You are little gods Bible verse

 "You Are Gods" - Understanding Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34 in Depth

       "You are gods" from Psalm 82:6 and Jesus’ reference to it in John 10:34 has been a topic of much debate. Some interpret it as evidence that humans have divine potential, while others see it as a rebuke of corrupt rulers. To understand this verse properly, we need to analyze its context, meaning in the Old Testament, how Jesus used it, and its implications for believers today.

1. Context of Psalm 82:6

      Psalm 82 is a judgment psalm, where God (Elohim) presides over a council of rulers, referred to as "gods" (elohim). The psalm is a rebuke to these rulers, who are failing in their duty to uphold justice.

Psalm 82:1-8 (NIV)

1. God presides in the great assembly;

he renders judgment among the "gods":

2. “How long will you defend the unjust

and show partiality to the wicked?

3. Defend the weak and the fatherless;

uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.

4. Rescue the weak and the needy;

deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

5. “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing.

They walk about in darkness;

all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6. “I said, ‘You are gods;

you are all sons of the Most High.’

7. But you will die like mere mortals;

you will fall like every other ruler.”

8. Rise up, O God, judge the earth,

for all the nations are your inheritance.

Who Are These "gods"?

● The "gods" (elohim) in this passage refer to human judges or rulers who were given authority by God.

● They were supposed to judge with righteousness, defending the weak and oppressed.

● However, they were corrupt, so God rebukes them and warns them that despite their high position, they will "die like mere mortals."

● The term "gods" does not mean divinity in the same sense as the one true God but refers to their role as representatives of God's authority on earth.

2. Jesus’ Use of Psalm 82:6 in John 10:34

      Jesus references this passage in John 10:34 when responding to the Jewish leaders who accused Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God.

John 10:30-36 (NIV)

30. "I and the Father are one."

31. Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him,

32. but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"

33. "We are not stoning you for any good work," they replied, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."

34. Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are gods'?"

35. "If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—

36. what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?"

Why Did Jesus Quote This Verse?

● The Jewish leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God.

● Jesus countered their accusation by pointing to their own Scriptures, where humans were called "gods" (in the sense of being God’s representatives).

● His argument was: "If human judges can be called ‘gods’ in Scripture, why is it blasphemy for me, the true Son of God, to claim that title?"

● He was not saying that all humans are divine, but rather using rabbinic logic (a lesser-to-greater argument) to show that His claim was reasonable.

3. Misinterpretations of "You Are Gods"

       Many misunderstand this verse and use it in ways that are not biblically sound. Here are some common misinterpretations:

1. Humans Have Divine Power Like God

●  Some claim that this verse means humans are literal gods with divine power, similar to the New Age belief in "godhood."

● However, the Bible is clear that there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10, Deuteronomy 6:4).

● The "gods" in Psalm 82 were not divine beings, but human rulers with God-given authority.

2. We Can Become Gods

● Some religious groups interpret this verse as proof that humans can evolve into gods.

● However, Scripture consistently teaches that God is unique and humans are created beings (Isaiah 44:6).

● Believers will be glorified in Christ, but they will never become gods (Revelation 21:7).

3. Jesus Was Saying He Was Just a Man

● Some skeptics argue that Jesus used this verse to say He was not divine but merely a human like the judges in Psalm 82.

● However, Jesus’ argument actually reinforces His unique Sonship, because He is "the one whom the Father set apart and sent into the world" (John 10:36).

4. The Correct Biblical Interpretation

      To fully understand Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34, we must interpret them in light of the whole Bible and within their proper context.

A. The Meaning of "You Are Gods" in Psalm 82

● The term "gods" (elohim) refers to human judges and rulers who were supposed to act as God’s representatives.

● These rulers were given authority, but they failed in their duty and were rebuked.

● God reminds them that despite their power, they are still mortal and will die like all humans (Psalm 82:7).

● The psalm concludes with a plea for God Himself to judge the earth, showing that ultimate justice belongs to Him alone.

B. Jesus’ Use of Psalm 82:6 in John 10

● Jesus was not teaching that all humans are divine.

● He used the Jewish leaders’ own Scriptures to show that His claim to be the Son of God was not blasphemy.

● The judges in Psalm 82 were given authority, but Jesus is the true Son of God, far greater than them.

● If Scripture can refer to human judges as "gods," then it is even more appropriate for Jesus to call Himself the Son of God.

5. Implications for Believers Today

A. We Are Called to Reflect God's Justice

      Psalm 82 is a call to righteousness. The "gods" in the passage failed in their duty to uphold justice.

● As followers of Christ, we are called to live with integrity, defend the weak, and uphold justice (Micah 6:8).

● This passage reminds us that earthly power is temporary and true justice belongs to God.

B. Jesus Is the True Son of God

      Jesus’ use of Psalm 82:6 highlights His divine identity.

● While human judges were called "gods" metaphorically, Jesus is literally the Son of God.

● His authority is not temporary like the rulers in Psalm 82, but eternal and divine (Revelation 1:8).

C. The Danger of Pride and Corruption

● The judges in Psalm 82 were condemned for their injustice.

● This is a warning that power and authority must be used righteously.

● Human leaders are accountable to God, and those who misuse their power will face judgment.

6. Conclusion: The True Meaning of "You Are Gods"

      The phrase "You are gods" in Psalm 82:6 does not mean that humans are divine like God.

●It refers to human judges and rulers who had God-given authority.

● These rulers were rebuked for their failure to uphold justice and were reminded that they would die like mere mortals.

● Jesus quoted this verse in John 10:34 to show that His claim to be the Son of God was valid, not blasphemous.

Key Takeaways

1. "You are gods" refers to human judges, not divine beings.

2. Jesus used this verse to defend His claim as the true Son of God.

3. Authority comes with responsibility, and leaders are accountable to God.

4. True justice belongs to God, and He will judge righteously.

       Ultimately, Psalm 82 points us to Jesus, the perfect and righteous Judge who will establish God's kingdom with justice and truth.