King James Version
What Does Psalms 82:2 Mean?
“How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.”
Context
1
A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. of Asaph: or, for Asaph
2
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
3
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Defend: Heb. Judge
4
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(2-4) These verses contain the rebuke addressed by the supreme judge to those abusing the judicial office and function.
(2) **How long?**—What a terrible severity in this Divine *Quousque tandem!*
“The gods
Grow *angry *with your patience; this their care,
And must be yours, that guilty men escape not;
As crimes do grow, justice should rouse itself.”
BEN JONSON.
**Judge unjustly.**—Literally, *judge iniquity. *For the opposite expression see Psalm 58:1. Leviticus 19:15, which lays down the great principle of strictly fair and unbribable justice is evidently in the poet’s mind, as is shown by the use of the next clause.
**Accept the persons.**—Literally, *lift up the faces. *An expression arising from the Eastern custom of prostration before a king or judge. The accepted suitor is commanded to “lift up his face,” *i.e., *to arise. (Comp. Proverbs 18:5, and Jehoshaphat’s address to the judges, 2Chronicles 19:7.) This fine sense of the majesty of incorruptible justice attended Israel throughout its history. (See Ecclesiasticus 7:6.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 82:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 82:2
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge