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Psalm 82
Contemporary English Version

(A psalm by Asaph.)

Please Do Something, God!

1 When all the other gods[a]
    have come together,
the Lord God judges them
    and says:
2 “How long will you
keep judging unfairly
    and favoring evil people?
3 Be fair to the poor
    and to orphans.
Defend the helpless
    and everyone in need.
4 Rescue the weak and homeless
from the powerful hands
    of heartless people.

5 “None of you know
    or understand a thing.
You live in darkness,
while the foundations
    of the earth tremble.[b]

6 (A) “I, the Most High God, say
that all of you are gods[c]
    and also my own children.
7 But you will die,
just like everyone else,
    including powerful rulers.”

8 Do something, God!
Judge the nations of the earth;
    they belong to you.

Footnotes

  1. 82.1 the other gods: This probably refers to the gods of the nations that God defeated, but it could refer to God's servants (angels) in heaven or even to human rulers.
  2. 82.5 foundations … tremble: In ancient times it was believed that the earth was flat and supported by columns.
  3. 82.6 all of you are gods: See the note at 82.1.
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Psalm 82
New International Version

Psalm 82

A psalm of Asaph.

1 God presides in the great assembly;
    he renders judgment(A) among the “gods”:(B)

2 “How long will you[a] defend the unjust
    and show partiality(C) to the wicked?[b](D)
3 Defend the weak and the fatherless;(E)
    uphold the cause of the poor(F) 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.(G)
    They walk about in darkness;(H)
    all the foundations(I) of the earth are shaken.

6 “I said, ‘You are “gods”;(J)
    you are all sons of the Most High.’
7 But you will die(K) like mere mortals;
    you will fall like every other ruler.”

8 Rise up,(L) O God, judge(M) the earth,
    for all the nations are your inheritance.(N)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 82:2 The Hebrew is plural.
  2. Psalm 82:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
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