Psalms 58:2

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

Yea, in heart {H3820} ye work {H6466}{H8799)} wickedness {H5766}; ye weigh {H6424}{H8762)} the violence {H2555} of your hands {H3027} in the earth {H776}.

[No!] In your hearts you devise wrongs, your hands dispense violence in the land.

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

Nay, in heart ye work wickedness; Ye weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.

Commentary

Psalm 58:2 is a sharp indictment against those in positions of authority who pervert justice, highlighting their deep-seated corruption and deliberate acts of oppression. This verse exposes the internal malice that fuels external injustice, a theme central to many Old Testament laments and prophetic warnings.

Context

Psalm 58 is a "Michtam" of David, an imprecatory psalm where the psalmist appeals to God for judgment against wicked and unjust rulers or judges. The entire psalm paints a picture of deliberate evil, comparing these individuals to venomous serpents and lions. Verse 2 specifically sets the stage by revealing the source and nature of their corruption: it begins in the heart and manifests as calculated violence. It describes a profound betrayal of the trust placed in those meant to uphold righteousness, making it a powerful cry for divine intervention against judicial corruption.

Key Themes

  • Inward Corruption: The phrase "in heart ye work wickedness" points to the internal, premeditated nature of their evil. It's not a mistake or an oversight, but a deliberate choice stemming from a corrupted will. This emphasizes that true wickedness originates from within, as Jesus himself later taught about the source of evil deeds (e.g., Mark 7:21-23).
  • Calculated Injustice: "Ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth" suggests a deliberate, measured, and perhaps even widespread distribution of their oppressive acts. The act of "weighing" implies careful consideration, plotting, and executing injustice with a calculated intent, rather than impulsive actions. They are not merely committing violence; they are intentionally inflicting it across the land.
  • Abuse of Power: This verse condemns those who, given power to administer justice, instead use their authority to perpetuate violence and pervert righteousness. It is a severe warning against the misuse of leadership and influence for personal gain or malicious intent.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "work" (ืคึผึธืขึทืœ - pa'al) in "ye work wickedness" signifies an active, deliberate, and intentional doing or performing, not just a passive state. It underscores that their wickedness is a chosen activity. The term "weigh" (ืชึผึฐืคึทืœึผึฐืกื•ึผืŸ - tephallesun), from the root ืคืœืก (palas), can mean to weigh, make level, or even make a path. Here, it conveys a sense of careful deliberation, measuring out their violent deeds, or perhaps even distributing their oppression throughout the land with precision. This highlights the cold, calculating nature of their injustice.

Practical Application

Psalm 58:2 serves as a timeless reminder that God sees beyond outward appearances and observes the intentions of the heart. For individuals, it calls for constant self-examination, ensuring that our actions are not rooted in hidden malice or selfish motives. For society, it underscores the critical importance of integrity in leadership and the need for accountability for those who wield power. It encourages believers to pray for righteous governance and to trust in God's ultimate justice, knowing that He will indeed judge the world in righteousness and uncover all hidden wickedness. The verse challenges us to champion justice and to be vigilant against any form of oppression, whether subtle or overt.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 94:20

    Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

  • Isaiah 10:1

    ยถ Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness [which] they have prescribed;

  • Micah 3:1

    ยถ And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; [Is it] not for you to know judgment?

  • Micah 3:3

    Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.

  • Ezekiel 22:27

    Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

  • John 11:47

    Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

  • John 11:53

    Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.