King James Version

What Does Psalms 58:4 Mean?

Psalms 58:4 in the King James Version says “Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; like the poison: Heb. ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 58 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 58:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The serpent imagery evokes the Eden temptation, identifying wicked leaders with Satan's character. The 'deaf adder' (cobra) that refuses to hear the charmer represents judicial hardening—those who persistently resist truth become incapable of responding. This anticipates Jesus's quotation of Isaiah 6:9-10 regarding those who have eyes but cannot see (Matthew 13:13-15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Snake charming was practiced in ancient Egypt and Palestine. The image of an adder refusing to respond to the charmer's music despite normally being susceptible illustrates willful rebellion—not ignorance but hardened resistance to known truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does judicial hardening teach about the consequences of persistent sin?
  2. How can you discern between those who are ignorant and those who are judicially hardened?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
חֲמַת1 of 10

“Their poison”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

לָ֗מוֹ2 of 10
H0
כִּדְמ֥וּת3 of 10

“is like”

H1823

resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like

חֲמַת4 of 10

“Their poison”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

נָחָ֑שׁ5 of 10

“of a serpent”

H5175

a snake (from its hiss)

כְּמוֹ6 of 10
H3644

as, thus, so

פֶ֥תֶן7 of 10

“adder”

H6620

an asp (from its contortions)

חֵ֝רֵ֗שׁ8 of 10

“they are like the deaf”

H2795

deaf (whether literally or spiritual)

יַאְטֵ֥ם9 of 10

“that stoppeth”

H331

to close (the lips or ears); by analology to contract (a window by bevelled jambs)

אָזְנֽוֹ׃10 of 10

“her ear”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

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 58:4 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 58:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 140:3James 3:8Ecclesiastes 10:11Job 20:14Romans 3:13Isaiah 11:8

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 58 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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