Psalm 82:6 — I said, You are gods
In Psalm 82:6, we encounter one of the most intriguing and challenging verses in the Bible:
“I said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’“ — Psalm 82:6 (NIV)
This statement has sparked centuries of debate. What did God mean when He said “You are gods”? How does this verse fit into the broader context of Scripture? And how does it align with the idea that we are made in the image of God?
Multiple Translations of Psalm 82:6
To better understand the nuance of this verse, let’s compare translations:
- AMP — I said, “You are gods; Indeed, all of you are sons of the Most High.”
- KJV — I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
- NKJV — I said, “You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High.”
- NIV — I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’
- ASV — I said, Ye are gods, And all of you sons of the Most High.
- The Message — “I commissioned you judges, each one of you, deputies of the High God, But you’ve betrayed your commission and now you’re stripped of your rank, busted.”
Understanding the Context
Psalm 82 is a call to justice. God stands in the divine council, addressing human judges (or possibly spiritual beings), rebuking them for injustice, and reminding them of their high calling.
Verse 6 highlights the divine authority given to humanity — not that we are God, but that we are entrusted with responsibilities reflecting His nature.
The Names of God and Their Purposes
In understanding our identity, it helps to explore the various names of God used in Scripture, each revealing aspects of His character:
- Elohim — Creator, Mighty and Strong
- Yahweh (Jehovah) — The Self-Existent, Eternal One
- El Shaddai — God Almighty
- Adonai — Lord, Master
- Jehovah Jireh — The Lord Will Provide
- Jehovah Rapha — The Lord Who Heals
- Jehovah Nissi — The Lord Our Banner
- Jehovah Shalom — The Lord Is Peace
Christ Consciousness and Being Made in His Image
Some spiritual interpretations see Psalm 82:6 as an invitation toward Christ Consciousness — living fully aligned with divine love, truth, and compassion.
If we are made in the image of God (Imago Dei), we carry His creative spark and moral responsibility. Recognizing this is not about pride, but about humbly reflecting His character in the world.
Diagram — The Names of God
This diagram illustrates the interconnectedness of God’s attributes, and how they reflect in the lives of His people.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you to be called a “son” or “daughter” of the Most High?
- How might your daily life change if you truly believed you were made in God’s image?
- In what ways can you live out divine justice, mercy, and humility?
- How does Christ’s example shape your understanding of your divine calling?
Final Thoughts
Psalm 82:6 is both a privilege and a challenge. It affirms our dignity as image-bearers of God while reminding us of our responsibility to live out His justice and love.
May we embrace this calling, not as a path to self-exaltation, but as an invitation to reflect the One whose image we bear.