King James Version

What Does Psalms 58:1 Mean?

Psalms 58:1 in the King James Version says “To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprig...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 58 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Altaschith: or, Destroy not, A golden Psalm of David”

Psalms 58:1 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Altaschith: or, Destroy not, A golden Psalm of David

2

Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.

3

The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. as soon: Heb. from the belly

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's rhetorical question to the 'congregation' (Hebrew 'elem'—mighty ones/judges) exposes the silence of those obligated to speak justice. The parallel 'judge uprightly' reveals covenant obligation—leaders must execute God's righteous standards. Their silence in the face of injustice constitutes covenant violation, anticipating Christ's denunciation of religious leaders who 'shut up the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 23:13).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This psalm likely addresses corrupt officials during Saul's reign or possibly during Absalom's rebellion. The judicial system's corruption was a recurring prophetic complaint (Isaiah 1:23, Micah 3:11), demonstrating that institutional evil requires prophetic rebuke.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the responsibility of those in authority when they witness injustice?
  2. How should Christians respond when institutional leaders fail to uphold justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הַֽאֻמְנָ֗ם1 of 8

“Do ye indeed”

H552

truly

אֵ֣לֶם2 of 8

“O congregation”

H482

silence (i.e., mute justice)

צֶ֭דֶק3 of 8

“righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

תְּדַבֵּר֑וּן4 of 8

“speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מֵישָׁרִ֥ים5 of 8

“uprightly”

H4339

evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv

תִּ֝שְׁפְּט֗וּ6 of 8

“do ye judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

בְּנֵ֣י7 of 8

“O ye sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָֽם׃8 of 8

“of men”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 58:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 58:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 57:1Isaiah 11:3-5Deuteronomy 16:18-19Psalms 72:1-4Psalms 82:1-22 Chronicles 19:6-7

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