Psalm 82:6 in Hebrew

[DiddyDon]

Can anyone translate Plasms 82:6?

Ps 82:6
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
KJV

Could he be speaking of kings or priests?

[HaNotsri]

אֲנִי-אָמַרְתִּי, אֱלֹהִים אַתֶּם; וּבְנֵי עֶלְיוֹן כֻּלְּכֶם

Ani-amar'ti, elohim atem; u'vnei Elyon kul'chem

It says "I said, you are God-like; and all of of you are children of the Almighty."

Atem the plural of the word atah or "you."

The word that is used for God-like or gods (in your translation) is simply Elohim, which is a name of God. Some people believe that Elohim is plural for El (a name of God) or Eloha. I don't think it should be translated as "gods" as it could suggest that Elohim refers to a polytheistic religious system. We of course don't believe in that. And of course it's not saying that we are God. Because that would be in conflict with everything both Jews and Christians believe. I think it's referring to being "God-like," as we strive to be holy in our daily lives in accordance with our faith in Him and His Will.

The word that is used for children, is literally rendered "sons." That is the word b'nei. The word ben is son. But in most classical literature and the Bible the word b'nei is translated as children...like B'nei Yisrael (the children of Israel).

The word Elyon is often used in reference to God. It doesn't mean the "Most High" literally. It's usually translated as "Almighty"

Kul'chem is the word kol which means "all," with the suffix ...chem, with makes it plural and referring to a specific group. In this case it's the "you" that is presented in the word atem at the beginning.

I think the subject of this is the adas-El or "congregation of God" that is listed at the beginning of the chapter. At that time, that would be the Jewish people. They were probably in rebellion (surprise, surprise). God was relating them to beings of great importance because they should know God. He has been with them. They should be the light to the nations as they were called to be, but they were not fulfilling that task. They were falling away. Just because they had that standing with God as being k'ishon eino (the apple of His eye), it does not mean that they won't be judged. For God is the Dayan haEmes (the true Judge...that's not in the Psalm) of ALL the nations.

[DiddyDon]

Thank you. I see you are messianic. Are you also a trinitarian? I ask because most Messianics are triniarian. How does one go from Jewish belief of one God to trinitarian?

[HaNotsri]

God is God and He has never changed. When I speak about God I am talking about all aspects of Him (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). I think as long as we understand the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have distinct roles or missions but are all the same person that's what is important. Not the etymology of the word "trinity."

[~Nikki~]

I have heard that the word elohim is used for G-d, gods, judges, authorities...and that it doesn't always specifically refer to YHWH...

I can't give more info at the moment though as I'm still researching it for myself...:o :sorry:

[DiddyDon]

Do the Priests (forgive my ignorance of the Jewsh faith) have the original translations?

[HaNotsri]

northstar,

You are correct indeed. I speaking mainly to the context of the verse. The term Elohim probably was used to refer to divine spirits or beings, multiple gods, and positions of power in Ancient Israel. But in the context of the verse, the writer is trying to show the people that they are of special quality and must lead Holy lives. That's why I suggest it should be rendered God-like or like God

[HaNotsri]

The translation has been brought down from year to year and doesn't change. A sofer (a scribe) who writes the Torah scroll has to be stringent in his copying of the Torah. Every word, EVERY letter has to be written a certain way and perfected. Not one letter can change otherwise its a valid scroll. That's how they keep the Torah consisten. The Torah we have today is the same one Moses wrote down thousands of years ago