Psalms 82:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I have said {H559}{H8804)}, Ye are gods {H430}; and all of you are children {H1121} of the most High {H5945}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"My decree is: 'You are elohim [gods, judges], sons of the Most High all of you.

Berean Standard Bible

I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’

American Standard Version

I said, Ye are gods, And all of you sons of the Most High.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 82:6, a pivotal verse within a psalm of divine judgment, captures God's declaration to human rulers or judges: "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High." This profound statement underscores the immense, divinely delegated authority bestowed upon those in positions of earthly power, yet it immediately precedes a sharp rebuke for their widespread failure to administer justice righteously. The verse encapsulates the tension between humanity's high calling as God's representatives and the tragic reality of their fallenness and accountability before the ultimate Judge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 82 belongs to the collection of "Asaphite Psalms" (Psalms 73-83), which often grapple with themes of divine justice, the prosperity of the wicked, and the suffering of the righteous. Psalm 82 opens with a dramatic scene: God, the true `elohim`, takes His stand in the "divine council" or "congregation of the mighty" [Psalm 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God Judges the Gods"). He is judging other "gods" (`elohim`), who, as the subsequent verses reveal [Psalm 82:2-5](/psalms/82-2 "Psalm 82:2-5 - God's Rebuke of Unjust Rulers"), are human rulers or judges. These earthly authorities are condemned for their corruption, partiality, and failure to defend the poor and vulnerable. Verse 6, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of their exalted, divinely appointed status, which makes their subsequent judgment in [Psalm 82:7](/psalms/82-7 "Psalm 82:7 - The Judgment of the Unjust Rulers") all the more severe and ironic. The psalm concludes with a plea for God to rise and judge the earth [Psalm 82:8](/psalms/82-8 "Psalm 82:8 - A Plea for God's Universal Judgment"), highlighting the ultimate triumph of divine justice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a "divine council" was prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often depicting a pantheon of gods. However, in the monotheistic Israelite worldview, this imagery is recontextualized. The "gods" (`elohim`) in Psalm 82 are not pagan deities but human beings, specifically those in positions of judicial or governmental authority in Israel. This interpretation is supported by the charges leveled against them (e.g., "defend the poor and fatherless," "do justice to the afflicted and needy" in [Psalm 82:3](/psalms/82-3 "Psalm 82:3 - Call to Justice")). In ancient Israel, judges and rulers were seen as God's representatives, entrusted with administering His law and upholding His covenant justice. Their authority was delegated by God, making their corruption a direct affront to His character and rule. The psalm reflects a period where social injustice and oppression of the vulnerable were rampant, necessitating a divine intervention and a reminder to those in power of their sacred duty and ultimate accountability.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **delegated authority and divine accountability**. All human authority, particularly in governance and justice, is ultimately derived from and answerable to God [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - All Authority is from God"). Secondly, it speaks to the **inherent dignity and high calling of humanity**, particularly those created in God's image and entrusted with stewardship and representation [Genesis 1:27-28](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27-28 - Humanity Created in God's Image and Given Dominion"). Even in their fallen state, humans are capable of reflecting divine attributes, though they often fail. Thirdly, the psalm, including this verse, underscores the theme of **divine judgment on unrighteous rule**. God actively intervenes to judge those who pervert justice, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to righteousness and the protection of the vulnerable [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalms/9-7 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness"). Finally, the verse gains profound significance through **Jesus's own use of it** in [John 10:34-36](/john/10-34 "John 10:34-36 - Jesus's Defense Using Psalm 82:6"), where He employs it to defend His claim to divine sonship, highlighting the unique nature of His authority compared to the delegated authority of human judges.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gods (Hebrew, _ʾĕlōhîm'_):** This term is highly versatile in Hebrew. While most frequently referring to the one true God, Yahweh, it can also denote pagan gods, angels, or, as in this context, human beings who hold positions of immense authority, particularly judges or rulers. The usage here is honorific and functional, signifying that these individuals act as God's representatives on earth, wielding power and judgment that mirrors, albeit imperfectly, divine prerogatives. They are "gods" in the sense that they embody divine authority to the people they govern, making their corruption a profound betrayal of their sacred trust.
* **Most High (Hebrew, _ʿElyôn'_):** This is a majestic and ancient title for God, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty, transcendence, and ultimate authority over all creation. To be called "children of the Most High" underscores that the authority of these rulers is not inherent but derived directly from God Himself. It highlights their elevated status by divine appointment and the ultimate source of their delegated power, reinforcing their accountability to the supreme Judge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have said, Ye are gods;":** This opening clause establishes God as the speaker and the ultimate source of the authority held by the "gods." The perfect tense verb "I have said" indicates a past, definitive declaration, implying a divine decree or appointment. The direct address "Ye are gods" is a powerful affirmation of the elevated status and immense responsibility entrusted to these human rulers. It's a recognition of their role as God's earthly representatives, tasked with upholding divine justice and order.
* **"and all of you are children of the most High.":** This parallel clause reinforces the first, providing a relational dimension to their authority. Being "children of the Most High" signifies a special relationship of derivation and dependence. It implies that their authority flows from God's own nature and purpose, and that they are meant to reflect His character in their rule. This phrase elevates their status even further, making their subsequent failure to act justly all the more egregious and their fall more dramatic.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 82:6 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where human rulers are directly referred to as "gods" (`elohim`) and "children of the Most High." This is not to suggest literal divinity but rather to metaphorically convey their immense, divinely delegated authority and responsibility. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present in the psalm, particularly in this verse when read in conjunction with the following verse [Psalm 82:7](/psalms/82-7 "Psalm 82:7 - The Judgment of the Unjust Rulers"). God bestows upon them a title of divine honor, yet immediately condemns them for failing to live up to the very standards implied by that title, ultimately declaring they will die "like men." This stark contrast between their exalted status and their ignominious end creates a powerful ironic commentary on the abuse of power. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "Ye are gods" and "all of you are children of the most High" express essentially the same concept of divinely appointed authority from slightly different angles, reinforcing the message through repetition and variation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 82:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of authority, human dignity, and divine justice. It asserts that all human power, particularly in governance and judgment, is ultimately derived from God, making those who wield it accountable to Him. This perspective challenges any notion of autonomous human rule and underscores the sacred trust inherent in leadership. The verse also highlights the inherent dignity of humanity, created in God's image, capable of reflecting His character and administering His justice, even if imperfectly. However, it simultaneously exposes the tragic reality of human sin and the perversion of justice, necessitating God's ultimate intervention. The psalm's indictment of corrupt rulers serves as a timeless reminder that God is the supreme Judge who will ultimately rectify all injustice and establish His righteous kingdom.

* [Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16 "Descriptive Title")
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1 "Descriptive Title")
* [John 10:34-36](/john/10-34 "Descriptive Title")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 82:6 offers profound insights for both leaders and every individual. For those in positions of authority—whether in government, business, church, or family—this verse serves as a sobering reminder that their power is not their own, but a sacred trust delegated by the Most High God. It calls them to exercise leadership with integrity, impartiality, and a profound commitment to justice, particularly for the vulnerable and marginalized. Their actions have eternal consequences, and they will ultimately give an account to the Supreme Judge. For every individual, the verse subtly affirms the inherent worth and dignity of humanity, created to reflect God's image and participate in His purposes. While not "gods" in the same sense as the rulers, we are all "children of the Most High" by creation, called to live lives that honor Him, pursue righteousness, and actively advocate for justice in our spheres of influence. The psalm encourages us to lament injustice, pray for righteous leadership, and trust that God's ultimate justice will prevail, even when human systems fail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, or leaders I observe, exercise delegated authority, and how does Psalm 82:6 challenge or affirm that exercise?**
* **How does the concept of being "children of the Most High" inform my understanding of human dignity and responsibility, both for myself and for others?**
* **What specific actions can I take to advocate for justice and support righteous leadership in my community or sphere of influence, in light of this psalm?**
* **How does the ultimate accountability of human rulers to God shape my prayers and expectations for justice in the world?**

### FAQ

**Does Psalm 82:6 mean that all humans are literally gods or divine beings?**

Answer: No, Psalm 82:6 does not mean that all humans are literally gods or divine beings in the sense of being inherently divine or equal to the one true God. The Hebrew word `elohim` (translated "gods") is used here in a specific, metaphorical, and functional sense. In this context, it refers to human rulers, judges, or powerful authorities who were appointed by God to administer justice on earth. They are called "gods" because they act as God's representatives, wielding divinely delegated authority and judgment among the people. Their role was to reflect God's justice and righteousness. The subsequent verses in [Psalm 82](/psalms/82 "Psalm 82 - God's Judgment of Unjust Rulers"), particularly [Psalm 82:7](/psalms/82-7 "Psalm 82:7 - The Judgment of the Unjust Rulers"), clarify that despite this elevated title, they are still mortal human beings who will die "like men" because of their failure to uphold justice. Jesus's use of this verse in [John 10:34-36](/john/10-34 "John 10:34-36 - Jesus's Defense Using Psalm 82:6") further clarifies this, as He contrasts the "gods" (human judges to whom the word of God came) with Himself, the one whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, thereby asserting His unique and inherent divine Sonship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 82:6 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the "gods" of Psalm 82 were human rulers who failed to administer justice despite their divinely delegated authority, Jesus is the true and perfect Son of the Most High, the righteous Judge and King who perfectly embodies divine authority and justice. When accused of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God, Jesus Himself appealed to [Psalm 82:6](/psalms/82-6 "Psalm 82:6 - Ye Are Gods") in [John 10:34-36](/john/10-34 "John 10:34-36 - Jesus's Defense Against Blasphemy"). He argued that if the Scriptures could call those to whom the word of God came "gods" (referring to human judges), how much more legitimate was it for Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, to call Himself the Son of God? This defense highlights the profound contrast: the human "gods" were given a temporary, delegated authority which they corrupted, leading to their judgment; Jesus, however, possesses inherent divine authority as the eternally begotten Son, perfectly fulfilling the role of the righteous Judge and Shepherd that the human rulers failed to be [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son"). He is the true King who establishes God's kingdom of justice and righteousness, ultimately judging all unrighteousness and bringing about the perfect reign of God that Psalm 82 yearns for [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ as Righteous Judge").

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

John 10:34

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

John 10:36

Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

Psalms 82:1

¶ A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

Exodus 22:28

Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.

Exodus 22:9

For all manner of trespass, [whether it be] for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, [or] for any manner of lost thing, which [another] challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; [and] whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.