Psalms 82:8

KJV

Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

KJV (with Strong's)

Arise {H6965}{H8798)}, O God {H430}, judge {H8199}{H8798)} the earth {H776}: for thou shalt inherit {H5157}{H8799)} all nations {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rise up, Elohim, and judge the earth; for all the nations are yours.

Berean Standard Bible

Arise, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are Your inheritance.

American Standard Version

Arise, O God, judge the earth; For thou shalt inherit all the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 82:8 is a fervent plea from the Psalmist for God to intervene and establish His righteous rule over the entire earth. Following a divine indictment of corrupt human rulers, the verse calls upon the Almighty to rise up as the supreme Judge, asserting His ultimate sovereignty and rightful inheritance over all nations, thereby bringing an end to injustice and restoring order to a world marred by human failure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 82:8 serves as the climactic and concluding petition of Psalm 82. The preceding verses (Psalms 82:1-7) depict a dramatic scene where God presides over a "divine council" or assembly, confronting earthly rulers and judges, whom He refers to as "gods" (`elohim`). He sternly rebukes them for their egregious failure to administer justice, accusing them of showing partiality to the wicked and neglecting the poor, the fatherless, and the oppressed. God declares that despite their elevated status, these corrupt leaders will ultimately "die like mere mortals" and "fall like any prince" ([Psalms 82:7](/psalms/82-7 "Psalm 82:7 - You Will Die Like Mere Mortals")). Against this backdrop of divine judgment pronounced upon human corruption, verse 8 shifts from God's pronouncements to the Psalmist's urgent and hopeful prayer for God Himself to execute the justice that human authorities have so miserably failed to uphold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "gods" (`elohim`) in Psalms 82 has been debated, but in this context, it most likely refers to human judges or powerful rulers who, by virtue of their office, were seen as representatives of God's justice on earth (cf. [Exodus 21:6](/exodus/21-6 "Exodus 21:6 - Judges as 'Gods' in Legal Context") and [John 10:34](/john/10-34 "John 10:34 - Jesus Quotes Psalm 82:6")). In ancient Israel, judges held immense responsibility, tasked with upholding the Mosaic Law and ensuring equitable treatment for all, especially the vulnerable. However, corruption, bribery, and perversion of justice were persistent problems, frequently condemned by the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 1:23](/isaiah/1-23 "Isaiah 1:23 - Corrupt Rulers in Judah") and [Amos 5:7](/amos/5-7 "Amos 5:7 - Those Who Turn Justice into Wormwood")). The Psalmist’s cry for God to "Arise" reflects a deep awareness of societal breakdown and a profound longing for the ultimate, perfect justice that only the divine King could provide, transcending the failures of human governance.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 82:8 encapsulates several profound theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Intervention and Justice**. It is an urgent appeal for God to actively intercede in human affairs, acknowledging that human systems of justice are prone to failure and corruption, necessitating God's direct, righteous judgment. Secondly, the verse powerfully asserts **God's Universal Sovereignty**. The declaration "for thou shalt inherit all nations" underscores God's inherent right and ultimate authority over all peoples and the entire earth, not merely as a future acquisition but as the full manifestation of His eternal claim. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God’s dominion over all creation and His ultimate triumph over all earthly powers, as seen in prophecies of His kingdom coming in full power ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Belong to God")). Finally, despite the bleak portrayal of injustice in the preceding verses, Psalms 82:8 offers a profound message of **Hope in God's Reign**. It affirms that God is neither absent nor indifferent to the plight of the oppressed but is ultimately in control, promising that His righteous reign will be universally acknowledged and His justice fully implemented.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arise (Hebrew, _qum'_):** This imperative verb is not merely a physical command but a powerful plea for active, decisive intervention. It signifies God rousing Himself to action, taking a stand against injustice, and asserting His authority. It carries a sense of urgency and expectation that God will manifest His power and presence in a tangible way to rectify wrongs.
* **Judge (Hebrew, _shaphat'_):** More comprehensive than simply passing a verdict, _shaphat_ encompasses the full spectrum of governance, including ruling, vindicating, defending the oppressed, setting things right, and restoring order. When applied to God, it speaks to His role as the ultimate arbiter of truth and justice, who actively intervenes to establish righteousness and bring about salvation for His people while condemning the wicked.
* **Inherit (Hebrew, _nachal'_):** This verb denotes taking possession of something as an inheritance or rightful property. In this context, it emphasizes God’s inherent, eternal right and ultimate ownership over all nations. It is not about acquiring something He did not previously possess, but about the full and undeniable manifestation of His pre-existent, universal dominion over all humanity and the entire world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Arise, O God":** This is a direct, impassioned plea or invocation. The Psalmist, witnessing the perversion of justice by human rulers, appeals directly to the divine authority, urging God to take immediate and decisive action. It implies a recognition that human efforts have failed and only God's intervention can set things right.
* **"judge the earth":** This clause states the explicit purpose of the Psalmist's plea. The call for God to "judge" is a call for Him to exercise His full authority as the righteous Ruler over the entire world. It signifies a desire for God to bring His perfect justice, equity, and order to all corners of the globe, correcting all wrongs and vindicating the oppressed.
* **"for thou shalt inherit all nations":** This provides the theological rationale and ultimate basis for the plea. The Psalmist grounds his prayer in the absolute truth of God's universal sovereignty. Because God is the rightful owner and ultimate ruler of all peoples and lands, He alone possesses the authority and the right to judge and establish His perfect reign over them. This clause expresses confidence in God's ultimate triumph and the full realization of His dominion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured in "Arise, O God," where the Psalmist directly addresses God, creating a sense of intimacy and urgent appeal. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Arise," "judge") transforms the verse from a mere statement into a passionate, direct petition, conveying the Psalmist's fervent desire for divine action. The phrase "all nations" functions as a **Merism** or expression of **Totality**, signifying the universal scope of God's dominion and the global reach of His intended judgment, encompassing every people group and land. There is also an implied **Antithesis** between the failed, corrupt human judges described in the preceding verses and the perfect, righteous judgment that only God can bring, highlighting the stark contrast between human inadequacy and divine perfection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 82:8 stands as a profound declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reminds us that while human systems of governance and justice may falter and fail, God remains the supreme and righteous Judge who will ultimately set all things right. This verse provides a theological anchor for believers who witness systemic injustice, offering the assurance that God is not indifferent to the suffering of the oppressed but will, in His perfect timing, fully assert His rightful dominion over all creation, bringing an end to unrighteousness and establishing His kingdom of peace and equity. It connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, culminating in a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.

* [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - God Judges Among the Nations")
* [Psalm 96:13](/psalms/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - The Lord Comes to Judge the Earth")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Belong to Our Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 82:8 offers a timeless and powerful framework for believers grappling with injustice in the world today. It calls us first to a posture of confident prayer, knowing that when human systems of justice are corrupted or fail, we can appeal to the ultimate Judge of all the earth. Our prayers for justice are not futile but align with God's very character and His divine purpose to establish righteousness. Furthermore, this verse cultivates a deep trust in God's ultimate sovereignty; even amidst chaos, oppression, and apparent triumph of evil, we are reminded that God is ultimately in control. His plans for the earth will prevail, and His righteous reign will be established. This provides immense comfort and strengthens our faith, knowing that God works all things for good for those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")). Finally, while we pray for God to "Arise," we are also simultaneously called to be His agents of justice in our own spheres of influence. We are to advocate for the oppressed, speak truth to power, and uphold righteousness in our daily lives, knowing that one day, all will stand before His judgment seat ([Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - All Will Stand Before God's Judgment Seat")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Psalms 82:8 shape your understanding of God's active role in addressing injustice in the world?**
* **In what specific ways can you, as an individual or part of a community, participate in God's work of justice in your local context?**
* **How does the ultimate hope of God's universal reign and judgment comfort you amidst present failures of justice and societal brokenness?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "gods" in Psalm 82, and how does this relate to God inheriting all nations?**

Answer: The "gods" (`elohim`) in Psalm 82 (e.g., [Psalms 82:1](/psalms/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God Stands in the Divine Assembly")) are most widely interpreted as human judges or powerful rulers. While the term `elohim` can refer to divine beings, the context of Psalm 82 strongly indicates human authorities who were entrusted with administering God's justice on earth. God rebukes them for their corruption and failure to defend the poor and needy ([Psalms 82:2-4](/psalms/82-2-4 "Psalm 82:2-4 - God's Indictment of Corrupt Judges")). He then declares they will "die like mere mortals" ([Psalms 82:7](/psalms/82-7 "Psalm 82:7 - You Will Die Like Mere Mortals")), emphasizing their human mortality despite their exalted position. The Psalmist's plea in verse 8, "Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations," directly follows this indictment. It is a cry for the true God to step in and fulfill the role of righteous judge that these human "gods" have abdicated. God inheriting all nations signifies His ultimate, rightful, and universal sovereignty, which stands in stark contrast to the failed, limited, and corrupt rule of human authorities. It means that His perfect justice will not only replace human injustice but will also extend over every people group and land, establishing His undisputed dominion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 82:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Psalmist's plea for God to "Arise" and "judge the earth" is answered in the New Testament by the coming of Jesus, who is not only the Son of God but also the one to whom all judgment has been entrusted by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")). Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, inaugurated God's kingdom on earth, demonstrating perfect justice and compassion. The declaration that God "shalt inherit all nations" is realized in Christ, who, after His resurrection, declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority in Heaven and on Earth Given to Jesus")). He is the rightful heir and ruler of all creation, and His redemptive work encompasses all peoples. Ultimately, Jesus will return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Jesus Returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), to fully establish God's righteous reign, judge the living and the dead, and ensure that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")). Thus, the ancient prayer of Psalms 82:8 anticipates the glorious reign of Christ, the true and perfect Judge and Inheritor of all nations.

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

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Psalms 2:8

Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.

Psalms 96:13

Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Psalms 22:28

For the kingdom [is] the LORD'S: and he [is] the governor among the nations.

Psalms 102:13

Thou shalt arise, [and] have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

Psalms 12:5

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.

Psalms 44:26

Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.