Keraia
Psalm 58

Psalm 58:8

God Judges the Earth · Psalm 58:1–11
Read Psalm 58

Translations

Modern
Like a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Like a snail melting as it goes, the stillborn child of a woman, may they not see the sun!
Latin
Sicut cera quæ fluit auferentur; supercecidit ignis, et non viderunt solem.

Original

Hebrew
English
Like a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun.

Notes

Psalms 58:8

When moving over dry ground, slugs dry up.

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

Glossary

Al-Taschith Curse, Cursed David Michtam Miktam Miscarriage Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Reptiles: Snail Snail: Perishable Wicked (People): Punishment of