Psalms 82:6
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
It’s easy to read Psalms 82 and to quickly justify lesser gods as legitimate gods, and also that humans are gods. Many people do. The intention behind Psalms 82 can be found by reading the chapter, and also by referring to John 10:34, where Jesus refers to the Psalm. Jesus is speaking against his Jewish judges and accusers in John 10:34 when He asks, “Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?” Jesus isn’t applying that to Himself. He is bringing a charge against his Jewish opponents. The people in view are the judges in Israel.
Psalms 82:2 asks, “how long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked?” These judges are called gods because they’re given GOD’s authority to judge amongst the people. They will be judged accordingly by GOD Himself, which is why Psalms 82:7 declares that “ye shall die like men.” If that were applied to Jesus, it would be incorrect.
Thanks to Jesus’ response to the Jews in John 10:34, we can understand that Psalms 82:6 is part of GOD’s perception of the judges of men, who carry themselves as gods among men. Do not confuse this text and apply Psalms 82:6 to your identity as a child of GOD. Do not apply GOD’s judgement of those unjust judges to yourself. Instead, as a reminder of your status as a co-heir in Christ, refer to Romans 8:16-17 :
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Amen.