Psalm 82

A Plea for Righteous Judgment

A psalm of Asaph.(A)

God stands in the divine assembly;
he pronounces judgment among the gods:[a](B)
“How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked?(C)Selah
Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.(D)
Rescue the poor and needy;
save them from the power of the wicked.”(E)

They do not know or understand;
they wander in darkness.(F)
All the foundations of the earth are shaken.(G)

I said, “You are gods;(H)
you are all sons of the Most High.(I)
However, you will die like humans
and fall like any other ruler.”(J)

Rise up, God, judge the earth,
for all the nations belong to you.(K)

Footnotes

  1. 82:1 Or the heavenly beings, or the earthly rulers; Hb elohim

Psalm 82

A psalm of Asaph.

82 God takes his stand in the divine council;
    he gives judgment among the gods:
“How long will you judge unjustly
    by granting favor to the wicked? Selah
Give justice to the lowly and the orphan;
    maintain the right of the poor and the destitute!
Rescue the lowly and the needy.
    Deliver them from the power of the wicked!

They don’t know; they don’t understand;
    they wander around in the dark.
    All the earth’s foundations shake.

    I hereby declare, “You are gods,
    children of the Most High—all of you!
But you will die like mortals;
    you will fall down like any prince.”

Rise up, God! Judge the earth
    because you hold all nations in your possession!