How can John 10:34-36 help us understand Psalm 82:6's meaning?

Psalm 82 in Its Original Setting

• Psalm 82 portrays a courtroom scene. God (Elohim) stands to judge other “gods” (elohim).

• Verse 6: “I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’ ” (Psalm 82:6)

• These “gods” are earthly rulers/judges who received delegated authority to speak for God (cf. Exodus 22:28; Deuteronomy 1:17).

• The psalm exposes their corruption and warns that, despite the lofty title, they will “die like men” (v. 7).

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Jesus’ Quotation in John 10:34-36

“Jesus answered them, ‘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 Scripture cannot be broken—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?’ ” (John 10:34-36)

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What John 10 Shows Us about Psalm 82

• Jesus treats Psalm 82 as verbally inspired—“Scripture cannot be broken.”

• By citing verse 6, He affirms that the title “gods” legitimately applied to human judges who “received the word of God.”

• His logic:

– If fallible men could be called “gods” because of delegated authority,

– then it is far more appropriate for Him—uniquely sanctified and sent by the Father—to claim “Son of God.”

• Thus, Psalm 82:6 is not exalting humans to divinity; it underscores their accountability under God, setting a lesser-to-greater argument that magnifies Christ’s rightful claim.

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Key Truths to Carry Forward

• Delegated authority: God can call human leaders “gods” when they act as His representatives, yet they remain mortal and accountable.

• Christ’s supremacy: Jesus exceeds those judges; He is not merely authorized by the word of God—He is the Word made flesh (John 1:1,14).

• Inerrancy affirmed: Jesus’ reliance on a single verse shows every word of Scripture is binding (Matthew 5:18; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

• Correct reading of Psalm 82: The psalm condemns unjust human rulers, foreshadows a perfect Judge, and, through Jesus’ citation, points to the ultimate Son of God who fulfils perfect justice.