or offer bribes. This favoritism leads to decisions that are not based on truth or righteousness but on external considerations, thereby denying justice to the deserving, especially the poor and vulnerable.
* **"Selah."**: This concluding word serves as a divine punctuation mark. It calls for a solemn pause, inviting the "judges" and all who hear this divine indictment to reflect on the seriousness of the charges. It emphasizes the weight of God's pronouncement and the profound implications of their failure to administer justice according to His righteous standards.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 82:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer but to express God's profound indignation, frustration, and impatience with the persistent corruption of those in authority. It serves as a direct, cutting **Reproach** and **Indictment**, highlighting the duration and severity of their sin. The psalm also uses **Apostrophe**, directly addressing the "gods" or human judges as if they are present, making the divine rebuke immediate and personal. The concluding "Selah" acts as a **Pause for Reflection**, a unique literary and musical marker that compels the audience to internalize the gravity of the divine judgment and its implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 82:2 serves as a stark reminder that all earthly authority is ultimately derived from and accountable to God. The divine indictment against unjust judges underscores a core biblical truth: God is a God of justice who demands righteousness from those He entrusts with power. This verse connects deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant relationship with His people, where justice and righteousness are not merely legalistic requirements but reflections of His own character. The perversion of justice, particularly against the vulnerable, is an affront to God Himself, as it violates His command to love one's neighbor and care for the marginalized. This psalm sets the stage for a prophetic tradition that consistently calls out social injustice and anticipates a time when God Himself will fully establish His righteous kingdom on earth.

* [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Do Not Pervert Justice")
* [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to Do Good; Seek Justice")
* [Proverbs 24:23](/proverbs/24-23 "Proverbs 24:23 - Partiality in Judgment is Not Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 82:2 carries profound relevance for every generation, serving as a timeless mirror reflecting God's unwavering demand for justice and integrity from those in positions of power. Whether in government, legal systems, corporate leadership, or even within families and communities, this verse sternly warns against the insidious nature of corruption, favoritism, and the perversion of truth. It reminds us that authority is a sacred trust, not an opportunity for personal gain or the exercise of arbitrary power. God observes, and He will hold all leaders accountable for how they treat the vulnerable and administer fairness. For the individual, this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we show partiality in our judgments of others? Are we quick to favor those with influence or status over the less fortunate? It calls us to actively champion justice, to speak out against oppression, and to pray for righteous leaders, aligning our actions and attitudes with God's own character of impartiality and compassion for the marginalized. The "Selah" at the end compels us to pause and deeply consider our role in upholding or undermining God's standard of justice in our spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might I be guilty of "accepting the persons" or showing partiality?**
* **How can I actively advocate for justice for the vulnerable and oppressed in my sphere of influence?**
* **What responsibilities do I have, however small, to ensure fairness and righteousness in my interactions and decisions?**
* **How does God's impatience with injustice in this verse challenge my own complacency or tolerance of unrighteousness?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "gods" or "mighty ones" being addressed in Psalms 82:2?**

Answer: The Hebrew word used is _elohim_ (אֱלֹהִים), which can refer to God, gods, or, significantly, human judges or powerful rulers. While some ancient interpretations and modern scholars suggest heavenly beings in a "divine council," the dominant and most contextually fitting interpretation for Psalms 82 is that these are human authorities—kings, judges, and magistrates—who were divinely appointed to administer justice on earth. The psalm's charges of "judging unjustly" and "accepting the persons of the wicked" directly align with the responsibilities and failures of human rulers throughout biblical history, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16-17 "Deuteronomy 1:16-17 - Moses Appoints Judges") and [2 Chronicles 19:6-7](/2_chronicles/19-6-7 "2 Chronicles 19:6-7 - Jehoshaphat's Charge to the Judges"). God is holding these earthly representatives accountable for their stewardship of justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 82:2, with its divine indictment against corrupt judges, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm laments the pervasive injustice of human rulers, it simultaneously anticipates a perfect Judge who will finally establish true righteousness. Jesus is revealed in the New Testament as the [righteous King](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Government Will Be on His Shoulders") and the [ultimate Judge](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son"), to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Has Been Given to Me")). Unlike the "gods" of Psalms 82 who judge unjustly and show partiality, Jesus consistently demonstrated perfect justice, compassion for the poor and oppressed ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")), and unwavering opposition to hypocrisy and corruption. His life perfectly embodied the divine standard of justice, and His death on the cross was the ultimate act of both divine justice against sin and divine mercy for sinners. Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers a pathway to righteousness that no human judge could provide. Ultimately, the longing for a world free from injustice, expressed in Psalms 82, will be fully realized when Christ returns to [judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead") and establish His eternal kingdom of perfect righteousness and peace ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 1:17

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; [but] ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment [is] God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring [it] unto me, and I will hear it.

Proverbs 18:5

¶ [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

Psalms 58:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

Psalms 58:2

Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.

Galatians 2:6

But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed [to be somewhat] in conference added nothing to me:

Psalms 62:3

How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence.

Leviticus 19:15

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.