Tim Collinson Tim Collinson

http://www.gotquestions.org/you-are-gods.html

Question: "What does the Bible mean by 'you are gods' / 'ye are gods' in Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34?"

Answer: Let’s start with a look at Psalm 82, the psalm that Jesus quotes in John 10:34. The Hebrew word translated “gods” in Psalm 82:6 is Elohim. It usually refers to the one true God, but it does have other uses. Psalm 82:1 says, “God presides in the great assembly; he gives judgment among the gods.” It is clear from the next three verses that the word “gods” refers to magistrates, judges, and other people who hold positions of authority and rule. Calling a human magistrate a “god” indicates three things: 1) he has authority over other human beings, 2) the power he wields as a civil authority is to be feared, and 3) he derives his power and authority from God Himself, who is pictured as judging the whole earth in verse 8.

This use of the word “gods” to refer to humans is rare, but it is found elsewhere in the Old Testament. For example, when God sent Moses to Pharaoh, He said, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh” (Exodus 7:1). This simply means that Moses, as the messenger of God, was speaking God’s words and would therefore be God’s representative to the king. The Hebrew word Elohim is translated “judges” in Exodus 21:6 and 22:8, 9, and 28.

The whole point of Psalm 82 is that earthly judges must act with impartiality and true justice, because even judges must stand someday before the Judge. Verses 6 and 7 warn human magistrates that they, too, must be judged: “I said, `You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.' But you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler.” This passage is saying that God has appointed men to positions of authority in which they are considered as gods among the people. They are to remember that, even though they are representing God in this world, they are mortal and must eventually give an account to God for how they used that authority.

Now, let’s look at how Jesus uses this passage. Jesus had just claimed to be the Son of God (John 10:25-30). The unbelieving Jews respond by charging Jesus with blasphemy, since He claimed to be God (verse 33). Jesus then quotes Psalm 82:6, reminding the Jews that the Law refers to mere men—albeit men of authority and prestige—as “gods.” Jesus’ point is this: you charge me with blasphemy based on my use of the title “Son of God”; yet your own Scriptures apply the same term to magistrates in general. If those who hold a divinely appointed office can be considered “gods,” how much more can the One whom God has chosen and sent (verses 34-36)?

In contrast, we have the serpent’s lie to Eve in the Garden. His statement, “your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5), was a half-truth. Their eyes were opened (verse 7), but they did not become like God. In fact, they lost authority, rather than gaining it. Satan deceived Eve about her ability to become like the one true God, and so led her into a lie. Jesus defended His claim to be the Son of God on biblical and semantic grounds—there is a sense in which influential men can be thought of as gods; therefore, the Messiah can rightly apply the term to Himself. Human beings are not “gods” or “little gods.” We are not God. God is God, and we who know Christ are His children.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/you-are-gods.html#ixzz2YXOCYNjw

© S Michael Houdman

July 08 2013 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Chris Eleam Chris Eleam

Very good question Fanny, The scriptures in question Psalm 8 was applied to Jesus, how do we know this? Jesus application of this expression to himself clearly showed that God’s Son was now indeed a human, having become flesh. (Jon 1:14) having ‘come to be out of a woman’ through his conception and birth to the Jewish virgin Mary. (Ga 4:4; Lu 1:34-36) Hence he had not simply materialized a human body as angels had previously done; he was not an incarnation but was actually a ‘son of mankind’ through his human mother.—Compare 1Jo 4:2,3


For this reason the apostle Paul could apply Psalm 8 as prophetic of Jesus Christ. In his letter to the Hebrews (2:5-9), Paul quoted the verses reading: “What is mortal man [ʼenohsh′] that you keep him in mind, and the son of earthling man [ben-ʼa•dham′] that you take care of him? You also proceeded to make him a little less than godlike ones [“a little lower than angels,” at Hebrews 2:7], and with glory and splendor you then crowned him. You make him dominate over the works of your hands; everything you have put under his feet.” (Ps 8:4-6; compare Ps 144:3.) Paul shows that, to fulfill this prophetic psalm, Jesus indeed was made “a little lower than angels,” becoming actually a mortal “son of earthling man,” that he might die as such and thereby “taste death for every man,” thereafter being crowned with glory and splendor by his Father, who resurrected him.—Heb 2:8, 9; compare Heb 2:14; Php 2:5-9

July 07 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Bellamy

One by the name Creflo Dollar comes to mind. I actually heard him say during one of his messages that we are little gods. Ken Copeland has really driven the idea as well. Brother Mark nailed this question also. It really is the opposite of why God created us in the beginning. God created us to worship Him, not because he somehow needed us. I can't stand when I hear so-called men of God say things like God won't come down and respond to our circumstances unless we give him permission. It is all hogwash. We were created in his image, but we are far from little gods

July 08 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Olugbenga Joseph Ojo

Whatever come out of God can't be less than God; That which is born of the spirit is spirit .

July 08 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Leon Penny Minister, Retired medical practioner. Special interest in

There is only One Sovereign God. Gods can only begat Gods. Believers are in the family of God. We are lesser children of God.

July 09 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Mark Galinsky

The Word of Faith heresy begins with making man bigger and God smaller. By saying men are little gods, big God has to do what man "claims" because man is a little god.

July 08 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report