King James Version

What Does Psalms 82:6 Mean?

Psalms 82:6 in the King James Version says “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 82 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”

Psalms 82:6 · KJV

Context

4

Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

5

They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. out: Heb. moved

6

I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

7

But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

8

Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. This stunning verse explains the exalted position God has given human judges and rulers. The Hebrew ani amarti (אֲנִי־אָמַרְתִּי, "I have said") indicates God's own authoritative declaration. He designated these individuals as elohim (אֱלֹהִים, "gods")—a term used elsewhere for God Himself, but here applied to human authorities who represent divine justice on earth.

This isn't polytheism or deification of humans, but recognition that judges exercise delegated divine authority. When they pronounce judgment, they speak for God. Exodus 21:6 and 22:8-9 use elohim for human judges, indicating their role as God's representatives. To stand before a judge was to stand before God's proxy—a tremendous responsibility and privilege.

"Children of the most High" (benei Elyon, בְּנֵי עֶלְיוֹן) further emphasizes their elevated status. Elyon (עֶלְיוֹן, "Most High") stresses God's supreme sovereignty over all creation. These judges are called God's "sons" not by nature but by appointment—they bear His image, represent His authority, and should reflect His character. This makes their corruption (vv. 2-5) all the more heinous: they betray their divine calling.

Yet verse 7 immediately follows with sobering reality: "But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes." Despite their exalted office, these "gods" are mortal and accountable. Their divine calling doesn't exempt them from judgment but intensifies it. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's Use of Psalm 82:6 and the Incarnation Debate

Psalm 82:6 gained profound significance when Jesus quoted it in John 10:34-36 during a heated confrontation with religious leaders who accused Him of blasphemy for claiming to be God's Son. Jesus's argument was brilliant: if Scripture calls mere human judges "gods" because they received God's word and represented His authority, how could it be blasphemy for Him—the eternal Word incarnate—to claim divine sonship?

Jesus wasn't arguing that all humans are divine (as some New Age interpreters claim), but rather establishing a qal vahomer (light to heavy) argument common in rabbinic theology: if this lesser thing is true, how much more this greater thing. Human judges are called "gods" by office; Christ is God by nature. The psalm's language for delegated authority cannot logically exclude the One who possesses original authority.

The early church wrestled with how Christ could be both fully God and fully man. Psalm 82's concept of humans bearing God's representative authority while remaining essentially human provided conceptual framework, though Christ transcended this—He wasn't merely God's representative but God Himself incarnate. The Word who spoke these words to judges in Psalm 82 became flesh (John 1:14) to judge the world in righteousness (John 5:22, Acts 17:31).

The psalm also shaped Christian understanding of human dominion. Humans are created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27) and given authority over creation—a delegated "godlike" role of stewardship and governance. When we rule justly, we reflect our Creator; when we oppress, we betray our calling and forfeit our authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God calls human judges "gods," and how should this shape our view of human authority?
  2. How does Jesus's use of this verse in John 10:34-36 defend His divine identity while also teaching about human responsibility?
  3. In what ways are Christians today called to function as God's representatives, bearing His authority and reflecting His character?
  4. What is the relationship between being made in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27) and being called "children of the most High" through appointed office?
  5. How does the tension between exalted calling ("gods") and human mortality ("ye shall die like men") affect how we exercise authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֲֽנִי1 of 7
H589

i

אָ֭מַרְתִּי2 of 7

“I have said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהִ֣ים3 of 7

“Ye are gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אַתֶּ֑ם4 of 7
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּבְנֵ֖י5 of 7

“and all of you are children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֶלְי֣וֹן6 of 7

“of the most High”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

כֻּלְּכֶֽם׃7 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

Study Guide

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 82:6 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 82:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:34-36Psalms 82:1

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