My Neville GoddardNeville Goddard on Psalms 82:1
Executive Summary
Neville Goddard teaches that Psalms 82:1 is a profound statement about our true identity. The verse declares that we are gods, members of a divine council, yet we are destined to 'die like men.' This contrast is key, as it implies our essential nature is not human. He also points to the original Hebrew, where the plural word 'Elohim' is used for both the singular 'God' and the plural 'gods,' reinforcing this shared divine identity. Neville suggests that the true meaning of this passage, which scholars find difficult, can only be understood through vision.
Key Concepts
- Your true identity is divine; you are one of the 'gods' in the divine council.
- The statement that you will 'die like men' implies that you are not, by nature, men.
- The Hebrew word 'Elohim' is used for both 'God' and 'gods' in the verse, indicating a unified divine being.
- The profound meaning of this scripture is revealed through inner vision, not intellectual scholarship alone.
Detailed Explanation
Neville Goddard’s interpretation of Psalms 82:1 centers on the revelation of humanity's true, divine identity. The verse begins, “God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment.” Neville explains that we are these 'gods' in the divine assembly. This is not a metaphor but a statement of our essential being.
The critical insight comes from the verse's conclusion: “I say, ‘Ye are gods, all of you – sons of the Most High.’ Nevertheless, you will die like men.” Neville argues that if we were truly men, the phrase 'you will die like men' would be meaningless and redundant. The statement's logic implies that the beings addressed are not men by nature but are divine beings who have taken on the experience of human mortality.
Further evidence for this shared divinity is found in the original Hebrew. The word translated as both the singular 'God' and the plural 'gods' is 'Elohim,' a plural noun. This linguistic detail underscores the idea that the one God is a unity of the many 'gods' who form the divine council. Neville notes that this passage is considered one of the most difficult in the Bible for scholars to decipher, precisely because its truth is not accessible through intellect but must be experienced through vision.
Important Quotes
God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment…
— The Most Precious Gift
I say, You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you, nevertheless, you will die like men.
— Revelation Of Purpose
If you are men when addressed, then the sentence, “You will die like men,” is without meaning.
— Revelation Of Purpose
The word translated “God” and “gods” is the same word there – “Elohim.”
— The Most Precious Gift
Common Misunderstandings
A common misunderstanding is to read the phrase 'you will die like men' as a simple statement of fact about human mortality. Neville corrects this by explaining that it is a conditional statement that reveals our true nature; its meaning lies in the implication that we are not men, but gods experiencing a human death.
Practical Applications
The provided source material focuses entirely on the theological and interpretive meaning of Psalms 82:1. It does not contain information on how to practically apply this understanding in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Neville say the phrase 'you will die like men' implies?
It implies that we are not men by nature. If we were, the statement would be redundant and have no meaning.
What is the significance of the word 'Elohim' in this verse?
Elohim is a plural Hebrew word used for both the singular 'God' and the plural 'gods' in the same passage, which Neville uses to show a shared, unified divine identity.
Why do scholars find this verse difficult to understand, according to Neville?
He states that its true meaning can only be grasped through vision or divine revelation, not through intellectual scholarship alone.
Ask Neville about Psalms 82:1
Find every place Neville interpreted this verse and ask how it connects to his teaching. Create a free account to begin.
Start chatting →