The irreducible, finite-dimensional representations of the graded alge
bras osp(j, 2) (j = 1, 2, 3) are expressed in terms of differential op
erators. Some quantum deformations of these algebras are shown to admi
t similar kinds of representations. These are formulated in terms of f
inite difference operators, The results are discussed in the framework
of the quasi-exactly solvable equations. (C) 1997 American Institute
of Physics.