CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 82:2 "How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/82-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/19_Psa_082_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 82:2 - God Presides in the Divine Assembly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/82-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/82-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/82.htm">Chapter 82</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/82-1.htm" title="Psalm 82:1">◄</a> Psalm 82:2 <a href="/psalms/82-3.htm" title="Psalm 82:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/82.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/82.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/82.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked? Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/82.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/82.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/82.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/82.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/82.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />How long will you judge unjustly And show partiality to the wicked? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/82.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />How long will you judge unjustly And show partiality to the wicked? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/82.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/82.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />How long will you judge unrighteously And show partiality to the wicked? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/82.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />How long will you judge unjustly And show partiality to the wicked? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/82.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/82.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/82.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />How long will ye judge unjustly, And respect the persons of the wicked? [Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/82.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"How long will you keep judging unfairly and favoring evil people? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/82.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />How long will ye judge unjustly, and respect the persons of the wicked? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/82.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"How long are you going to judge unfairly? How long are you going to side with wicked people?" [Selah]<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/82.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"You must stop judging unjustly; you must no longer be partial to the wicked! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/82.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"How long will you judge partially by showing favor on the wicked? Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/82.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/82.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He says, "How long will you make unjust legal decisions and show favoritism to the wicked? (Selah) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/82.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?" Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/82.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/82.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?” Selah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/82.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Until when do you judge perversely? And lift up the face of the wicked? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/82.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Till when do ye judge perversely? And the face of the wicked lift up? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/82.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />How long will ye judge wickedness, and ye will lift up the faces of the unjust? Silence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/82.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />How long will you judge unjustly: and accept the persons of the wicked? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/82.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 81:2>How long will you judge unjustly and favor the faces of sinners?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/82.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“How long will you judge unjustly and favor the cause of the wicked? <i>Selah</i> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/82.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/82.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />How long will you judge unjustly, and be partial to the wicked?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/82.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />How long will you vindicate evil and accept the face of the wicked?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/82.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />How long will ye judge unjustly, And respect the persons of the wicked? Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/82.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />How long will ye judge unrighteously, and accept the persons of sinners? Pause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/82-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=10336" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/82.htm">God Presides in the Divine Assembly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>A Psalm of Asaph. God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods: <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">“How long</a> <a href="/hebrew/4970.htm" title="4970: mā·ṯay (Interrog) -- When?. From an unused root meaning to extend; properly, extent; but used only adverbially, when."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: tiš·pə·ṭū- (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To judge, govern. ">will you judge</a> <a href="/hebrew/5766.htm" title="5766: ‘ā·wel (N-ms) -- Injustice, unrighteousness. Or lavel; and lavlah; or owlah; or.olah; from aval; evil.">unjustly</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: ū·p̄ə·nê (Conj-w:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">and show partiality</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: tiś·’ū- (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">to the wicked?</a> <a href="/hebrew/5542.htm" title="5542: se·lāh (Interjection) -- To lift up, exalt. From calah; suspension, i.e. Pause.">Selah</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a></span><br />Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Proverbs 17:15</a></span><br />Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-1.htm">Micah 3:1-2</a></span><br />Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Isaiah 10:1-2</a></span><br />Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, / to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-27.htm">Ezekiel 22:27-29</a></span><br />Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. / Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken. / The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12</a></span><br />For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Zechariah 7:9-10</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a></span><br />Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Exodus 23:6-7</a></span><br />You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits. / Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-1.htm">James 2:1-4</a></span><br />My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. / Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Luke 11:42</a></span><br />Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-11.htm">Romans 2:11</a></span><br />For God does not show favoritism.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Acts 10:34-35</a></span><br />Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">How long will you judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.</p><p class="hdg">how</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Psalm 62:3</a></b></br> How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall <i>shall ye be, and as</i> a tottering fence.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/10-3.htm">Exodus 10:3</a></b></br> And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a></b></br> And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD <i>be</i> God, follow him: but if Baal, <i>then</i> follow him. And the people answered him not a word.</p><p class="hdg">judge</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1,2</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Exodus 23:6,7</a></b></br> Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a></b></br> Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: <i>but</i> in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.</p><p class="hdg">accept</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/1-17.htm">Deuteronomy 1:17</a></b></br> Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; <i>but</i> ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment <i>is</i> God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring <i>it</i> unto me, and I will hear it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/19-7.htm">2 Chronicles 19:7</a></b></br> Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do <i>it</i>: for <i>there is</i> no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-19.htm">Job 34:19</a></b></br> <i>How much less to him</i> that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all <i>are</i> the work of his hands.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/50-9.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/psalms/74-22.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/psalms/73-17.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/psalms/80-19.htm">Face</a> <a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/psalms/76-9.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/psalms/75-5.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/job/34-19.htm">Partiality</a> <a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-37.htm">Perversely</a> <a href="/psalms/74-20.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/psalms/81-7.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/79-13.htm">Show</a> <a href="/psalms/71-4.htm">Unjust</a> <a href="/job/27-4.htm">Unjustly</a> <a href="/job/13-7.htm">Unrighteously</a> <a href="/psalms/75-10.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/119-108.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/psalms/82-4.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/psalms/84-9.htm">Face</a> <a href="/psalms/89-33.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/psalms/86-4.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Partiality</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/psalms/106-6.htm">Perversely</a> <a href="/psalms/89-39.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/psalms/83-8.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/85-7.htm">Show</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-7.htm">Unjust</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-10.htm">Unjustly</a> <a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Unrighteously</a> <a href="/psalms/82-4.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 82</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">The psalmist, having exhorted the judges</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/82-5.htm">And reproved their negligence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/82-8.htm">Prays God to judge</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/82.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/82.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>How long will you judge unjustly</b><br>This phrase addresses the issue of unjust judgment, a recurring theme in the Bible. In the context of ancient Israel, judges were expected to uphold God's law and ensure justice for all, particularly the vulnerable (<a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a>). The question "How long" implies a period of ongoing injustice, suggesting a call for repentance and change. This echoes the prophetic calls for justice found in <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a> and <a href="/amos/5-24.htm">Amos 5:24</a>. The concept of divine justice is central, as God is portrayed as the ultimate judge who will hold earthly judges accountable (<a href="/psalms/9-7.htm">Psalm 9:7-8</a>).<p><b>and show partiality to the wicked?</b><br>Partiality, or favoritism, is condemned throughout Scripture (<a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a>, <a href="/james/2.htm">James 2:1-9</a>). In the ancient Near Eastern context, judges were often swayed by bribes or social status, leading to corruption. This phrase highlights the moral failure of leaders who favor the wicked, contrary to God's command to defend the rights of the poor and needy (<a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8-9</a>). The wicked, in biblical terms, are those who oppose God's ways, and showing them partiality undermines the moral order God established. This connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's justice prevailing over human corruption (<a href="/psalms/37-28.htm">Psalm 37:28</a>).<p><b>Selah</b><br>The term "Selah" is often found in the Psalms and is thought to be a musical or liturgical pause, inviting reflection on the preceding words. It serves as a moment to contemplate the gravity of unjust judgment and the call for righteousness. In the context of worship, it allows the reader or listener to meditate on God's justice and the need for integrity among leaders. This pause emphasizes the importance of the message and encourages a response of introspection and commitment to justice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate judge who calls out the unjust judges in this Psalm.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/u/unjust_judges.htm">Unjust Judges</a></b><br>Human authorities who are being rebuked for their partiality and injustice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Those who benefit from the unjust judgments and partiality of the judges.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oppressed.htm">The Oppressed</a></b><br>Implicitly present as those who suffer due to the unjust judgments.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/asaph.htm">Asaph</a></b><br>The attributed author of the Psalm, a leader of one of the temple choirs.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_for_justice.htm">The Call for Justice</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to uphold justice in all areas of life, reflecting God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_partiality.htm">Avoiding Partiality</a></b><br>We must be vigilant against favoritism, ensuring that our actions and decisions are fair and unbiased.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_of_leaders.htm">Accountability of Leaders</a></b><br>Those in positions of authority are held to a high standard and must lead with integrity and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regularly assess our own actions and attitudes to ensure they align with God's standards of justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/advocacy_for_the_oppressed.htm">Advocacy for the Oppressed</a></b><br>Actively seek to support and defend those who are marginalized or oppressed.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_82.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 82</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_82_2-4_conflict_with_god's_justice.htm">Does Psalm 82:2–4 conflict with God’s perfect justice by suggesting lesser “gods” are failing to judge rightly? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'you_are_gods'_mean.htm">What does "You are gods" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_82_1_mention_'gods'.htm">Why does Psalm 82:1 refer to “gods” in what is supposed to be a monotheistic text? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_divine_council_concept.htm">What is the Divine Council concept?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/82.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2-4) These verses contain the rebuke addressed by the supreme judge to those abusing the judicial office and function.<p>(2) <span class= "bld">How long?</span>--What a terrible severity in this Divine <span class= "ital">Quousque tandem!</span><p>"The gods<p>Grow <span class= "ital">angry </span>with your patience; this their care,<p>And must be yours, that guilty men escape not;<p>As crimes do grow, justice should rouse itself."<p>BEN JONSON.<p><span class= "bld">Judge unjustly.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">judge iniquity. </span>For the opposite expression see <a href="/psalms/58-1.htm" title="Do you indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do you judge uprightly, O you sons of men?">Psalm 58:1</a>. <a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm" title="You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: you shall not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.">Leviticus 19:15</a>, which lays down the great principle of strictly fair and unbribable justice is evidently in the poet's mind, as is shown by the use of the next clause. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/82.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">How long will ye judge unjustly?</span> "The cry of the impatient Jehovah" (Cheyne); comp. <a href="/exodus/10-3.htm">Exodus 10:3</a>; <a href="/exodus/16-28.htm">Exodus 16:28</a>; <a href="/numbers/14-11.htm">Numbers 14:11, 27</a>. <span class="cmt_word">And accept the persons of the wicked?</span> Accepting men's persons is favouring them unduly on account of their position or outward circumstances. It was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (see <a href="/deuteronomy/1-17.htm">Deuteronomy 1:17</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a>; <a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/82-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“How long</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will you judge</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׁפְּטוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·pə·ṭū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">unjustly</span><br /><span class="heb">עָ֑וֶל</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·wel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5766.htm">Strong's 5766: </a> </span><span class="str2">Injustice, unrighteousness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and show partiality</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the wicked?</span><br /><span class="heb">רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(rə·šā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Selah</span><br /><span class="heb">סֶֽלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(se·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5542.htm">Strong's 5542: </a> </span><span class="str2">Suspension, pause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/82-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 82:2 How long will you judge unjustly (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/82-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 82:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 82:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 82:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 82:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>