Psalms 82:5
Psalms 82:5 in Multiple Translations
They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
They know not, neither do they understand; They walk to and fro in darkness: All the foundations of the earth are shaken.
They have no knowledge or sense; they go about in the dark: all the bases of the earth are moved.
They don't have any wisdom; they live in the dark; the foundations of the earth are shaken.
They knowe not and vnderstand nothing: they walke in darkenes, albeit all the foundations of the earth be mooued.
They knew not, nor do they understand, In darkness they walk habitually, Moved are all the foundations of earth.
They don’t know, neither do they understand. They walk back and forth in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken.
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
They have said: Come and let us destroy them, so that they be not a nation: and let the name of Israel be remembered no more.
Those rulers do not know or understand anything! They are very corrupt/evil, and as a result of their corrupt/evil behavior, it is as though the foundation of the world is being shaken!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 82:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 82:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֤א
יָֽדְע֨וּ
וְ/לֹ֥א
יָבִ֗ינוּ
בַּ/חֲשֵׁכָ֥ה
יִתְהַלָּ֑כוּ
יִ֝מּ֗וֹטוּ
כָּל
מ֥וֹסְדֵי
אָֽרֶץ
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָֽדְע֨וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָבִ֗ינוּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בַּ/חֲשֵׁכָ֥ה
chăshêkâh
H2825
darkness
Prep | N-fs
יִתְהַלָּ֑כוּ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
יִ֝מּ֗וֹטוּ
môwṭ
H4131
to shake
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מ֥וֹסְדֵי
môwçâd
H4144
foundation
N-cp
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 82:5
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָֽדְע֨וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָבִ֗ינוּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
בַּ/חֲשֵׁכָ֥ה
chăshêkâh
H2825
"darkness"
Prep | N-fs
This word means darkness, and it can also mean a time of sadness or trouble. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the darkness that fell upon Egypt. The Psalmist also uses this word to describe a time of distress.
Definition: darkness Also means: chesh.khah (חֶשְׁכָה "dark" H2824)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: darkness. See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 139:12; Psalms 82:5.
יִתְהַלָּ֑כוּ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
יִ֝מּ֗וֹטוּ
môwṭ
H4131
"to shake"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.
Definition: 1) to totter, shake, slip 1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip 1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown 1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop 1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. See also: Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 10:6.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מ֥וֹסְדֵי
môwçâd
H4144
"foundation"
N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word describes a foundation or base, often translated as 'foundation'. It appears in descriptions of buildings, mountains, and other structures, emphasizing the idea of a solid starting point. The word is similar to H4143.
Definition: foundation
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: foundation. See also: Psalms 82:5; Proverbs 8:29.
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 82:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 82:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 82:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 82:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 82:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 82:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 82:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 82:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 82:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 82:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 82:5
- Sermons on Psalms 82:5
Context — God Presides in the Divine Assembly
3Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.
4Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.
5They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’ 7But like mortals you will die, and like rulers you will fall.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 11:3 | If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” |
| 2 | Micah 3:1 | Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? |
| 3 | Romans 1:28 | Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. |
| 4 | Proverbs 2:13 | from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness, |
| 5 | Psalms 14:4 | Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD. |
| 6 | Proverbs 1:29 | For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. |
| 7 | John 12:35 | Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. |
| 8 | 1 John 2:11 | But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. |
| 9 | Isaiah 5:7 | For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress. |
| 10 | Psalms 53:4 | Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon God. |
Psalms 82:5 Summary
This verse is saying that when people don't know or understand God's ways, they can get lost and confused, like being in a dark room without a light. This can cause big problems and even shake the very foundations of our world. But as Christians, we can be a light in the darkness by defending the weak and upholding justice, just like it says in Psalms 82:3-4. By following God's wisdom and truth, we can find our way out of the darkness and into the light (Psalms 119:105, Matthew 5:14-16).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'wander in the darkness' in Psalms 82:5?
To wander in the darkness means to be without spiritual guidance or understanding, much like the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness without a clear direction (Deuteronomy 1:3, Psalms 107:10).
Why are the foundations of the earth shaken in this verse?
The foundations of the earth are shaken because of the lack of spiritual understanding and the resulting chaos and disorder, reflecting the consequences of rejecting God's wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, Isaiah 48:22).
How does this verse relate to the command to defend the weak in Psalms 82:3-4?
This verse highlights the consequences of not defending the weak and upholding justice, leading to a breakdown in society and a lack of spiritual understanding (Psalms 82:3-4, Jeremiah 22:3).
What is the significance of the darkness in this verse?
The darkness in this verse represents a state of spiritual ignorance and confusion, which can only be dispelled by the light of God's truth and wisdom (Psalms 119:105, John 1:5).
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be a light in the darkness to those around me who may be wandering without spiritual guidance?
- How can I apply the command to defend the weak and uphold justice in my own life and community?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be wandering in the darkness, and how can I seek God's guidance and wisdom to find my way?
- How does the shaking of the foundations of the earth in this verse relate to the chaos and disorder I see in the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 82:5
They knew not,.... The Targum adds, to do well. This is to be understood of unjust judges and wicked magistrates, who know not God, and have not the fear of him before their eyes, though he stands in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 82:5
They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. They know not, neither will they understand. Practical ignorance besets intellectual (John 7:17).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 82:5
They, the magistrates, of whom this Psalm treats, know not, to wit, the truth and right of the cause, nor the duty of their place. Men are oft said in Scripture not to know what they do not love and practise. Neither will they understand: this their ignorance is wilful and afflicted; they will not search out the truth, and they shut their eyes lest they should see what they would not. They walk on; they persist and proceed; it is not one rash and transient action, but their constant course. In darkness; either, 1. In ignorance; or, 2. In their sinful and unrighteous courses, as darkness is taken, ,18 5:8 ; being blinded by their corrupt affections and interests, . All the foundations of the earth are out of course: this corruption of the supreme rulers doth flow from them to their inferior officers and members, and manifestly tends to the dissolution of all civil societies, partly by subverting that order and honesty by which they are supported, and partly by provoking God the Governor of the world to destroy them for their wickedness.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 82:5
Psalms 82:5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.Ver. 5. They know not, neither will they understand] q.d. There is no good to be done upon these uncircumcised vice gods, as they may in the worst sense be best styled; it is bootless to advise them to better, for they are set; they are as good every whit as ever they mean to be; and as for their duty, nec cogitant, nec curant, they neither know it nor care to know it, but blunder on in the dark, and are led blindling by their base lusts, which so they may satisfy, they pass not what becomes of the weal public, but oppose with crest and breast whatsoever crosseth their sinful designs. Hereby they cause mighty concussions, and draw down heavy judgments, Isaiah 24:18-19. Pessimi dantur, et ruunt omnia.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 82:5
(5) Here we imagine a pause, that interval between warning and judgment which is God’s pity and man’s opportunity; but the expostulation falls dead without a response. The men are infatuated by their position and blinded by their pride, and the poet, the spectator of this drama of judgment, makes this common reflection. The perversion of judgment strikes him, as it could not fail to do, as an indication of total anarchy and a dissolution of society, a convulsion like an earthquake. They know not.—Comp. Psalms 58:4, “They have no knowledge;” there, too, of judges corrupted by the moral blindness which, as in the case of Lord Bacon, sometimes so strangely darkens those in whom intellectual light is most keen. They walk on in darkness—Or, better, They let themselves walk in darkness; the conjugation implying that inclination or will, and not circumstance, brings this dullness to the dictates of justice and right. All the foundations . . .—The very existence of society is threatened when the source of justice is corrupt. “Back flow the sacred rivers to their source, And right and all things veer around their course; Crafty are men in council, and no more God-plighted faith abides as once of yore.” EUR. Med., 409.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 82:5
Verse 5. They know not] The judges are not acquainted with the law of God, on which all their decisions should be founded. Neither will they understand] They are ignorant and do not wish to be instructed. They will not learn; they cannot teach. Happy England! How different from Judea, even in the days of Jehoshaphat! All thy judges are learned, righteous, and impartial. Never did greater men in their profession dignify any land or country. - (1822.) All the foundations of the earth] "All the civil institutions of the land totter." Justice is at the head of all the institutions in a well regulated state: when that gets poisoned or perverted, every evil, political and domestic, must prevail; even religion itself ceases to have any influence.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 82:5
5–7. The character of these judges described and their sentence pronounced.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 82:5
They know not, neither will they understand - This is designed still further to characterize the magistrates at the time referred to in the psalm.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 82:5
5. They know not— “The judges are ignorant of their duty.”—Ainsworth. They consider not the high dignity of their office, the fundamental laws of the theocracy, and that the existence of the nation depends on their fidelity.
Sermons on Psalms 82:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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An Alarm to the Unconverted 2 of 5 by Joseph Alleine | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-examination and the danger of being deceived about one's spiritual state. He challenges the listeners to honestly ass |
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Psalm 82 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about God's supremacy over all magistrates, emphasizing that earthly authority emanates from Him and that His kingdom reigns over all. He reproves unjust judges |
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A Message on the Cross by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the utter need for a substitute to die in our place and a Lord to rule over our lives. He highlights how societ |
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If My People - Part 1 by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing controversial topics and recapturing the prophetic zeal in churches. It highlights the impact of the Johnson Amendment on church |
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Is Genesis Relevant in Today's Modern Culture by Ken Ham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing on the authority of the Word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. It addresses the foundational book of Genesis, highlighting th |
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The Genesis Connection and How to Continue a Godly Heritage by Ken Ham | This sermon by Ken Ham addresses the declining church and culture, emphasizing the importance of standing on the authority of the Word of God, particularly focusing on the Genesis |
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What Can the Righteous Do? by Carter Conlon | The sermon titled 'What Can the Righteous Do?' addresses the challenges faced by the righteous in a generation filled with difficulty and moral decline. Drawing from Jeremiah chapt |