I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
While God bestows a lofty title—"gods" and "sons of the Most High"—on earthly judges, this isn't an endorsement of their power but a reminder that their authority is derived and temporary. It highlights the profound responsibility and accountability that comes with wielding divine-like authority, even if they forget their human frailty.
I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist has been addressing earthly rulers, the judges and princes of Israel, acknowledging the high authority God has given them. This verse declares that God Himself has bestowed upon them the title "gods" and "sons of the Most High" because they represent His justice and rule in His stead. However, this lofty designation is not an excuse for their corrupt and unjust practices, which the psalm will soon address.
Ever felt like you were given a big responsibility, a title that carried real weight? This verse calls earthly leaders 'gods.' What does that even mean, and why would God say that?
The title 'gods' (or 'elohim' in the original Hebrew) in this verse isn't a declaration of divinity for human rulers. Instead, it's a title that God bestows upon them.
Representatives of God
Think of it like this: God, the ultimate King and Judge, appointed these individuals to act as His representatives on earth. He gave them authority to make judgments and administer justice in His name. The commentaries highlight that this title signifies their divine commission and the power delegated to them by God. They were meant to reflect His justice and order in the world.
A Qualified Divinity
This title doesn't make them divine in the absolute sense. It's a 'qualified divinity,' as one commentary puts it. They held a high office, acting on God's behalf, which is why they were called 'sons of the Most High.' It’s a reflection of God's own status, but through a human representative.
Being called 'sons of the Most High' sounds incredibly special. But this verse, and the context around it, reveal that this elevated status comes with a serious warning.
While being called 'gods' and 'sons of the Most High' highlights the immense honor and authority given to rulers, it simultaneously serves as a profound reminder of their accountability.
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A Divine Link, Not Divine Being
The term 'sons of the Most High' signifies a unique relationship and position, marking them as distinct and divinely appointed. However, the crucial point, as the commentaries suggest, is that this relationship does not equate to being God. They were mortal men entrusted with a sacred duty.
The Fallibility of God's Representatives
This title carries a heavy implication: because they represent the 'Most High,' their actions are judged by an even higher standard. The psalm immediately contrasts their lofty title with their inevitable human frailty and mortality. Their office was temporary, and their tenure was not a shield against divine judgment for failing to uphold justice. God, the true Most High, would ultimately hold them accountable.
Understand the original words
elohim · Hebrew Noun
A term often used in Scripture to refer to supernatural beings, angelic beings, or those who act as representatives of God's authority in human governance, though here specifically challenging the human judges who acted as if they were divine.
ben 'elyon · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A designation indicating a close relationship, delegation of authority, or spiritual status as children of the Almighty; in this context, it highlights the high responsibility and delegated authority given to these human judges.
elyon · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A title for God emphasizing His supremacy, sovereignty, and transcendence over all creation and all other powers.
adam · Hebrew Noun
Referring to ordinary human beings in their fragility and mortality, used here to contrast the judges' assumed divinity with their inevitable death.
muth · Hebrew Verb
To cease living; the universal consequence of sin for all humanity, signifying the end of earthly existence and the transition to divine judgment.
naphal · Hebrew Verb
To lose one's position or moral standing; often used in Scripture to denote ruin, failure, or the humbling of those in power.
sar · Hebrew Noun
A leader or ruler of a people; one who exercises authority, whose status does not exempt them from divine accountability or death.
The title 'gods' was given to earthly judges and rulers to signify their God-given authority to dispense justice, not to equate them with the Divine. This psalm serves as a powerful reminder that even those in positions of high authority are accountable to the Most High God and will face His judgment.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus Law Given
The laws concerning judges and magistrates, including the concept of their authority being derived from God, are established in the Torah. This provides an early basis for understanding earthly rulers as having a divinely appointed, albeit temporary, status.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's Temple Dedicated
Solomon's dedication prayer acknowledges God's sovereignty over all nations and seeks His justice, reflecting the broader context of God's rule over rulers and the eventual judgment of all peoples.
c. 750 BC
Prophetic Ministry Flourishes
This period saw numerous prophets confronting corrupt rulers and societal injustice. The call for righteousness in leadership, as highlighted in this psalm, was a central theme during this era of prophetic activity.
c. 750 BC— this verse
Psalms 82 Written
The psalm is likely composed during a time of significant corruption among judges and rulers in Israel or Judah. The author, perhaps a prophet, laments their failure to uphold justice and calls upon God to intervene.
c. 700 BC
Assyrian Empire Dominates
The geopolitical landscape was dominated by empires like Assyria, whose oppressive rule and arbitrary justice likely influenced the psalmist's concern for righteous leadership and God's ultimate judgment.
c. 550 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The exile of Judah served as a stark reminder of the consequences of unrighteous leadership and God's judgment on a nation that failed to uphold His standards of justice.
AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Trial
Jesus himself quoted from Psalm 82 (John 10:34-35) to defend His claims of divine sonship, highlighting the psalm's enduring significance in understanding titles of authority and divine connection.
This passage directly relates to the concept of judges being called 'gods' because they held God's authority, as they would bring their cases before the 'judges' of that time.
John 10:34Jesus himself quotes this verse to challenge the religious leaders' accusations of blasphemy, highlighting that even earthly figures with God's word and authority are called 'gods'.
Deuteronomy 1:17This verse emphasizes the impartiality required of judges, reminding them that they must hear both small and great alike, echoing the responsibility implied in the title 'gods' and 'sons of the Most High'.
Romans 13:1Paul extends the concept of divinely appointed authority to governing officials, stating that 'the authorities that exist have been established by God,' aligning with the idea that earthly rulers hold a delegated, God-given position.
Psalm 58:1This psalm immediately follows Psalm 82 and continues the theme of judgment and the failure of rulers, reinforcing the context of the 'gods' in Psalm 82:6 being judged for their unrighteousness.
clarkePsalms 82:6: "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High."
Ye are gods - Or, with the prefix of כ ke, the particle of similitude, כאלהים keelohim, "like God." Ye are my representatives, and are clothed with my power and authority to dispense judgment and justice, therefore all of them are said to be children of the Most High.
pulpitPsalms 82:6: "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High."
Verse 6. - I have said, Ye are gods; i.e. "in my Law I have called you gods" - I have given you this lofty name (see Exodus 21:6; Exodus 22:8, 9), since ye judge on my behalf, "as my representatives" (Deuteronomy 1:17; 2 Chronicles 19:6; Romans 13:1, 2). And all of you are children of the Most High. Not therefore "gods" in the strictest sense, but possessing a derived, and so a qualified, divinity.
While God bestows a lofty title—"gods" and "sons of the Most High"—on earthly judges, this isn't an endorsement of their power but a reminder that their authority is derived and temporary. It highlights the profound responsibility and accountability that comes with wielding divine-like authority, even if they forget their human frailty.
The psalmist has been addressing earthly rulers, the judges and princes of Israel, acknowledging the high authority God has given them. This verse declares that God Himself has bestowed upon them the title "gods" and "sons of the Most High" because they represent His justice and rule in His stead. However, this lofty designation is not an excuse for their corrupt and unjust practices, which the psalm will soon address.
The psalmist has been addressing earthly rulers, the judges and princes of Israel, acknowledging the high authority God has given them. This verse declares that God Himself has bestowed upon them the title "gods" and "sons of the Most High" because they represent His justice and rule in His stead. However, this lofty designation is not an excuse for their corrupt and unjust practices, which the psalm will soon address.
"I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.”" — While God bestows a lofty title—"gods" and "sons of the Most High"—on earthly judges, this isn't an endorsement of their power but a reminder that their authority is derived and temporary. It highl…
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Last reviewed October 2026