Psalms 58:3

KJV

The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wicked {H7563} are estranged {H2114}{H8804)} from the womb {H7358}: they go astray {H8582}{H8804)} as soon as they be born {H990}, speaking {H1696}{H8802)} lies {H3577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the womb, the wicked are estranged, liars on the wrong path since birth.

Berean Standard Bible

The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth.

American Standard Version

The wicked are estranged from the womb: They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 58:3 offers a stark declaration regarding the inherent nature of human wickedness, particularly as it manifests in those who pervert justice. It asserts that the wicked are fundamentally alienated from righteousness from their earliest existence, immediately deviating from truth upon birth, and characteristically engage in deceitful speech. This verse lays a foundational theological truth about pervasive human depravity, setting a somber and urgent tone for the psalmist's subsequent imprecations against corrupt authorities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 58 stands as a powerful imprecatory psalm, attributed to David, which fervently calls upon God for judgment against unjust and corrupt rulers or judges. The psalm initiates with a direct challenge to those in positions of authority, questioning their integrity by noting that while they may "speak righteousness," their actions reveal a deep-seated "wickedness" (cf. [Psalms 58:1-2](/psalms/58-1 "Psalm 58:1-2 - Unjust Judgment by Rulers")). Verse 3 serves as a crucial explanatory foundation, articulating the inherent nature of the wickedness that drives these individuals. It posits that their injustice is not merely an occasional failing but stems from a profound, innate disposition towards sin. This understanding then justifies the psalmist's subsequent passionate pleas for God's swift and decisive retribution against them, as detailed in later verses (cf. [Psalms 58:6-9](/psalms/58-6 "Psalm 58:6-9 - Prayers for Divine Judgment")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, judges and rulers were considered God's representatives on earth, entrusted with the sacred duty of upholding divine justice and the covenant. Their role was to ensure fairness, protect the vulnerable, and administer law impartially. The perversion of justice by those in authority was thus not merely a civil offense but a grave theological affront, directly defying God's character and commandments (cf. [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Appointment of Judges and Officers")). The phrase "estranged from the womb" reflects a cultural understanding that character, whether righteous or wicked, could be deeply ingrained from the earliest stages of life. While not a fully developed doctrine of "original sin" in the later theological sense, it certainly points to a pervasive human condition. The societal impact of corrupt leadership, especially their reliance on deceit and falsehood, would have been devastating, eroding social trust and undermining the nation's covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes within the Psalms and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the theme of **Innate Depravity** or **Fallen Human Nature**, suggesting that humanity's inclination towards sin is not simply a learned behavior but an inherent disposition present from the earliest moments of life. This resonates deeply with other biblical affirmations of human sinfulness from birth, such as David's poignant confession in [Psalm 51:5](/psalms/51-5 "Psalm 51:5 - David's Confession of Sin from Birth") where he states, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." Secondly, the verse underscores the **Universality of Sin**, implying that this tendency to "go astray" and "speak lies" is a pervasive human condition, affecting all humanity, not just a select few. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Deceit and Falsehood** as a primary and characteristic manifestation of wickedness, particularly in the context of those who abuse power. This connects to the broader biblical understanding of truth as foundational to God's character and righteousness, and falsehood as intrinsically linked to evil, as seen in Jesus' description of the devil as the "father of lies" in [John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, Father of Lies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **estranged (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** (H2114) This primitive root means "to turn aside," "to be a foreigner," "strange," or "profane." In the context of Psalms 58:3, it implies a fundamental deviation or separation from what is morally right, proper, or divinely intended. It suggests that from their very inception, the wicked are not merely neutral but are already set apart from the path of righteousness, inclined towards an ungodly and alien disposition.
* **go astray (Hebrew, _tâʻâh'_):** (H8582) This root means "to vacillate," "to reel or stray" (literally or figuratively), or "to err." It vividly portrays a departure from a prescribed path, a wandering from truth and moral rectitude. Coupled with "as soon as they be born," it emphasizes the immediate and inherent nature of this moral wandering, suggesting a deep-seated inclination towards error rather than a gradual development of wrong choices.
* **lies (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_):** (H3577) Derived from a root meaning "to lie" or "to deceive," this noun refers to falsehood, untruth, or deceit. When combined with the verb "speaking" (H1696, _dâbar_), it describes an active, continuous, and characteristic practice. In the context of unjust judges, it highlights that their perversion of justice is often rooted in deliberate deception, false testimony, or misleading rhetoric, presented as a natural outflow of their estranged and errant nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wicked are estranged from the womb":** This clause asserts a radical and profound truth about the nature of human wickedness. It suggests that the inclination towards sin is not merely acquired through environmental factors or learned behavior but is deeply ingrained from the earliest possible moment of existence. "From the womb" functions as a powerful hyperbole, emphasizing the innate and inherent quality of this alienation from God's righteous standards. It points to a fallen human nature, a predisposition towards rebellion and ungodliness that is present from conception.
* **"they go astray as soon as they be born":** This phrase reinforces and intensifies the preceding declaration. "As soon as they be born" parallels "from the womb," underscoring the immediacy and pervasiveness of this moral deviation. It implies that there is no neutral or innocent starting point; rather, humanity's natural trajectory, apart from divine intervention, is one of wandering away from truth and righteousness. This "going astray" is not a hesitant step but an immediate, inherent tendency of their corrupted nature.
* **"speaking lies":** This final clause identifies the primary and most evident manifestation of this innate depravity, particularly in the context of the unjust individuals addressed in the psalm. Deceitful speech is presented as a characteristic outflow of their estranged and errant nature. Lies are not just occasional transgressions but a defining feature of their character and a tool used to pervert justice. This highlights the destructive power of falsehood and its deep connection to the heart of wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 58:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its stark message regarding human depravity. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, evident in the phrases "from the womb" and "as soon as they be born." These expressions are not intended to be taken literally as active sinning by infants, but rather to emphasize the profound depth, immediacy, and inherent nature of human sinfulness and alienation from God's ways. This exaggeration underscores the idea that the wicked are fundamentally predisposed to evil. The verse also utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the two initial clauses, "The wicked are estranged from the womb" and "they go astray as soon as they be born," essentially convey the same core idea through different but reinforcing imagery. This repetition amplifies the message of inherent depravity. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Metaphorical Language** in "estranged" and "go astray," which evoke the imagery of a path or a relationship from which one deviates or is alienated. The act of "speaking lies" serves as a concrete **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, representing the broader perversion of truth and justice that characterizes the wicked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 58:3 offers a profound theological statement on the human condition, particularly the pervasive nature of sin. It asserts that human depravity is not merely an acquired trait but an inherent disposition, present from the earliest moments of existence. This understanding challenges any notion of human neutrality or innate goodness, positing instead that humanity, apart from divine grace, is fundamentally alienated from God's righteousness and prone to error and deceit. This innate inclination towards sin, often termed "original sin," means that humanity's moral compass is skewed from birth, leading naturally to actions like "speaking lies" and perverting justice. It underscores the universal need for divine intervention and transformation, as no amount of education or self-effort can eradicate this deep-seated inclination towards ungodliness. The verse thus sets the stage for understanding the radical nature of salvation and the necessity of God's redemptive work.

* [Psalms 51:5](/psalms/51-5 "Psalm 51:5 - David's Confession of Sin from Birth")
* [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - None is Righteous")
* [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 58:3 serves as a sobering mirror, reflecting the profound reality of human sinfulness. It compels us to confront the uncomfortable truth that, apart from God's grace, our natural inclination is to stray from righteousness and embrace falsehood. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of humility within us, recognizing that our capacity for sin is not merely external but originates from an internal disposition that affects all humanity. It calls us to acknowledge our utter dependence on God's transformative power to renew our hearts and guide us onto the path of truth and integrity. For believers, it reinforces the preciousness of regeneration, the spiritual new birth that reorients our desires towards God. Practically, this verse challenges us to be vigilant against the subtle and overt ways deceit manifests in our own lives and in society, particularly among those in positions of influence. It reminds us of the critical importance of upholding truth, speaking with integrity, and actively pursuing justice, knowing that these acts are counter-cultural and require divine enablement in a world prone to lies and injustice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of human nature and the origin of sin?**
* **In what ways do you observe the "speaking lies" manifesting in contemporary society, especially among leaders or institutions?**
* **What practical steps can we take to combat the natural inclination towards deceit in our own lives and promote truth in our communities?**
* **How does the concept of being "estranged from the womb" deepen your appreciation for God's grace and the necessity of spiritual transformation?**

### FAQ
**Does "estranged from the womb" mean that babies are inherently guilty of sin at birth?**

Answer: The phrase "estranged from the womb" does not imply that infants are actively committing sinful acts or are held personally accountable for specific transgressions at birth. Instead, it points to a state of inherited depravity or a fallen nature. It means that from the very beginning of life, humanity possesses a predisposition or inclination towards sin, an alienation from God's perfect righteousness. This concept aligns with the theological understanding of original sin, where the sin of Adam resulted in a corrupted nature passed down to all humanity, making us prone to rebellion against God's will. As [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered Through One Man") states, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." This inherited condition means that without divine intervention, every person will inevitably "go astray" and "speak lies" as they grow.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of original sin?**

Answer: Psalms 58:3 is a powerful Old Testament witness to the concept of original sin, even if it doesn't use the precise theological terminology developed later. The phrases "estranged from the womb" and "go astray as soon as they be born" strongly suggest that humanity's sinful nature is not merely a product of environment or choice, but an inherent condition present from conception. This aligns directly with the doctrine of original sin, which teaches that humanity inherits a corrupted nature from Adam, resulting in a pervasive bent towards sin and an inability to perfectly obey God's law. This inherited depravity means that all individuals are born alienated from God, spiritually dead, and naturally inclined to rebellion and falsehood. It underscores the universal need for a divine work of grace to transform the human heart, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins") which describes humanity as "dead in trespasses and sins" and "by nature children of wrath."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 58:3 paints a stark picture of humanity's innate depravity, revealing a deep-seated alienation from truth and righteousness from the very beginning of life. This profound problem of inherent sinfulness finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Where humanity is "estranged from the womb" and "goes astray," Christ is the perfectly righteous one, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born without sin, fully embodying truth and never deviating from God's perfect will (cf. [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - Conception of Jesus")). The "speaking lies" that characterizes the wicked in Psalm 58:3 stands in stark contrast to Jesus, who declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the embodiment of divine truth, and His every word and action perfectly reflected the Father's will, utterly devoid of falsehood. Furthermore, while humanity is born into a state of spiritual death and alienation, Christ offers a new birth, a spiritual regeneration that transforms the heart and reorients it towards God and truth (cf. [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again") and [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")). His atoning sacrifice on the cross addresses the very root of this innate depravity, breaking the power of sin and reconciling alienated humanity to God, enabling believers to walk in newness of life, speaking truth and pursuing righteousness as a fruit of His Spirit (cf. [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life") and [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")).

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 51:5

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Proverbs 22:15

¶ Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Isaiah 48:8

Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time [that] thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

Ephesians 2:3

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Job 15:14

What [is] man, that he should be clean? and [he which is] born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

Isaiah 46:3

Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne [by me] from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

Psalms 22:10

I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou [art] my God from my mother's belly.