King James Version

What Does Psalms 82:7 Mean?

Psalms 82:7 in the King James Version says “But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 82 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 82:7 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. God's verdict shatters delusions of invulnerability. "But" (אָכֵן/aken) introduces stark contrast: despite divine appointment and authority, corrupt judges face mortality. "Die like men" (כְּאָדָם תְּמוּתוּן/ke'adam temutun) can mean either "die like Adam" (the first man who fell through sin) or "die like ordinary men" (not gods). Both readings work: judges appointed to represent God's authority have no inherent divinity and will die like Adam who sinned.

The phrase confronts ancient Near Eastern ideology that elevated kings and judges to semi-divine status. Egyptian pharaohs claimed divinity; Mesopotamian rulers bore divine titles. Even Israelite judges, called "elohim" (gods/mighty ones) in verse 1 and 6 because they represented God's authority, might be tempted toward arrogance. God declares: you are mortal. Death awaits. Accountability comes.

"Fall like one of the princes" (וּכְאַחַד הַשָּׂרִים תִּפֹּלוּ/uke'achad hasarim tipolu) specifies violent death, not peaceful demise. Naphal (fall) often denotes death in battle or judgment. Princes who oppressed others will themselves fall. This echoes the pattern throughout Scripture: Pharaoh drowned, Haman hanged on his own gallows, persecutors of the church struck down. Corrupt authority faces divine retribution.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus quoted Psalm 82:6 ('I have said, Ye are gods') in John 10:34-36 to argue that if Scripture called human judges 'gods' because they represented divine authority, how much more appropriate for the true Son of God to claim deity. The psalm thus provides christological foundation: human judges failed in their divine appointment, but Christ the perfect Judge executes justice with righteousness. The certainty of mortality for corrupt judges would encourage oppressed believers: current injustice is temporary; divine judgment is certain.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does awareness of mortality inform the way leaders should exercise authority and make judgments?
  2. What delusions of invulnerability or permanence might those in authority (including spiritual authority) be tempted toward today?
  3. How does Christ as the perfect Judge fulfill what human judges failed to accomplish in Psalm 82?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אָ֭כֵן1 of 6

But

H403

firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but

כְּאָדָ֣ם2 of 6

like men

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

תְּמוּת֑וּן3 of 6

ye shall die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וּכְאַחַ֖ד4 of 6

like one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הַשָּׂרִ֣ים5 of 6

of the princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

תִּפֹּֽלוּ׃6 of 6

and fall

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)


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 82:7 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 82:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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