What does Psalm 82:8 mean?

Most of this psalm was spoken from God's perspective (Psalm 82:1–2). He condemned earthly rulers and judges who dealt in corruption rather than compassion and justice (Psalm 82:3–5). This came with a warning that death comes even to the most powerful men (Psalm 82:6–7; Hebrews 9:27), and Scripture is clear that this means facing the Judge of judges (Genesis 18:25).

Here, Asaph speaks his own prayer, asking the Lord to apply His perfect justice to the entire world (Psalm 24:1). That will happen, in its fullest form, only when the Jesus returns to rule the world in person (Revelation 11:15).

Every person will be subject to God's holy judgment. God sent His Son to live as a man (Hebrews 4:15) and die an innocent death (Philippians 2:8) so that those who have faith in Him can escape eternal wrath (John 3:16–18, 36; 1 Corinthians 15:3). Such believers do not face condemnation (Romans 8:1), but they will be judged for the works they performed. The outcome will be rewards for faithful works (1 Corinthians 3:10–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Unrepentant sinners will face punitive judgment at the great white throne judgment. Because they rejected Christ, God will consign them to eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).