King James Version
What Does Psalms 58:2 Mean?
“Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.”
Psalms 58:2 · 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
4
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; like the poison: Heb. according to the likeness, etc adder: or, asp
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe contrast between speaking justice (v.1) and working wickedness 'in heart' reveals that sin originates internally before manifesting in action (Mark 7:21-23). 'Weigh the violence of your hands' uses courtroom imagery—judges who should weigh evidence instead weigh out (dispense) violence. This inversion of justice anticipates eschatological judgment where earthly judges face divine scrutiny.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient judges literally used balances/scales, making the metaphor vivid. Corrupt judges accepting bribes (Exodus 23:8) or showing partiality (Leviticus 19:15) violated covenant law, warranting the prophetic denunciation this psalm represents.
Reflection Questions
- How does heart wickedness manifest in institutional injustice?
- What does God's judgment of judges reveal about standards for those in authority?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsאַף1 of 8
H637meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
בְּלֵב֮2 of 8
“Yea in heart”
H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
תִּפְעָ֫ל֥וּן4 of 8
“ye work”
H6466to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
יְ֝דֵיכֶ֗ם7 of 8
“of your hands”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
תְּפַלֵּֽסֽוּן׃8 of 8
“ye weigh”
H6424properly, to roll flat, i.e., prepare (a road); also to revolve, i.e., weigh (mentally)
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 58:2 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 58:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge