Psalms 58:11

KJV

So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

So that a man {H120} shall say {H559}{H8799)}, Verily there is a reward {H6529} for the righteous {H6662}: verily he is {H3426} a God {H430} that judgeth {H8199}{H8802)} in the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and people will say, "Yes, the righteous are rewarded; there is, after all, a God who judges the earth."

Berean Standard Bible

Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!”

American Standard Version

So that men shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: Verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 58:11 serves as the triumphant and definitive conclusion to an imprecatory psalm, declaring with absolute certainty that divine justice will ultimately prevail. It assures that God is not a passive observer but an active, sovereign judge who intervenes decisively in the affairs of the earth, publicly vindicating the righteous and ensuring their sure reward. This verse provides a powerful counterpoint to the psalm's initial lament over pervasive injustice, affirming God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His ultimate, undeniable control over human affairs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 58 is a fervent lament and imprecation, a passionate plea to God for judgment upon corrupt and unjust rulers or judges. The psalm opens with a direct challenge to these wicked authorities, questioning their perversion of justice and their inherent malice, as seen in [Psalm 58:1-2](/psalms/58-1-2 "Psalm 58:1-2 - Unjust Judges and Corrupt Judgments"). It then vividly describes their deep-seated wickedness, likening them to venomous serpents deaf to charming, a powerful metaphor found in [Psalm 58:3-5](/psalms/58-3-5 "Psalm 58:3-5 - The Wicked's Inherent Malice"). The core of the psalm is a series of intense petitions for God to break their power, destroy them swiftly, and cause them to vanish like melting water or a snail's trail, as described in [Psalm 58:6-9](/psalms/58-6-9 "Psalm 58:6-9 - A Prayer for the Wicked's Swift Destruction"). This intense call for divine retribution is not born of personal malice but a profound yearning for the restoration of cosmic justice. The preceding verse, [Psalm 58:10](/psalms/58-10 "Psalm 58:10 - The Righteous Rejoice in God's Vengeance"), anticipates the righteous rejoicing in God's vengeance, setting the stage for the declarative triumph of verse 11, which serves as the ultimate affirmation of God's righteous governance and the certain outcome of His intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to David, Psalm 58 likely reflects a period of significant injustice within Israel, perhaps under corrupt officials or during a time when David himself faced persecution from those in power who abused their authority. In ancient Israel, "judges" encompassed not only legal functionaries but also kings and leaders who were divinely appointed to uphold God's law and ensure justice for the people, as mandated in [Deuteronomy 16:18](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18 - Appointment of Judges and Officers"). The psalm's vivid imagery of serpents and their venom (Psalm 58:4-5) draws on common ancient Near Eastern understandings of evil, deception, and the insidious nature of corruption. The cultural expectation was that God, as the ultimate King and Judge, would intervene to correct societal wrongs and protect the vulnerable, especially when human systems of justice failed. The public declaration in verse 11 ("So that a man shall say") underscores the vital importance of visible, undeniable divine action in a society where God's character was to be demonstrated through the establishment of justice.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions the theme of **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, asserting that God is not an aloof deity but an active, intervening ruler who judges the earth. This resonates strongly with other declarations of God's righteous judgment, such as [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness") and [Psalm 96:13](/psalms/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - God Comes to Judge the Earth"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Certainty of Reward for the Righteous**, providing assurance that those who live uprightly will ultimately be vindicated and recompensed, even when they suffer unjustly in the present. This aligns with wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 11:18](/proverbs/11-18 "Proverbs 11:18 - The Reward of Righteousness"), which speaks of the true and lasting reward of righteousness. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Public Vindication and God's Glory**, suggesting that God's judgments are not merely private affairs but public demonstrations of His character, power, and commitment to righteousness, leading to widespread recognition of His just rule by all of humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From the root meaning "ruddy," this term refers to a human being, an individual, or humanity in general. In this context, it signifies any person who observes God's actions and is compelled to acknowledge the truth of His justice. It underscores the universal recognition that will follow God's intervention, making His judgment undeniable to all.
* **reward (Hebrew, _pᵉrîy'_):** This noun primarily means "fruit" but also extends to "recompense" or "reward." Here, it denotes the positive outcome, vindication, and blessing that will accrue to those who live righteously. It implies a just compensation for their faithfulness, integrity, and perseverance, particularly in contrast to the judgment meted out to the wicked. It signifies the beneficial "fruit" of a righteous life.
* **judgeth (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** This verb is comprehensive, encompassing the acts of judging, governing, deciding, and executing judgment. It portrays God not merely as a passive arbiter but as the active, sovereign ruler of the earth who intervenes to establish justice, correct wrongs, and maintain moral order. His judging is an act of governance, ensuring the proper functioning of His creation according to His righteous standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that a man shall say":** This introductory clause indicates the public and undeniable nature of God's future actions. The outcome of divine judgment will be so evident and decisive that it will compel universal recognition and acknowledgement from humanity. It signifies a public declaration of God's character and power, moving from a private lament to a universally recognized testimony.
* **"Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous":** This is the first emphatic declaration. It asserts with absolute certainty that those who align themselves with God's ways, living justly and faithfully, will not suffer in vain or be forgotten. Their integrity and perseverance will be met with a sure recompense—a vindication that demonstrates God's care for His own and the ultimate profitability of righteousness. The repetition of "verily" (implied by the structure and context, though not a distinct Strong's word in the provided data) underscores this certainty.
* **"verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth":** The second emphatic declaration reinforces God's active sovereignty and direct involvement. It affirms that God is not distant or indifferent to the affairs of humanity but is intimately involved, actively intervening to execute justice and govern the world. This serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the initial lament over prevalent injustice, assuring that God's righteous rule will ultimately prevail on earth.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 58:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine certainty and justice. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic adverb "Verily" (implied by the KJV translation and its double appearance), which serves to underscore the absolute conviction and undeniable truth of the statements that follow, transforming a hopeful anticipation into a firm, unshakeable declaration. The psalm also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the ultimate triumph of divine justice and the reward for the righteous against the earlier vivid descriptions of the wicked's corruption and impending doom. This contrast highlights the stark difference between human perversion and divine righteousness, emphasizing the moral order God upholds. Furthermore, the phrase "So that a man shall say" functions as a form of **Prolepsis** or **Anticipation**, projecting into a future where God's actions are so clear that they elicit a universal confession of His justice. This creates a sense of triumphant resolution and public vindication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 58:11 stands as a profound declaration of God's active sovereignty and unwavering commitment to justice in a world often marred by injustice. It reassures believers that despite the apparent triumph of evil, God remains on His throne, ready to intervene and set things right. This verse affirms the biblical principle that righteousness is not in vain and that a just God will ultimately reward those who walk in integrity, while bringing judgment upon the wicked. It speaks to the eschatological hope that God's kingdom will fully come, where perfect justice will prevail, and every wrong will be righted. It challenges the notion of a passive deity, asserting instead a God who is intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, ensuring that His moral order is upheld and His character is publicly vindicated.

* [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalms/9-7-8 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God Endures and Judges Righteously")
* [Romans 2:6-8](/romans/2-6-8 "Romans 2:6-8 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")
* [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus Brings His Reward")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that frequently seems to mock justice, where the wicked often prosper and the righteous suffer, Psalms 58:11 offers a powerful anchor for the soul. It calls us to resist cynicism and despair, reminding us that our God is not indifferent to injustice but is actively engaged in judging the earth. This verse encourages us to persevere in doing what is right, to live with integrity and faithfulness, even when it appears that our efforts are unnoticed or unrewarded. It challenges us to trust God's perfect timing and methods for justice, rather than succumbing to the temptation of bitterness or seeking personal vengeance. Ultimately, it strengthens our faith in a God who is both perfectly just and utterly sovereign, assuring us that goodness will indeed be rewarded and evil will face its consequences, bringing a public testimony to His righteous character and an end to all forms of oppression.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment and reward impact your perspective on current injustices you observe in the world?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to take justice into your own hands, and how does this verse call you to trust God's timing and methods instead?**
* **What specific actions can you take today to live more righteously, trusting that there is a sure and ultimate reward for faithfulness in God's economy?**

### FAQ
**Does this psalm encourage believers to pray for harm upon others?**

Answer: While Psalm 58 is an imprecatory psalm, containing fervent prayers for God's judgment upon the wicked, it's crucial to understand its context and purpose. These psalms are not licenses for personal vengeance or hatred. Instead, they represent a cry for divine justice in a world where human systems of justice have failed. The psalmist is appealing to God, the ultimate Judge, to uphold His righteous standards and bring an end to oppression and evil. They express a deep longing for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth, even if that involves the removal of those who actively oppose His rule and oppress the innocent. In the New Testament, while believers are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, as seen in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"), there is still a recognition of God's ultimate judgment against unrepentant evil, as affirmed in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God"). The imprecatory psalms ultimately point to God's just character and His promise to bring all things into account.

**What does "reward for the righteous" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: The "reward for the righteous" (Hebrew: *pᵉrîy*, here meaning recompense) is multifaceted. While it can certainly include material blessings or earthly vindication, its primary meaning extends beyond immediate tangible benefits. It encompasses the ultimate vindication of one's character, the assurance of God's favor and presence, peace of conscience, and the deep satisfaction of living in alignment with God's will. In the broader biblical narrative, this reward culminates in eternal life, fellowship with God, and participation in His kingdom. It means that living righteously is never in vain; it leads to a flourishing life in God's eyes, both now and in eternity. Even when the righteous suffer in this life, their ultimate reward is secure in God's hands, as seen in passages like [Matthew 5:12](/matthew/5-12 "Matthew 5:12 - Rejoice and Be Glad, for Your Reward is Great in Heaven"), which speaks of a great reward in heaven for those persecuted for righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 58:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm anticipates a public demonstration of God's justice in the earth, Christ embodies and enacts this justice in a way that transcends the Old Testament's immediate scope. He is the perfectly righteous one for whom a "reward" was due, yet He willingly bore the judgment for humanity's unrighteousness on the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His resurrection is the ultimate vindication of the righteous, proving that death and evil do not have the final word and securing the reward for all who believe in Him. Furthermore, Jesus is the [appointed Judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, the Appointed Judge"), and His glorious return will be the definitive moment when God "judgeth in the earth" in a universal and undeniable way. On that day, the reward for the righteous, those clothed in Christ's righteousness, will be fully realized as they enter into eternal life with Him, as promised in [Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inherit the Kingdom Prepared for You"), and every knee will bow, acknowledging Him as Lord, fulfilling the public declaration that God indeed judges the earth, as seen in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus"). Thus, the hope of Psalms 58:11 is not merely a future event but a reality secured and guaranteed by Christ's finished work and His promised return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 67:4

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

Psalms 64:9

And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Psalms 33:18

Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

Malachi 3:14

Ye have said, It [is] vain to serve God: and what profit [is it] that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Malachi 2:17

Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied [him]? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil [is] good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where [is] the God of judgment?