The Controversial Truth Behind 'You Are Gods' in Psalm 82

Who are the "gods" in the "divine council" in Psalm 82? Latter-day Saints (Mormons) claim that we are "gods in embryo," and frequently use Psalm 82 to support that belief. But does the phrase "You are gods" really mean that we have divine potential?

Psalm 82:6 says, "I said, 'You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you'". In this video, I explain the two major Evangelical Christian interpretations of this text, and why neither of these fit with the LDS understanding of Psalm 82. Regardless of if these "gods" are human rulers or heavenly beings—neither support the notion that humans can progress to become gods.

When we interpret the Bible, it's important to bring the entirety of it to help us understand difficult texts. John 10 is a clear interpretation (by Jesus) of Psalm 82 and should inform how we read that text.

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#Bible #biblestudy #Psalms #exegesis #lds #christian #GodLovesMormons #mormon #apologetics #god #theology #thinkcelestial #christianity

[Marisa-yfvc]

I'm so glad you did a video on this! Thanks for linking the John 10 video too

[Imtryingtobelikejesus-mm]

General conference this weekend. April 6th and 7th. 1000 and 2:00. Watch with an open mind and ask for the spirit to be with you.

[traymac]

I've studied under Dr. Heiser for many years, and I know his views pretty well (I also agree with Heiser's Biblical analysis of Psalm 82). You are correct in saying that his view is definitely NOT what Mormons take it for. In fact, Dr. Heiser released several scholarly publications many years ago debunking Mormonism and how their view of God is wrong according to the Bible. He's done this to make sure Mormons don't take his work as a license to spread their false teachings. Heiser has also defended the Biblical view of God against Mormonism publically many times over the years.

[BNichols]

Great thoughts. I think there’s enough in Psalm 82 alone (without considering John 10) to conclude that these are not the same type of being as God Himself.

• They are morally flawed
• They lack understanding
• They are “sons of the Most High”
• They are mortal beings and will die
• They are subject to God’s authority

Also noteworthy that verse 8 seems to contrast God’s judgment of the earth with the unrighteousness judgment over the earth from these other ‘gods.’

[Imtryingtobelikejesus-mm]

Let us not focus on our differences this Easter season. Being Good Friday today, I have been reflecting on my relationship with the Savior. He is my Savior as he is yours. I will forever be grateful for his Atonement, that we may all be forgiven of our sins and become perfected in him. He lives and loves all of us.

[kraffty]

I appreciate your interpretation. I tend to agree. 👍🏼

[jrhawk]

Most evangelicals dont take the heavenly host view, they view them as humans.

[Imtryingtobelikejesus-mm]

He lives! How Glorious that our Savior died for us and he lives again.

[truthbebold]

This is my first video from your channel. My first reaction was "oh, he's the LDS view" but you seemed to be too comfortable with the Bible to be LDS. Then I suspected that you were about to parrot Dr Heiser's views. Now, after watching all the way through, I can say that it was refreshing to hear someone avoid the sensational trap that Heiser fell into and was able to have a more grounded position on Ps 82.

[lordofthedrumz]

I think the correct "interpretation" (or better said "understanding") is somewhere in the middle of the points of you that you are presenting. Thanks for your thoughts. I enjoyed this one.

[danielwadding]

The reason he is confused is he hasn’t said David’s name once. That’s David, remember that In David’s time they worshipped Bail and many Gods and David was explaining how they are no good to worship only God can can actually help you ❤ it’s a lovely Psalm of Praise to Jesus or God

[UnderTheFloor]

The judges that Moses appointed to help him were called Elohim later in Exodus I believe. Psalm 82 is poetic and is referring to the judges filling that same office.

[chelsea_nicole_drums]

Such a helpful explanation, thank you!!

[joJo]

Est-ce que cela pourrait s’appliquer aux deux? Anges déchus et juges humains? 🤔

[beaumccraney]

Council in Heaven before the world is support of Latter-day Saint doctrine of pre-existence. These verses also indicate that we are all gods in embryo. Like Jesus we will all “die like men, ”but our potential is limitless. Otherwise we are damned- unable to progress. Clear biblical evidence to LDS doctrine.

[AdamEyers]

Which is easier to say “ye are gods” or Ephesians 4:13?

[StarLander]

there could be two theories one is a token, is the term used in literature and is more of figurative in nature, is that the term "gods" is rather a metaphoric or poetic language meaning beings of higher order, for example, poets romantically use the term gods not in the literal sense, but rather to impress upon the world how man is, as being near to the divine, Walt Whitman for instance has a poem talking about men to be his gods, ...

The other theory is what I call a cross over from the Hebrew translators (which I tend to believe, by reflection of the meaning of the Hebrew), Is more focused on the word "elohim" which can also mean human judges.as it is used also in Exodus 22: 8 seeing how elohim is translatied as judges...likewise where ever human judges is found in other places, elohim is also used.

Subsequently if it be the latter, it could mean that the king James translators took the meaning of elohim to mean gods instead of judges in PS 82 because the hebrew word elohim can also be used to mean gods and is even used when talking about pagan gods, Elohim of course is also the word for God in Hebrew.

Now if the translation of elohim was placed as "gods" instead of human judges, which elohim is seen by the Hebrew form of the same word that could mean God, gods or human judges, as in the text of the O.T, Subsequently then, it could be that when the king James translators of the New Testament came to John 10, as there were 46 translators of the 1611 bible at the time ....those whose job it was the New Testament Greek translation, simply incorporated, or should I say took from the already translated O.T English of PS 82 into John 10. in the which, if the passage meant human judges in PS 82, then I think that Jesus was pointing out to the Jews about how men of God, or anointed ones, and even son's of God, were of the divine order, and that Jesus in like manner, was making a comparison to this effect, that he was the Son of God. or perhaps better said, to be of divine origin. the Word made flesh. and etc.

[JackSonOfJohn]

I love the shot of the temple at the beginning. The Chirch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's true church. God has shown me in His power that the 12 Apostles who lead the church are called by Him to guide us in these last days. It is His church organized as it existed anciently in His day with 12 apostles, a presidency (a la Peter, James, and John) a seventy, bishops, priests, teachers, deacons, am organization to care for the sick, poor, and needy.

Too many have their interpretation of scripture but only apostles and prophets have the authority to interpret scripture. Its why he's called them today.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

[hbendzulla]

What do you like what you are explaining, it makes a lot of sense. Most powerful. God is in reality. Hard to comprehend, how powerful he is. Thanks thanks bro.

[CMA]

It’s one thing to say, “I believe this is The Truth.” It’s another to say, “This is The Truth.” Humans regularly confuse the two.