In a pivotal moment of Jesus’ ministry, He quotes Psalm 82:6 to the Pharisees in John 10:34, stating: “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’?” This statement has long been a source of theological controversy and debate.

Dr. Michael S. Heiser, a renowned biblical scholar specializing in Hebrew language and ancient texts, explains that Psalm 82 describes God addressing a council of divine beings—referred to as “gods”—who are subject to judgment by Him. These entities are not the one true God (Yahweh) but lesser beings who will die like men.

The text further clarifies that in biblical Hebrew context, the term “Elohim” can denote multiple supernatural beings within a spiritual hierarchy, including angels and demons. This understanding resolves longstanding tensions about Jesus’ use of Psalm 82:6 to assert His divinity without implying equivalence with human judges.

Heiser notes that when Jesus quotes this verse, He is using the Pharisees’ own scripture to challenge their interpretation of divine authority. The Pharisees, who traditionally view the verse as referring to human judges, fail to recognize the divine council context intended by Jesus.

Additionally, Dr. Heiser recounts an anecdote from his academic experience at a conference in Edinburgh where he met Professor Nicholas Wyatt, a Ugaritic scholar, who expressed enthusiasm for his interpretation of Psalm 82.