“Ye are gods” compiled by Akande Happy
Psalms 82:6 says:
“I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” (KJB)
To understand this verse, let’s look at the context. Psalm 82 is a psalm written by Asaph, and it’s a call to justice and a rebuke to those who are in positions of power but are not using their authority justly.
In verse 1, we see that God is standing in the “congregation of the mighty” (or the assembly of gods), and He’s judging among them. The “gods” here are not referring to actual deities but rather to rulers, judges, or leaders who have been given authority and power.
The word “gods” is also used for human judges or rulers. Compare the two verses below:
Exodus 22:28 Thou shalt not REVILE the gods, nor CURSE the RULER of thy people.
Revile=curse; gods=Ruler
Acts 23:5 Then said Paul, “I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, ‘Thou shalt not SPEAK EVIL of the RULER of thy people.
In verses 2-4, God is rebuking these leaders for being unjust and not doing what is right. He’s saying that they’re not doing their job, which is to defend the poor, the fatherless, and the needy.
Then, in verse 6, God says, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” This is not saying that these leaders are actually divine beings. Rather, it’s saying that they’ve been given a position of authority and power that is similar to God’s authority and power. They’re acting as representatives of God, and they’re supposed to reflect His character and justice.
However, in verse 7, we see that this “god-like” status is not a guarantee of their salvation or eternal life. In fact, God says, “But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.” In other words, these leaders are not above the law, and they will be held accountable for their actions.
So, in context, Psalms 82:6 is not saying that humans can become gods or that we’re all equal to God. Rather, it’s highlighting the responsibility that comes with being in a position of authority and power. We’re called to act justly and reflect God’s character, but we’re still human and will be held accountable for our actions.
Jesus references this verse in John 10:34-36, where He’s arguing with the Pharisees about His claim to be the Son of God. He quotes Psalms 82:6 and says, “If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?” Jesus is essentially saying that if the scripture can call others “gods” (in the sense of being representatives of God), how can they accuse Him of blasphemy for calling Himself the Son of God?
The idea that Christians are somehow elevated to a level of “godhood” or deserve to be worshiped is a serious error and a significant heresy. This teaching should be firmly rejected and countered. Scripture is clear that worship is reserved solely for God (Matthew 4:10; Exodus 34:14; Luke 4:8), and we see examples of both apostles and angels refusing worship, showing that it is not to be given to anyone else.
Peter rejected worship (Acts 10:25-26)
Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and WORSHIPPED HIM.
Acts 10:26 But Peter took him up, saying, STAND UP; I myself also am a man.
Paul and Barnabas rejected worship (Acts 14:8-18)
Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and WOULD HAVE DONE SACRIFICE WITH THE PEOPLE.
Acts 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they RENT THEIR CLOTHES, and ran in among the people, crying out,
Acts 14:15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? WE ALSO ARE MEN OF LIKE PASSIONS WITH YOU, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
Acts 14:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
Acts 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
Acts 14:18 And with these sayings scarce RESTRAINED THEY THE PEOPLE, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
NB: It’s essential to distinguish between worship that honors men for a supernatural occurrence and bowing down as a sign of respect, appreciation, or as a cultural greeting. These are two distinct concepts. Bowing as a greeting is not the same as worship.
Below are examples:
Abraham bowed to the Children of Heth.
Genesis 23:7 And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.
Genesis 23:12 And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.
Jacob and his family bowed to Esau after the long friction between them.
Genesis 33:3 And he passed over before them, and BOWED HIMSELF to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
Genesis 33:6 Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they BOWED THEMSELVES.
Genesis 33:7 And Leah also with her children came near, and BOWED THEMSELVES: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they BOWED THEMSELVES.
Joseph’s brothers bowed to Joseph as a ruler in Egypt.
Genesis 43:26 And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and BOWED THEMSELVES TO HIM to the earth.
Genesis 43:28 And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they BOWED DOWN THEIR HEADS, AND MADE OBEISANCE.
Ruth bowed to Boaz in appreciation.
Ruth 2:10 Then she FELL ON HER FACE, and BOWED HERSELF TO THE GROUND, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
Angels reject worship.
Revelation 19:10 And I FELL AT HIS FEET TO WORSHIP HIM. And he said unto me, SEE THOU DO IT NOT: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Revelation 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I FELL DOWN TO WORSHIP BEFORE THE FEET OF THE ANGEL which shewed me these things.
Revelation 22:9 Then saith he unto me, SEE THOU DO IT NOT: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
In conclusion:
The term “gods” has various meanings in Scripture. In Psalm 82, it refers to rulers who are meant to represent God, exercising sound judgment and righteousness among God’s people. This is not about saints claiming to be like God or deserving of worship. Rather, we are God’s children and servants, called to yield to His will and submit to the mercy of our sovereign God.
Compiled by Akande Happy
Partly sourced from Meta AI.
Image credit: Gemini AI
