What does "You are gods" mean in Psalm 82:6 from a biblical perspective? Canonical Text Psalm 82:6 — “I said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’” Immediate Literary Context Psalm 82 opens: “God stands in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods” (v. 1). Verses 2–5 indict these “gods” for corrupt justice; verses 6–7 announce their status and coming death; verse 8 appeals for Yahweh’s universal rule. The speaker in v. 6 is Yahweh Himself. Historical Manuscript Witness Psalm 82 appears intact in the Dead Sea Scroll 4QPs⁽ᵃ⁾ at Qumran (c. 100 BC), the Aleppo Codex (10th c. AD), and Codex Leningrad B19A, showing textual stability. The Septuagint (3rd c. BC) renders “the congregation of gods,” confirming the ancient understanding of a plural referent. Interpretive View 1: Human Judges • Exodus legislation calls local magistrates “elohim” because they embody God’s law. • The charges in Psalm 82:2 – “Defend the weak… uphold the cause of the poor” – mirror judicial duties in Deuteronomy 1:16–17; Leviticus 19:15. • Yahweh threatens them with mortality (v. 7), fitting human rulers rather than immortal angels. Interpretive View 2: Angelic/Spiritual Beings • Verse 1 situates the scene in the “divine assembly,” language paralleling Job 1:6 and Ugaritic council texts (ʾilānu), indicating a heavenly courtroom. • Other Psalms speak of “sons of God” (bene elohim) as celestial beings (Psalm 29:1; 89:6). • The declaration “you will die like men” (v. 7) can be ironic: even exalted spirits will face divine judgment. Harmonized Conclusion Psalm 82 depicts Yahweh presiding over both realms: earthly judges represent Him in Israel, while angelic powers influence nations (cf. Deuteronomy 32:8 LXX, Daniel 10:13). The term “gods” thus embraces all secondary authorities under God’s sovereignty. Their common flaw is injustice, and their common fate is accountability. Jesus’ Citation (John 10:34–36) When accused of blasphemy for claiming oneness with the Father, Jesus replies: “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are gods’?” He reasons: 1. If Scripture calls recipients of God’s word “gods,” using the lesser-to-greater (qal wahomer) argument, 2. then the incarnate, consecrated Son has greater right to the divine title. The argument hinges on the inerrancy of Psalm 82 (“Scripture cannot be broken”). Monotheism Safeguarded Calling humans or angels “gods” denotes delegated authority, never equality with Yahweh (Isaiah 43:10). The verse reinforces biblical monotheism: any “god” apart from Yahweh is derivative and answerable. Theological Implications • Delegated Authority: Romans 13:1 affirms that all governing power is “instituted by God.” • Accountability: 2 Corinthians 5:10 echoes Psalm 82’s warning—all must appear before Christ’s tribunal. • Christology: The Messiah perfectly fulfills the role failed by lesser “gods,” embodying justice and immortality (Acts 17:31). Practical Application Believers entrusted with influence—parents, pastors, officials—must dispense justice, defend the helpless, and reflect God’s character. Failure invites discipline; faithfulness brings reward (1 Peter 5:2–4). Eschatological Fulfillment Psalm 82 ends, “Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are Your inheritance” (v. 8). Revelation 11:15 proclaims its completion: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” The resurrection of Jesus—historically attested by multiple early, independent sources (1 Corinthians 15:3–8)—guarantees this coming judgment and vindication. Summary Definition “You are gods” in Psalm 82:6 designates rulers—earthly and/or heavenly—vested with derived authority as “sons of the Most High.” Far from endorsing polytheism, the verse rebukes unjust authorities and points to the ultimate, righteous Judge, Jesus Christ, before whom every knee will bow. |
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