King James Version

What Does Psalms 58:8 Mean?

Psalms 58:8 in the King James Version says “As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 58 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.”

Psalms 58:8 · KJV

Context

6

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

7

Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.

8

As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.

9

Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath. both: Heb. as living as wrath

10

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Vivid Imagery of Divine Judgment

This verse employs two striking metaphors for the destruction of the wicked. The first image, "as a snail which melteth" (kemo shablul temes yahalok), draws from ancient observation that snail trails appear to be the creature dissolving as it moves. The Hebrew temes means "to melt" or "dissolve," creating a picture of gradual disappearance. Some translations render this "like a slug that melts away," emphasizing the creature's apparent self-destruction through its own secretions.

The second metaphor, "like the untimely birth of a woman" (nefel eshet), refers to a miscarriage or stillbirth—a child who never sees the sun (bal-chazu shemesh). This sobering image emphasizes the futility and incompleteness of wicked lives: like a stillborn child, they exist briefly but accomplish nothing of lasting value, never experiencing the light of life's fulfillment. The phrase "may not see the sun" can refer both to physical death and to never experiencing joy, blessing, or divine favor.

These imprecatory images aren't expressions of personal vindictiveness but appeals for divine justice. David asks that the wicked, who have perverted justice and oppressed the innocent (verses 1-2), experience the futility and emptiness their choices deserve. The melting snail and stillborn child represent lives wasted in rebellion, leaving no lasting legacy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's Context of Unjust Judges

Psalm 58 is a Michtam (meaning uncertain, possibly "golden" or "inscribed") of David, addressing corrupt rulers who pervert justice. The historical setting likely reflects David's experiences with Saul's court, where officials falsely accused him and sought his death despite his innocence. David had repeatedly experienced unjust judgments from those who should have upheld righteousness.

The ancient Near Eastern context makes this psalm particularly significant. Judges held immense power, often determining matters of life and death. When they corrupted justice—taking bribes, showing favoritism, or deliberately condemning the innocent—the entire social order collapsed. The helpless had no recourse except to appeal to God, the ultimate Judge who sees all and judges righteously.

David's imprecatory language must be understood within covenant theology: God had promised to curse those who cursed His anointed (Genesis 12:3) and to defend the cause of the righteous. David isn't seeking personal revenge but calling on God to fulfill His covenant promises by bringing justice. This psalm became part of Israel's worship, teaching generations to trust God's justice when human courts failed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians today understand and use imprecatory psalms that call for judgment on the wicked?
  2. What do the images of the melting snail and stillborn child teach about the ultimate futility of a life lived in wickedness?
  3. When have you experienced unjust treatment, and how did you bring your case before God rather than seeking personal revenge?
  4. How does this psalm's emphasis on divine justice encourage those suffering under corrupt or unjust authorities?
  5. What is the difference between seeking God's justice (as David does) and harboring personal bitterness or vengeance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כְּמ֣וֹ1 of 9
H3644

as, thus, so

שַׁ֭בְּלוּל2 of 9

“As a snail”

H7642

a snail (as if floating in its own slime)

תֶּ֣מֶס3 of 9

“which melteth”

H8557

liquefaction, i.e., disappearance

יַהֲלֹ֑ךְ4 of 9

“let every one of them pass away”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

נֵ֥פֶל5 of 9

“like the untimely birth”

H5309

something fallen, i.e., an abortion

אֵ֝֗שֶׁת6 of 9

“of a woman”

H802

a woman

בַּל7 of 9
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

חָ֥זוּ8 of 9

“that they may not see”

H2372

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

שָֽׁמֶשׁ׃9 of 9

“the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

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 58:8 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 58:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 3:16Ecclesiastes 6:3Psalms 37:35-36James 1:10Matthew 24:35

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