Psalms 82:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 82:6 mean?

Psalms 82:6 states that God has called certain people "gods" and "children of the most High," highlighting a special status or responsibility given to them. The verse is addressing those who hold authority or judgment among the people, reminding them of their elevated role under God.

In the context of Psalm 82, God is speaking to human leaders or judges, confronting them for failing to judge fairly and defend the weak. By calling them "gods" (in the sense of representatives of divine authority) and "children of the most High," the verse underscores both their dignity and their accountability to God, who is the ultimate Judge.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 82:6

• gods (אֱלֹהִים, 'elohim'): This word is often used for God but can also refer to human judges or rulers who act on God's behalf. Here, it points to those given authority to judge, not to divinity itself.
• children (בְּנֵי, b'nei): This means "sons" or "children," emphasizing a relationship of belonging or representation. The leaders are described as belonging to or representing the "most High."
• High (עֶלְיוֹן, 'elyon'): This title means "Most High," a name for God that stresses His supreme authority. The verse reminds the leaders that their authority is derived from the highest authority—God Himself.

Why Psalms 82:6 matters

• Psalms 82:6 clarifies that the term "gods" here does not mean these people are divine, but that they have been entrusted with a God-given role to judge and lead.
• The verse stresses the accountability of leaders: even those with high status are answerable to God, the "most High."
• This verse is key to understanding the whole psalm, which is a warning to those in power not to misuse their authority but to act justly, as representatives of God among the people.