Bible Glide

Psalms 82

Psalms 82 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalms 82 presents God as the righteous judge who confronts unjust leaders and calls for fair treatment of the vulnerable. It is a short but forceful psalm about justice, responsibility, and the limits of human authority.

Read in ReaderShare Passage

What happens in Psalms 82?

The psalm opens with God presiding over an assembly and rebuking those who judge unfairly and favor the wicked. He commands them to defend the weak, fatherless, afflicted, and needy, and to rescue them from oppression. The leaders are warned that their failure brings darkness and instability to the world. Though called sons of the Most High, they are reminded that they are mortal and will fall like other rulers. The psalm ends with a plea for God to rise and judge the earth, since all nations belong to Him.

This psalm is part of Book Three of Psalms and is attributed to Asaph. It stands out for its direct call for justice from God toward rulers and judges. In the flow of the Psalms, it joins other prayers and laments that ask God to act when human leadership fails.

Themes to notice

  • Gods JusticeGod stands above every ruler and judges with fairness and truth.
  • Care for the VulnerableTrue justice protects the weak, fatherless, afflicted, and needy.
  • Human LimitsEven powerful leaders are mortal and accountable to God.

Questions for Psalms 82

  • What does this psalm show about God's concern for justice in leadership?
  • Why does the psalm emphasize defending the weak and oppressed?
  • How does the closing prayer shape the way we think about God's rule over the nations?

Read the full text of Psalms 82 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 82

God Presides in the Divine Assembly

A Psalm of Asaph.

1God presides in the divine assembly;

He renders judgment among the gods:

2“How long will you judge unjustly

and show partiality to the wicked?

Selah

3Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;

uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

4Rescue the weak and needy;

save them from the hand of the wicked.

5They do not know or understand;

they wander in the darkness;

all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6I have said, ‘You are gods;

you are all sons of the Most High.’

7But like mortals you will die,

and like rulers you will fall.”

8Arise, O God, judge the earth,

for all the nations are Your inheritance.

Keep studying

Save notes and ask about Psalms 82

Create a free account to keep highlights and notes across devices, or open Bible Glide Chat with this passage already attached.

Create Free AccountAsk About This Passage