Psalms 82:2
Psalms 82:2 in Multiple Translations
“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
How long will ye judge unjustly, And respect the persons of the wicked? [Selah
How long will you go on judging falsely, having respect for the persons of evil-doers? (Selah.)
How long will you make unfair judgments and show favoritism to the wicked? Selah.
How long wil ye iudge vniustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
Till when do ye judge perversely? And the face of the wicked lift up? Selah.
“How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?” Selah.
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
O God, who shall be like to thee? hold not thy peace, neither be thou still, O God.
“You must [RHQ] stop judging people unfairly; you must no longer make decisions that favor wicked people! (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 82:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 82:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַד
מָתַ֥י
תִּשְׁפְּטוּ
עָ֑וֶל
וּ/פְנֵ֥י
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
תִּשְׂאוּ
סֶֽלָה
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מָתַ֥י
mâthay
H4970
how
Part
תִּשְׁפְּטוּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
עָ֑וֶל
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
N-cs
וּ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | N-cp
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
תִּשְׂאוּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 82:2
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מָתַ֥י
mâthay
H4970
"how"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'when' or 'how long', often used to ask about time or duration, like in Genesis when asking how long a task will take.
Definition: 1) when? 1a) with prep 1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: long, when. See also: Genesis 30:30; Psalms 101:2; Psalms 6:4.
תִּשְׁפְּטוּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
עָ֑וֶל
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
וּ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
תִּשְׂאוּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 82:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 82:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 82:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 82:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 82:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 82:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 82:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 82:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 82:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 82:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 82:2
- Sermons on Psalms 82:2
Context — God Presides in the Divine Assembly
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 1:17 | Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:5 | Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. |
| 3 | Psalms 58:1–2 | Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth. |
| 4 | Exodus 10:3 | So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him, “This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, so that they may worship Me. |
| 5 | Galatians 2:6 | But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism —those leaders added nothing to me. |
| 6 | Leviticus 19:15 | You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 19:7 | And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” |
| 8 | 1 Kings 18:21 | Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. |
| 9 | Psalms 62:3 | How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you throw him down like a leaning wall or a tottering fence? |
| 10 | Matthew 17:17 | “O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.” |
Psalms 82:2 Summary
[This verse is a call to those in power to stop being unfair and to start treating everyone with justice and kindness, as God commands in Psalms 82:3-4 and Proverbs 31:8-9. It's a reminder that God sees everything and will hold us accountable for how we treat others, as seen in Romans 2:11 and Acts 10:34. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves and to treat others with the same respect and dignity that we want for ourselves, as Jesus teaches in Mark 12:31 and Luke 10:25-37. By doing so, we reflect God's heart of justice and compassion, and bring glory to His name.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?
To judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked means to unfairly favor those who do evil, rather than upholding justice and righteousness, as God commands in Deuteronomy 10:17 and Leviticus 19:15. This is a serious offense against God's character and will.
Who is being addressed in this verse?
The verse is addressing those in positions of power and authority, who are responsible for upholding justice and righteousness, but are instead perverting justice and favoring the wicked, as seen in Isaiah 1:23 and Ezekiel 22:12.
What is the significance of the word 'Selah' at the end of this verse?
The word 'Selah' is a Hebrew term that means 'pause' or 'rest', and is often used in the Psalms to indicate a moment of reflection or contemplation, as seen in Psalms 3:2 and Psalms 24:6. It invites the reader to stop and consider the weight of God's words.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is concerned with justice and righteousness, and that we are called to uphold these values in our own lives, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 21:3. We are to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, and to speak out against injustice and oppression.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be judging unjustly or showing partiality to the wicked in my own life, and how can I repent and change?
- How can I use my own position and influence to uphold justice and righteousness, and to defend the cause of the weak and fatherless?
- What are some areas in my community or world where injustice and oppression are prevalent, and how can I pray and work to bring about change and restoration?
- In what ways can I reflect God's heart of justice and compassion in my daily interactions and relationships, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46 and James 1:27?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 82:2
How long will ye judge unjustly,.... These are the words not of the psalmist, but of the divine Person that stands in the congregation of the mighty, and judges among the gods; calling the unjust
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 82:2
How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 82:2
The psalmist speaketh to them in God’ s name, and reproves them for their continued and resolved unrighteousness in their public administrations. Accept the persons, by overlooking the merits of the cause, and giving sentence according to your respect or affection to the person.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 82:2
Psalms 82:2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.Ver. 2. How long will ye judge unjustly] viz. Through a cyclopical contempt of God’ s severity. Ne pecces, Deus ipse videt. Will ye represent and express God to the world as a corrupt, crooked, and unrighteous judge? And accept the persons of the wicked?] Heb. lift up their faces, and show them more favour than others that are much more honest? Barabbas oft is released, and Christ crucified. Alter habet aequum, sed alter habebit aequum, said that partial emperor, This man hath the right on his side, but the other shall carry the cause, for all that.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 82:2
(2-4) These verses contain the rebuke addressed by the supreme judge to those abusing the judicial office and function.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 82:2
Verse 2. Accept the persons of the wicked?] "Lift up their faces," encourage them in their oppressions. Selah.] "Mark this:" ye do it, and sorely shall ye suffer for it.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 82:2
2–4. God speaks, arraigning the judges for injustice and partiality, and bidding them perform their duties faithfully.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 82:2
How long will ye judge unjustly - literally, Judge evil. This is designed, evidently, to denote the prevailing character of the magistrates at the time when the psalm was written.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 82:2
2. How long will ye judge unjustly—God, who stands in the assembly, speaks to the ministers of justice.
Sermons on Psalms 82:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holl-09 Israel in the Cosmic Drama by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a prophetic perspective that considers eternity and its impact on the present. He calls out the church in Holland to |
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David's Prayer for Relief by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith shares the story of how God transformed the lives of 10 men, including Greg Laurie, Raul Rees, Mike McIntosh, John Corson, and Skip Heitzig, who |
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God’s War on Poverty and Riches by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon titled "God's War on Poverty and Riches," Dr. J. Vernon McGee discusses the concept of poverty and riches from a biblical perspective. He highlights that God is not |
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Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 5.-- Thursday by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches on the importance of maintaining peace, love, and discipline within the Church, emphasizing the need to correct and punish those who cause unrest or disobedien |
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Epistle 103 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of staying within God's boundaries and fearing Him to receive divine wisdom, enabling believers to order their lives to glorify God and ref |
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The Character of Samson by L.E. Maxwell | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible and highlights the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that Samson, despite his great strength, was ov |
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Protect Your Testimony by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos emphasizes the importance of protecting one's testimony, which encompasses not only the story of salvation but also the ongoing work of God in our lives. He warns |