Psalm 58:2

Translations

Modern

No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.

Traditional

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

Literal

Even in the heart you work iniquities; in the earth you weigh out the violence of your hands.

Latin

Etenim in corde iniquitates operamini; in terra injustitias manus vestræ concinnant.

Original

Hebrew

English

No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.

Notes

Psalms 58:1–5

The administrators of justice were furthering their own interests rather than those of the needy. The absence of justice gradually resulted in a violent society.

Psalms 58:1–11

The administration of justice is a mark of good government. God expects nothing less from his people. The psalmist condemns Israel’s leaders for abusing their power, and he calls on the Lord to rain down his curses upon the wicked. The demonstration of divine justice will reassure the godly that God is just.

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David The Heart in the Psalms

Related verses

Psalm 94:20
Can a corrupt throne be Your ally—one devising mischief by decree?
Isaiah 10:1
Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees,
Micah 3:1–3
Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice?
Ezekiel 22:27
Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain.
Ecclesiastes 3:16
Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.
Psalm 21:11
Though they intend You harm, the schemes they devise will not prevail.
Jeremiah 22:16–17
He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD.
Isaiah 26:7
The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright.
Micah 3:9–12
Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right,
Malachi 3:15
So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”
John 11:47–53
Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs.
Isaiah 59:4–6
No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.

Glossary

Al-Taschith David Michtam Miktam Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Injustice: Saints should Testify Against Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To Rulers: Wicked The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent

Psalm 58:2

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