Bible Strands
Psalms 82:1
A Psalm of Asaph. God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalm is attributed to Asaph and depicts Yahweh taking His stand in the divine assembly to render judgment among the gods. This judicial scene immediately precedes a direct rebuke of those same figures for their unjust rulings and partiality toward the wicked.
The words — The Hebrew verb נִצָּ֥ב (ni.Tzav) literally means "[is] taking his stand," depicting God assuming a judicial posture. The noun אֱלֹהִ֗ים ('elo.Him) appears twice in the verse, first for the presiding God and second for the divine beings among whom He judges.
The thread — The designation of beings as "gods" recurs in Psalms 82:6, where God declares, “You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.” Jesus later cites this same passage in John 10:35 to affirm the unbreakable authority of Scripture.
Why it lands — The text establishes that human judges operate under divine oversight and will be held accountable for their decisions. It requires readers to reject partiality and align their authority with the standard of God's impartial justice.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.
Cross-references
- John 10:35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken—
- 2 Chronicles 19:6 Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment.
- Psalms 82:6 I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’
- Isaiah 3:13 The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.
- Psalms 58:11 Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!”
- Ecclesiastes 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them.
- Psalms 138:1 Of David. I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.
- Exodus 21:6 then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life.
- Exodus 22:28 You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
- Exodus 18:21 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.