You are gods? (Psalm 82:6)

This phrase appears in Psalm 82

Psalm 82:1-7 (NKJV)

1 God stands in the congregation of the mighty;

He judges among THE GODS.

2 How long will you judge unjustly,

And show partiality to the wicked? Selah

3 Defend the poor and fatherless;

Do justice to the afflicted and needy.

4 Deliver the poor and needy;

Free them from the hand of the wicked.

6 I said, “YOU ARE GODS,

And all of you are children of the Most High.

7 But you shall die like men,

And fall like one of the princes.”

Jesus quotes the same text in John 10.

34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “you are gods”’? 35 If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken).

Obviously, it is referring to men. But MEN are called “gods.” Why? Observe that the word “gods” (“elohim” in Hebrew) was no only reserved for God. It was also used for rulers, judges or masters placed over the people of Israel (see Exo. 21:6).

The word “gods” is contextually used here (Psalm 82:6) for the governors of the people of Israel, those shouldered with the responsibility of administering justice.

The phrase “children of the Most High” means that they were supposed to represent God to His people by delivering the oppressed. They had failed in their duties (see vv. 2-4) and thus insulted the God-given honour on their office. So, this text (Psalm 82) is a chide against corrupt, nonchalant leaders. It is negative.

© Josh Banks Ministries. 2021.