Psalms 82:6
Psalms 82:6 in Multiple Translations
I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
I said, Ye are gods, And all of you sons of the Most High.
I said, You are gods; all of you are the sons of the Most High:
I say, “You are gods; all of you are children of the Most High.
I haue said, Ye are gods, and ye all are children of the most High.
I — I have said, 'Gods ye [are], And sons of the Most High — all of you,
I said, “You are gods, all of you are sons of the Most High.
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High.
For they have contrived with one consent: they have made a covenant together against thee,
I the all-powerful God, previously said to them, “You think you are gods! It is as though you are all my sons,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 82:6
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 82:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲֽנִי
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
אַתֶּ֑ם
וּ/בְנֵ֖י
עֶלְי֣וֹן
כֻּלְּ/כֶֽם
אֲֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אַתֶּ֑ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וּ/בְנֵ֖י
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp
עֶלְי֣וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Adj
כֻּלְּ/כֶֽם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 82:6
אֲֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אַתֶּ֑ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וּ/בְנֵ֖י
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֶלְי֣וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
כֻּלְּ/כֶֽם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 82:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 82:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 82:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 82:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 82:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 82:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 82:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 82:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 82:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 82:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 82:6
- Sermons on Psalms 82:6
Context — God Presides in the Divine Assembly
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.” 8Arise, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are Your inheritance.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 10:34–36 | Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I have said you are gods’ ? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— then what about the One whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world? How then can you accuse Me of blasphemy for stating that I am the Son of God? |
| 2 | Psalms 82:1 | God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods: |
| 3 | Exodus 22:28 | You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. |
| 4 | Exodus 22:9 | In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item that someone claims, ‘This is mine,’ both parties shall bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges find guilty must pay back double to his neighbor. |
Psalms 82:6 Summary
In Psalm 82:6, God says that we are 'gods' and 'sons of the Most High', which means that we have been given a special role as representatives of God on earth. This is not about being perfect or having all the power, but about using the authority and responsibility that God has given us to serve others and bring glory to Him, as seen in Genesis 1:26-28 and Romans 14:12. As 'sons of the Most High', we are called to live out our faith in a way that honors God and reflects our identity as His children, just like Jesus taught in John 10:34-36.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be called 'gods' in Psalms 82:6?
In this context, being called 'gods' refers to the authority and responsibility that God has given to those in positions of power, as seen in Psalm 82:6, where God says, 'You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.' This title is not meant to imply divinity, but rather to emphasize the importance of their role as stewards of God's creation, as mentioned in Genesis 1:26-28.
How can we be 'sons of the Most High' if we are not perfect?
Being a 'son of the Most High' is not about achieving perfection, but about being in a relationship with God through faith, as seen in John 1:12-13, where it says that those who believe in Jesus are given the right to become children of God.
Is this verse saying that we have the power to be like God?
No, this verse is not saying that we have the power to be like God in the sense of being all-knowing or all-powerful, but rather that we have been given a special role as representatives of God on earth, as mentioned in Psalm 82:6, and that we will be held accountable for how we use this authority, as seen in Romans 14:12.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' teaching in John 10:34-36?
In John 10:34-36, Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6 and uses it to defend his claim to be the Son of God, highlighting the fact that God's Word is true and that those who are in a relationship with him are indeed 'sons of the Most High', as seen in Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34-36.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be a 'son of the Most High' in my everyday life, and how can I live out this identity?
- How can I use the authority and responsibility that God has given me to serve others and bring glory to Him?
- In what ways do I need to remember that I am not just a individual, but a representative of God's kingdom on earth?
- How can I balance the truth that I am a 'son of the Most High' with the reality of my own sinfulness and limitations?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 82:6
I have said, ye are gods,.... In the law, Exodus 21:6 or they were so by his appointment and commission; he constituted them judges and magistrates, invested them with such an office, by which they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 82:6
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 82:6
I have said, Ye are gods; I have given you my name and power to rule your people in my stead. All of you; not only the rulers of Israel, but of all other nations; for all powers are ordained by God, . Children of the Most High; representing my person, and bearing both my name and lively characters of my majesty and authority, as children bear the name and image of their parents.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 82:6
Psalms 82:6 I have said, Ye [are] gods; and all of you [are] children of the most High.Ver. 6. I have said, Ye are gods] As Psalms 82:1, but doubly so, if good too; if they excel both in virtue and power, as Aristotle joineth them, καταρετηνκαιτηνπολιτικηνδυναμιν; I have said, is vox potestatis constituentis, whence that of the apostle, All power is of God, Romans 13:1. And all of you are children of the most High] Invested (as princes’ sons and heirs are oft) with part of my power, and intrusted with the administration of mine earthly kingdom by the exercise of vindictive and remunerative justice, Niceph. 1. 18, scribit summum principem gentis Turcicae dictum fuisse Taifau, i.e. Filium Dei. The Chaldee paraphraseth, As the angels of the High; and Kimchi, As the stars, which have dominion over these inferior bodies. Confer Job 38:7.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 82:6
(6) I have said.—Again the Divine voice breaks the silence with an emphatic I. “From me comes your office and your honoured title, gods; now from me hear your doom. Princes though ye be, ye will die as other men: yea, altogether will ye princes perish.” (For the rendering “altogether,” literally, like one man, see Ezra 2:64; Ezra 3:9, &c.) It is interesting to notice that Psalms 82:1; Psalms 82:6 were quoted by Constantine at the opening of the council of Nicæa, to remind the bishops that their high office should raise them above jealousy and party feeling. (For the interest gained by the passage from our Lord’s use of it to rebut the charge of blasphemy brought against Him by the scribes, see Note, New Testament Commentary, John 10:34.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 82:6
Verse 6. Ye are gods] Or, with the prefix of כ ke, the particle of similitude, כאלהים keelohim, "like God." Ye are my representatives, and are clothed with my power and authority to dispense judgment and justice, therefore all of them are said to be children of the Most High.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 82:6
6. I said, Te are gods, And all of you sons of the Most High (R.V.). I is emphatic. It is by God’s appointment that they have been invested with divine authority to execute judgement in His name. Cp. the language used of the king, Psalms 2:7; Psalms 89:27. To the words of this verse our Lord appealed (John 10:34 ff.), when the Jews accused Him of blasphemy because He claimed to be one with God. In virtue of their call to a sacred office as representatives of God the judges of old time were called gods and sons of the Most High, and this in spite of their unworthiness. Was it then blasphemy, He asked, for one who had received a special consecration and commission as God’s representative, one whose life and work bore witness to that consecration, to call Himself the Son of God? On the surface this may seem to be a verbal argument such as the Jews themselves would have used; but the real significance of the quotation lies deeper. The fact that it was possible for men so to represent God as to be called gods or divine was a foreshadowing of the Incarnation. “There lay already in the Law the germ of the truth which Christ announced, the union of God and man.” Bp Westcott.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 82:6
I have said, Ye are gods - See the notes at Psalms 82:1. I have given you this title; I have conferred on you an appellation which indicates a greater nearness to God than any other which is bestowed
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 82:6
6. I have said, Ye are gods—God still speaks to the judges. He calls them back to the time when their office was instituted, and they were called “gods,” as officially representing the divine majesty and functions.
Sermons on Psalms 82:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) John 9-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a scenario where someone's jacket goes missing and their neighbor is found wearing it. The situation is taken to the judges to determine who t |
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Pride Is a Family Characteristic by Bob Utley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of pride and arrogance in both individuals and nations. He emphasizes that the root problem of evil is the desire to focus everyt |
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Oneness by Richard Wurmbrand | Richard Wurmbrand delves into the mystique of numbers, asserting that God's oneness is intertwined with the concept of unity and synthesis of conflicting forces. He explains that m |
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God’s Awful Judgment in the Breaking and Withering of the Strong Rods of a Community by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the awful judgment of God when strong rulers in a community, symbolized as strong rods, are broken and withered by death. He emphasizes the importan |
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"The Shadow of the Cross" ch.10:11-42 by Charles Alexander | Charles Alexander delves into the profound events surrounding Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Dedication, highlighting the escalating |
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Homily 32 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of understanding the true essence of faith and salvation, emphasizing the need to focus on the heart rather than external rituals like ci |
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Our Lord at the Feast of Dedication John 10:22-42 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey explores the significance of Jesus' declaration at the Feast of Dedication, emphasizing His identity as the Son of God and the Giver of Eternal Life. He discusses the d |