Psalms 58:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 58:2 serves as a searing indictment against corrupt rulers or judges, exposing the deep-seated malice within their hearts that manifests as deliberate and calculated acts of injustice and oppression. This verse reveals that their wickedness is not accidental but a premeditated choice, meticulously enacted to inflict violence and pervert righteousness upon the earth, highlighting a profound betrayal of their entrusted authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 58 is an imprecatory psalm, a "Michtam of David," where the psalmist appeals directly to God for divine judgment against those who pervert justice. It belongs to a collection of psalms (e.g., [Psalms 7](/psalms/7 "Psalms 7 - A Plea for Justice"), [Psalms 35](/psalms/35 "Psalms 35 - A Prayer for Deliverance and Vindication")) that express the righteous indignation of the oppressed and their longing for God's intervention. Verse 2 immediately follows an accusation in [Psalms 58:1](/psalms/58-1 "Psalms 58:1 - Do you indeed speak righteousness, O gods?") that these powerful individuals fail to speak righteousness and judge uprightly. It sets the stage for the vivid metaphors of venomous serpents and ravenous lions used in subsequent verses ([Psalms 58:4-6](/psalms/58-4 "Psalms 58:4-6 - The Wicked as Serpents and Lions")), emphasizing the destructive nature of their unrighteous rule. The verse establishes the internal source of their external evil, providing the theological foundation for the psalmist's plea for God to break their teeth and melt them away.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, judges and rulers were considered God's representatives, tasked with upholding the divine law and administering justice impartially (e.g., [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Judges and Officers to be Appointed")). Their role was sacred, reflecting God's own righteousness. The perversion of justice by those in authority was a grave offense, frequently condemned by prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 1:23](/isaiah/1-23 "Isaiah 1:23 - Rebellious Rulers and Corrupt Judges"), [Amos 5:7](/amos/5-7 "Amos 5:7 - Those Who Turn Justice to Wormwood")). Such corruption led to societal breakdown, oppression of the vulnerable, and a direct affront to God's character. The "earth" in this verse refers not just to the physical ground but to the land, the society, and the people over whom these corrupt officials wielded their power, indicating the widespread impact of their calculated violence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **inward corruption**, asserting that true wickedness originates not merely from external actions but from the deliberate choices and intentions of the heart, a concept later echoed by Jesus in [Mark 7:21-23](/mark/7-21 "Mark 7:21-23 - What Defiles a Person"). Secondly, the phrase "ye weigh the violence of your hands" highlights **calculated injustice**, portraying evil as a premeditated and measured act rather than an impulsive one. This suggests a systematic abuse of power, where oppression is carefully planned and executed. Finally, the verse speaks to the pervasive biblical theme of **divine justice and accountability**, emphasizing that God sees and will ultimately judge those who misuse their authority to inflict harm and pervert righteousness, reinforcing the belief that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice, as seen in [Psalms 96:13](/psalms/96-13 "Psalms 96:13 - God Comes to Judge the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Work (Hebrew, _pa'al'_):** This verb signifies an active, deliberate, and intentional doing or performing, not merely a passive state or an accidental occurrence. When applied to "wickedness," it emphasizes that the evil acts of these rulers are not oversights or mistakes but purposeful, chosen activities stemming from a corrupted will. It highlights the agency and responsibility of the perpetrators in their malice.
* **Weigh (Hebrew, _tephallesun'_):** Derived from the root פלס (_palas_), this word can mean to weigh, make level, or even make a path. In this context, it conveys a chilling sense of careful deliberation and precision. It suggests that these corrupt officials are not acting impulsively but are meticulously measuring out their violent deeds, perhaps even distributing their oppression throughout the land with calculated intent. The imagery implies a cold, calculating nature to their injustice, as if they are balancing scales not for justice, but for the precise application of harm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, in heart ye work wickedness":** This clause reveals the internal origin of the corruption. The "heart" (לֵב, _lev_) in Hebrew thought refers to the totality of one's inner being—intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. Thus, their wickedness is not superficial or external; it is deeply rooted in their core being, a deliberate choice of their will. They actively "work" or "perform" evil from this corrupted inner state, indicating premeditated malice rather than accidental wrongdoing.
* **"ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth":** This second clause describes the outward manifestation and calculated nature of their internal corruption. "Your hands" represent their power, authority, and actions. The act of "weighing" implies careful consideration and deliberate execution of their "violence" (חָמָס, _hamas_), which encompasses not only physical brutality but also injustice, oppression, and cruelty. The phrase "in the earth" signifies the widespread impact of their actions, indicating that their calculated oppression affects the entire land and its inhabitants, not just isolated incidents. They are systematically inflicting harm and perverting justice across the realm they are meant to govern.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 58:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metonymy**, where "heart" stands for the inner being, intentions, and will, and "hands" represent power, authority, and actions. This allows the psalmist to succinctly describe the transition from internal depravity to external oppression. The phrase "ye weigh the violence" utilizes a powerful **Metaphor** of scales, but twisted; instead of weighing justice, they are meticulously measuring out injustice and harm. This imagery underscores the calculated and deliberate nature of their evil, contrasting sharply with the expected role of judges. Furthermore, the verse uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the profound depth and pervasive nature of their wickedness, suggesting that their evil is not just present but actively "worked" and "weighed" with a chilling precision across the entire "earth."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the biblical understanding of human depravity and the nature of justice. It asserts that sin originates from the heart, the seat of human will and intention, echoing the consistent biblical teaching that the human heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (e.g., [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")). The calculated nature of the wickedness described here highlights the severe moral culpability of those who knowingly pervert justice, particularly those entrusted with authority. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His ultimate judgment against all forms of oppression and injustice, reinforcing the truth that no hidden malice or calculated evil escapes His notice. The psalmist's plea for divine intervention in this context is a cry for God to vindicate His own character and uphold His righteous standards in a world marred by human corruption.

* [Proverbs 16:11](/proverbs/16-11 "Proverbs 16:11 - Just Balances and Scales Are the Lord's")
* [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10-18 - No One Is Righteous")
* [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 58:2 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the enduring struggle against corruption, both within individuals and in positions of power. For the individual, it is a sobering call to self-examination, prompting us to consider the true motives and intentions of our hearts. Do we harbor hidden resentments, prejudices, or selfish ambitions that, if given power, might manifest as injustice? The verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that seeks righteousness and compassion, recognizing that true integrity begins internally. For society, it is a powerful reminder of the critical importance of integrity in leadership and the need for robust accountability mechanisms for those who wield authority. It encourages believers to pray fervently for righteous governance, to advocate for justice for the oppressed, and to never lose hope in God's ultimate sovereignty and His promise to judge the world with equity. This verse compels us to be vigilant against all forms of oppression, whether overt acts of violence or subtle, calculated perversions of truth and fairness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "working wickedness in heart" challenge my understanding of sin as merely outward actions?**
* **In what ways might I, even subtly, "weigh the violence of my hands" by calculatedly harming others through words, neglect, or misuse of influence?**
* **What is my role, as a believer, in advocating for justice and challenging corruption in my sphere of influence, however small?**
* **How does this verse deepen my trust in God's ultimate justice, even when earthly systems fail?**

### FAQ
**Does this psalm encourage personal revenge or vigilante justice?**

Answer: No, Psalms 58, like other imprecatory psalms, is not a call for personal revenge or vigilante justice. Instead, it is a passionate prayer to God, appealing for divine intervention and judgment against those who pervert justice. The psalmist surrenders the desire for vengeance to God, trusting that the Lord, as the righteous judge, will ultimately bring justice to the earth. These psalms express a profound longing for God's righteousness to prevail and for His name to be vindicated when human systems of justice fail. They serve as a reminder that ultimate justice belongs to God alone, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Is Mine, and Recompense").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 58:2, with its stark portrayal of a corrupted heart manifesting in calculated injustice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The verse highlights the deep-seated depravity of humanity, a truth echoed throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Testament's declaration that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). While earthly judges "weigh the violence of their hands," Jesus, the perfectly righteous Judge, embodies true justice and mercy. He is the one whose heart was pure, who never "worked wickedness" but always did the will of His Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). The perversion of justice described in Psalms 58:2 tragically foreshadows the unjust trial and crucifixion of Christ Himself, where the innocent Lamb of God was condemned by corrupt earthly authorities ([Matthew 27:24-26](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24-26 - Pilate Washes His Hands")). Yet, through His sacrifice, Christ bore the violence and injustice of humanity, offering a path to reconciliation and true righteousness for all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Ultimately, Christ will return as the righteous King and Judge, establishing a kingdom where justice reigns perfectly and all wickedness is finally and eternally eradicated ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ, the Faithful and True Witness")).

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 94:20

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

Isaiah 10:1

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

Micah 3:1

¶ 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.