Meaning of Numbers: The Number 82
The possible meaning of the number 82 in the Bible is derived from its use in the Psalms and the occurrence of certain words in Scripture.
The book of Psalms, in the original Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament, is divided into five sections. Psalm 82 is in the third section that contains chapters 73 to 89. The general theme of this third section is on the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
Jesus travels to Jerusalem to keep the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah) in late December of 29 A.D. While in the city he is accosted by Jews who demand he plainly tell them whether he is the promised Messiah (John 10:22 - 24). After Jesus gives a short answer he states, "I and the Father are one" (verse 30). The Jews, furious because they believe he has spoken blasphemy, hurriedly begin to gather stones. They zealously want to stone him since, "being a man, (you) are making Yourself God" (John 10:33).
Jesus responds to this threat against his life by quoting verse 6 of Psalm 82.
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods" '? If He called them gods, to whom the Word of God came (and the Scriptures cannot be broken), why do you say of Him Whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' . . . " (John 10:34 - 36, HBFV).
His Scriptural answer does little to quench the anger of those who are against him. He ends up escaping out of Jerusalem where he travels to the eastern side of the Jordan River (John 10:39 - 40).
Appearances of Number Eighty-Two
The Hebrew word zakar (Strong's #H2145) occurs 82 times in the original language of the Old Testament. It is recorded the most in both Leviticus and Numbers (18 times each) followed by Genesis (14). It is used to refer to a male human or animal. Scripture first uses the word during God's creation of male and female humans.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male (zakar) and female created he them (Genesis 1:27, KJV).
Number 82 and the Psalms
Psalm 82 is one of twelve Psalms written by or for Asaph. These songs are Psalm 50 and 73 through 83.
Asaph, a Levite, was appointed personally by King David to sound bronze cymbals when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem (1Chronicles 15:1 - 19). A short time later he was charged, ". . . to record, and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel" when the Ark was placed in a special tent within the city (16:1 - 5). Not only was he considered one of David's three chief musicians, he was also one of his private prophets (25:1 - 2).
Psalm 82 warns human judges that God himself will judge whether they acted righteously based on his laws or not. They are to be impartial and uphold the rights of the less fortunate such as the poor, fatherless or those who are oppressed.
God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. How long will you judge unjustly and respect the persons of the wicked? . . .
Deliver the poor and needy; save them out of the hand of the wicked (verses 1 - 2 and 4 of Psalm 82, HBFV).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 82
There are no Biblical chapters that contain 82 verses.
82 is the product of 2 x 41. Both 2 and 41 are prime numbers.
82 is the sixth magic number in nuclear physics (2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126, etc.). Atomic nuclei with these many neutrons or protons are considered more stable than other nuclei.
When we add the numeric equivalents (Gematria) of the Greek letters for the word Messiah, we get 656 which is 8 times 82.
The Hebrew primitive root word qalal (Strong's #H7043) is recorded 82 in the original language of the Old Testament. It is written the most in 2Samuel (11 times) followed by Leviticus (7). The word is many times utilized to refer to something that is cursed, despised, or of little value.
And he that curseth (qalal) his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death (Exodus 21:17, KJV).
The Hebrew word qorban (Strong's #H7133) is written 82 times in the Old Testament's original manuscripts. It is found the most in Leviticus (40 times) followed by Numbers (38). The word means something brought near an altar as a sacrificial present. Its New Testament Greek equivalent is korban (#G2878) which is translated as "Corban" in the King James translation of Mark 7:11. Jesus roundly criticized the practice of Corban, which allowed a person to reject the Bible command to aid their parents, by using the excuse that their assistance was set aside as a gift for God (see Mark 7:6 - 12).