King James Version

What Does Psalms 58:3 Mean?

Psalms 58:3 in the King James Version says “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. as soon: Heb. from the be...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 58 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 58:3 · 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

5

Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely. charming: or, be the charmer never so cunning

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The doctrine of original sin is here poetically expressed: 'The wicked are estranged from the womb.' The Hebrew 'zur' (estranged/alienated) indicates separation from God from conception, not merely from moral accountability. 'Speaking lies' as soon as born is hyperbolic but theologically accurate—the sin nature precedes personal acts of sin. This anticipates Paul's teaching in Romans 5:12-19.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reflects Israel's understanding that sin is inherited and universal, not merely learned behavior. The psalmist's observation connects to the covenant curses for generational iniquity (Exodus 20:5) while pointing toward the need for regeneration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the doctrine of original sin affect your understanding of human nature and salvation?
  2. What is the only remedy for estrangement from God that begins in the womb?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
זֹ֣רוּ1 of 7

“are estranged”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

רְשָׁעִ֣ים2 of 7

“The wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

מֵרָ֑חֶם3 of 7

“from the womb”

H7358

the womb

תָּע֥וּ4 of 7

“they go astray”

H8582

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

מִ֝בֶּ֗טֶן5 of 7

“as soon as they be born”

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

דֹּבְרֵ֥י6 of 7

“speaking”

H1696

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

כָזָֽב׃7 of 7

“lies”

H3577

falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

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 58:3 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 58:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 51:5Isaiah 48:8Ephesians 2:3Proverbs 22:15Job 15:14Isaiah 46:3

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