Psalms 58:11

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

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}.

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

Then men will say, โ€œThere is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!โ€

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

Commentary

Context of Psalms 58:11

Psalm 58 is an imprecatory psalm, a fervent prayer by David calling for Godโ€™s judgment upon wicked and unjust rulers or judges who pervert justice. The psalm vividly describes their inherent corruption and malice, portraying them as venomous serpents impervious to wisdom (Psalm 58:3-5). The preceding verses plead with God to break their power and bring swift destruction upon them (Psalm 58:6-9). Verse 11 serves as the triumphant conclusion to this plea, expressing the ultimate outcome and public recognition of God's intervention. It assures that divine justice, though sometimes delayed, will surely prevail, providing a stark contrast to the initial lament over prevalent injustice.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Sovereignty: This verse powerfully declares that God is not a passive observer but an active sovereign who intervenes and executes judgment in the earth. It affirms His ultimate control over human affairs and His commitment to righteousness.
  • Reward for the Righteous: It promises that those who live uprightly according to God's ways will not be forgotten or suffer in vain. There is a sure recompense for their integrity and faithfulness, even amidst widespread wickedness. This provides immense encouragement for believers facing oppression or injustice, reinforcing the biblical principle that righteousness yields a true reward.
  • Public Vindication: The phrase "So that a man shall say" indicates that God's judgment will be so evident and decisive that it will be universally recognized and acknowledged by observers. It's a public declaration of God's character and power, vindicating the righteous and serving as a deterrent to the wicked.
  • Consequences for the Wicked: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire psalm's context implies that God's judgment on the wicked is the necessary precursor to the reward for the righteous. Their downfall demonstrates God's justice.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "Verily" (Hebrew: 'aken, ืึธื›ึตืŸ) is used twice in this verse, emphasizing certainty and truth. It conveys a strong affirmation, meaning "surely," "indeed," or "truly." This repetition underscores the absolute conviction that God's justice and the reward for the righteous are undeniable realities.
  • "Reward" (Hebrew: sakar, ืฉึธื‚ื›ึธืจ) refers to wages, recompense, or hire. It implies a deserved return for one's actions, whether good or bad. Here, it specifically points to the positive outcome for those who walk in righteousness.
  • "Judgeth" (Hebrew: shaphat, ืฉึธืืคึทื˜) is a comprehensive term meaning "to judge," "to govern," "to decide," or "to execute judgment." It highlights God's role not just as a dispenser of justice but also as the ultimate ruler and governor of the world, actively involved in its affairs.

Practical Application

Psalms 58:11 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. In a world often marked by injustice, corruption, and seemingly unpunished evil, this verse reminds us that God remains on His throne. It encourages us to persevere in doing what is right, even when it seems unprofitable or difficult, knowing that our actions are not in vain. It calls us to trust God's timing and methods of justice, rather than seeking personal vengeance. Ultimately, it strengthens our faith in a God who is both perfectly just and sovereign, ensuring that goodness will be rewarded and evil will face its consequences, bringing a public testimony to His righteous character.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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?
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