They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights a shocking ignorance that isn't just a lack of information, but a willful refusal to understand, so deep that these leaders "walk in darkness" even as the very stability of society crumbles around them. This isn't an accident; it's a chosen path that actively destabilizes everything, from morality to social order.
They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist, after addressing the divine judges as gods and sons of the Most High, laments their willful ignorance and corruption. He highlights their inability or refusal to grasp their responsibilities, leading them to act blindly. This perversion of justice is so profound that it destabilizes the very order of society, shaking the fundamental principles upon which the world rests.
Ever wonder why some leaders seem clueless or just plain wrong? The psalm points to a deeper issue than just a lack of information.
The verse states, 'They have neither knowledge nor understanding.' This isn't just about being uninformed; the original Hebrew and commentaries suggest a wilful rejection of truth.
Blinders On
What happens when the very people meant to uphold fairness completely miss the mark? The consequences are devastating and far-reaching.
The psalm dramatically states, 'all the foundations of the earth are shaken.' This isn't about a literal earthquake, but the collapse of society's core principles.
The Domino Effect
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Understand the original words
choshek · Hebrew Noun
Often used metaphorically for a lack of spiritual insight or moral discernment. It represents the state of living without knowledge of God's truth, leading to confusion and spiritual death.
mosad · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the fundamental principles, laws, or moral order established by God for the stability of human society and the world. When these are shaken, it indicates societal collapse and chaos resulting from systemic injustice.
This psalm speaks to a recurring theme in Israel's history: the corruption of those in power, particularly judges. Whether during the monarchy, the divided kingdom, or the post-exilic period, the perversion of justice by earthly 'gods' led to societal chaos, reflecting a deep spiritual blindness and defiance of the true God.
c. 1000 BC - 400 BC
Monarchy and Divided Kingdom
This period saw the rise and fall of the united monarchy, followed by a divided kingdom (Israel in the north, Judah in the south), marked by internal corruption, idolatry, and external threats. Judges and rulers often acted unjustly.
c. 740 BC
Prophetic Denunciations of Injustice
Prophets like Isaiah and Amos powerfully condemned the social injustice, corrupt courts, and moral decay prevalent in the surrounding nations and within Israel and Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Captivity
The northern kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of its people. This event served as a stark warning of divine judgment for disobedience and injustice.
c. 605 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The southern kingdom of Judah is conquered by Babylon, with multiple deportations leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. This was a devastating consequence of prolonged unfaithfulness and perversion of justice.
c. 5th - 3rd Century BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Period and Rebuilding
After returning from exile, the people of Judah faced challenges rebuilding their society and religious life under foreign rule. The need for just governance and adherence to God's law remained a critical concern.
This passage directly connects the 'walking in darkness' from Psalm 82:5 to a willful choice against truth and light, highlighting the moral dimension of that darkness.
Proverbs 2:13This verse echoes the theme of choosing darkness and abandoning the path of righteousness, showing how this willful ignorance and straying from the path is a recurring pattern.
Isaiah 42:19This prophetic passage describes a similar spiritual blindness and deafness among God's people, paralleling the willful ignorance of the judges in Psalm 82 who 'know not, neither will understand'.
1 Corinthians 2:8This New Testament passage explains how the rulers of that age did not understand the wisdom of God, similar to the judges in Psalm 82 who lacked understanding and caused societal foundations to shake.
Jeremiah 23:17This verse describes prophets speaking 'vainly' and claiming 'peace' when there is no peace, reflecting the deception and distorted reality that arises when those in authority lack true understanding and shake the foundations of order.
pulpitPsalms 82:5: "They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course."
Verse 5. - They know not, neither will they understand. Scarcely "an aside from the indignant judge," as Professor Cheyne suggests, much less a remark interpolated by the poet (Ewald, Hitzig). Rather a complaint of human perversity, addressed by Jehovah to the angelic host who are present (ver. 1). It is not an accidental and excusable ignorance, but a wilful…
clarkePsalms 82:5: "They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course."
They know not - The judges are not acquainted with the law of God, on which all their decisions should be founded. Neither will they understand - They are ignorant and do not wish to be instructed. They will not learn; they cannot teach. Happy England! How different from Judea, even in the days of Jehoshaphat! All thy judges are learned, righteous, and impart…
The verse highlights a shocking ignorance that isn't just a lack of information, but a willful refusal to understand, so deep that these leaders "walk in darkness" even as the very stability of society crumbles around them. This isn't an accident; it's a chosen path that actively destabilizes everything, from morality to social order.
The psalmist, after addressing the divine judges as gods and sons of the Most High, laments their willful ignorance and corruption. He highlights their inability or refusal to grasp their responsibilities, leading them to act blindly. This perversion of justice is so profound that it destabilizes the very order of society, shaking the fundamental principles upon which the world rests.
The psalmist, after addressing the divine judges as gods and sons of the Most High, laments their willful ignorance and corruption. He highlights their inability or refusal to grasp their responsibilities, leading them to act blindly. This perversion of justice is so profound that it destabilizes the very order of society, shaking the fundamental principles upon which the world rests.
"They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken." — The verse highlights a shocking ignorance that isn't just a lack of information, but a willful refusal to understand, so deep that these leaders "walk in darkness" even as the very stability of soc…
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Last reviewed October 2026