Psalms 58:8

KJV

As a snail [which] melteth, let [every one of them] pass away: [like] the untimely birth of a woman, [that] they may not see the sun.

KJV (with Strong's)

As a snail {H7642} which melteth {H8557}, let every one of them pass away {H1980}{H8799)}: like the untimely birth {H5309} of a woman {H802}, that they may not see {H2372}{H8804)} the sun {H8121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May they be like a slug that melts as it moves, like a stillborn baby that never sees the sun.

Berean Standard Bible

Like a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun.

American Standard Version

Let them beas a snail which melteth and passeth away, Likethe untimely birth of a woman, that hath not seen the sun.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 58:8 is a profound imprecatory plea, forming a climactic part of a psalm that expresses a fervent cry for divine judgment against wicked and corrupt authorities. The verse employs two vivid and stark similes—the melting snail and the untimely birth—to depict the psalmist's intense desire for the complete, irreversible dissolution and utter disappearance of the wicked. It wishes for them to have no lasting impact, legacy, or experience of true life, serving as a raw yet faith-filled expression of trust in God as the ultimate Judge who will decisively bring justice and vindicate the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 58 is firmly categorized within the genre of imprecatory psalms, which are prayers where the psalmist calls upon God to execute judgment against enemies. This particular psalm is directed at unjust rulers or judges, whose profound depravity and perversion of justice are vividly detailed in the preceding verses. They are characterized as speaking lies from birth, as seen in the declaration that they are "estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies" ([Psalm 58:3](/psalms/58-3 "Psalm 58:3 - The Wicked Speak Lies from Birth")). Their malicious intent is further emphasized by comparing their venom to that of a serpent, specifically "the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear" ([Psalm 58:4](/psalms/58-4 "Psalm 58:4 - The Wicked Compared to a Serpent's Venom")), and their resistance to wisdom is likened to a deaf adder ([Psalm 58:5](/psalms/58-5 "Psalm 58:5 - The Deaf Adder")). Verse 8 follows a series of petitions for God to break their teeth ([Psalm 58:6](/psalms/58-6 "Psalm 58:6 - Break Their Teeth, O God")) and cause them to vanish like water that "runneth away" ([Psalm 58:7](/psalms/58-7 "Psalm 58:7 - Let Them Melt Away Like Water")). Thus, verse 8 intensifies the imagery of complete destruction and non-existence, forming a climactic and devastating part of the psalmist's passionate appeal for divine intervention and justice against pervasive evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely emerges from a historical context marked by profound societal injustice, where those entrusted with positions of power—such as kings or judges—who were meant to uphold righteousness, instead actively perverted justice and oppressed the innocent. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the ruler was often viewed as God's earthly representative, charged with maintaining cosmic and social order through righteous governance. When such figures failed in their divine mandate or actively engaged in corruption, it precipitated a deep crisis of faith and societal breakdown. The psalmist's prayer, therefore, reflects the common ancient understanding that divine justice was not merely an abstract concept but an active, intervening force that would ultimately manifest in human affairs. The vivid, often violent, imagery characteristic of imprecatory psalms is a testament to the intense emotional and spiritual struggles of individuals confronting seemingly insurmountable evil, where the only recourse was a direct, impassioned appeal to the sovereign God for vindication and retribution, echoing similar cries for justice found throughout the Old Testament, such as the prophet's call to "learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause" ([Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to Do Good; Seek Justice")).
* **Key Themes:** The central theme permeating Psalm 58, and particularly accentuated in verse 8, is **Divine Judgment and Retribution**. The psalmist's fervent plea is a direct appeal for God, as the ultimate and righteous Judge, to intervene decisively and bring an end to the wicked's influence. The graphic imagery underscores a profound desire for the complete and irreversible cessation of their evil deeds and their very existence as a threat, reflecting the unwavering biblical belief that God "judges the world in righteousness; he ministers judgment to the people in uprightness" ([Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness")). Another significant theme is **The Fragility and Futility of Wickedness**. Despite their apparent power and entrenched corruption, the verse uses stark analogies to illustrate that the wicked are ultimately vulnerable, and their efforts will inevitably come to nothing. Their desired fate is one of dissolution and non-existence, leaving no substantial legacy. Finally, the psalm expresses a profound **Longing for Justice for the Oppressed**. Underlying the imprecation is a deep, abiding trust that God will not permit evil to prevail indefinitely, and that His righteous judgment will ultimately bring relief, vindication, and peace to His people, leading to the righteous seeing the "reward of the wicked" ([Psalm 58:11](/psalms/58-11 "Psalm 58:11 - The Righteous See the Reward of the Wicked")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Snail (Hebrew, _shablûwl'_):** The Hebrew noun שַׁבְלוּל (_shablûwl_) refers to a snail, specifically one that appears to "melt" or dissolve as it moves, leaving a trail of slime. This imagery vividly conveys the idea of something gradually wasting away, losing its substance, and disappearing without a trace. The psalmist employs this to express a desire for the wicked to diminish and vanish completely, leaving nothing substantial behind.
* **Melteth (Hebrew, _temeç'_):** The Hebrew noun תֶּמֶס (_temeç_) signifies "liquefaction" or "disappearance," derived from a root meaning "to melt." When applied to the snail, it evokes the image of its body seemingly dissolving as it moves, or perhaps shriveling under harsh conditions. This word powerfully conveys the idea of something losing its form, substance, and ultimately becoming nothing, emphasizing the psalmist's desire for the complete and utter obliteration of the wicked's power and presence.
* **Untimely birth (Hebrew, _nephel'_):** The Hebrew noun נֵפֶל (_nephel_) specifically refers to an "abortion" or "stillborn child." This is a profoundly tragic and stark image, signifying something that never fully develops, never experiences life, light, or the world. It represents non-existence, utter futility, and a complete lack of impact or legacy. The psalmist uses this image to wish for the wicked to be as if they never truly lived or achieved anything of substance, their existence being a non-event in the grand scheme of things.
* **See (Hebrew, _châzâh'_):** The Hebrew verb חָזָה (_châzâh_) means "to gaze at," "to perceive," "to contemplate," or "to have a vision of." In the context of "not seeing the sun," it signifies being denied the very experience of life, light, and existence. It's a powerful expression of wishing for the wicked to be utterly cut off from all that constitutes life and vitality, reinforcing the idea of their complete non-existence and lack of any future or legacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As a snail [which] melteth, let [every one of them] pass away":** This clause introduces the first powerful simile, drawing on the common observation of a snail leaving a trail of slime, which could be perceived as it "melting" or dissolving as it moves. This vivid image portrays a desired gradual yet complete and inevitable dissolution. The psalmist prays for the wicked to diminish and disappear entirely, leaving nothing substantial behind, symbolizing their utter loss of power, influence, and even existence. The phrase "let every one of them pass away" reinforces the comprehensive nature of this desired judgment, wishing for a total eradication of their presence and impact.
* **"[Like] the untimely birth of a woman, [that] they may not see the sun":** This second simile introduces an even more potent and tragic image: a miscarriage or stillbirth. This signifies a life that never truly begins, never experiences light, warmth, or the vibrancy of the world. The phrase "that they may not see the sun" is a direct and profound curse, wishing for the wicked to be denied the very essence of life and existence, to be as if they never were. This emphasizes the desire for their utter futility, non-existence, and lack of any lasting impact or legacy in the world, highlighting a complete absence of future or hope.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 58:8 is exceptionally rich in **Imagery** and employs two striking **Similes** to convey its message of divine judgment and utter destruction. The first simile, "As a snail [which] melteth," creates a vivid mental picture of gradual dissolution and disappearance, emphasizing the impermanence and ultimate vanishing of the wicked. This is further enhanced by the **Metaphorical** understanding of the snail's trail as a symbol of something insubstantial and fleeting, leaving no lasting mark. The second simile, "[Like] the untimely birth of a woman," is even more potent and emotionally charged, using the tragic image of a miscarriage or stillbirth to symbolize absolute non-existence, futility, and a life that never truly began. The concluding phrase, "that they may not see the sun," functions as a powerful **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where "seeing the sun" represents the totality of life, vitality, and existence itself. This phrase also acts as a form of **Hyperbole**, expressing an extreme and absolute desire for the wicked's complete obliteration, wishing them to be as if they never lived or had any impact. The combined effect of these carefully chosen devices is to create a visceral, emotionally charged, and profoundly impactful plea for God's decisive and comprehensive judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 58:8, with its raw and intense imagery, serves as a profound theological statement about God's ultimate sovereignty over justice and evil. It affirms the biblical truth that God is not indifferent to human suffering or the perversion of justice by wicked authorities. The psalmist's cry, though expressed in ancient, imprecatory language, reflects a deep-seated belief in a moral universe where righteousness will ultimately prevail and wickedness will not endure. This longing for divine intervention underscores the conviction that human systems of justice are often flawed and fallible, but God's judgment is perfect, inescapable, and ultimately just. The verse ultimately points to the impermanence of evil and the certainty of God's righteous retribution, offering a glimpse into the divine commitment to uphold justice and vindicate His people, ensuring that those who practice iniquity will face their just recompense.

* [Psalm 94:23](/psalms/94-23 "God Will Bring Their Iniquity Upon Them")
* [Proverbs 10:25](/proverbs/10-25 "When the Whirlwind Passes, the Wicked Is No More")
* [Revelation 19:20](/revelation/19-20 "The Beast and False Prophet Cast into the Lake of Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark imagery of Psalms 58:8, while challenging to modern sensibilities, offers a profound space for reflection on the nature of justice, suffering, and faith in a fallen world. In a world where injustice often seems to triumph and the wicked appear to prosper, this verse validates the deep pain, righteous anger, and fervent desire for vindication that can arise in the human heart when confronted with pervasive evil and corruption. It reminds us that it is permissible and even necessary to bring our rawest emotions and most fervent cries for justice directly before God, trusting in His perfect wisdom, unwavering righteousness, and sovereign timing. Rather than condoning personal vengeance or advocating for human retribution, the psalm channels these intense desires into a prayer for divine intervention, acknowledging God alone as the ultimate and perfect Judge. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder to surrender our desire for personal retribution to the Lord, trusting that He sees all wrong, hears every cry, and will ultimately right every injustice, ensuring that evil, no matter how powerful or entrenched it appears, will ultimately "pass away" and have no lasting legacy or triumph. This fosters a profound hope that transcends present circumstances, anchoring our faith in God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His ultimate, decisive victory over all forms of wickedness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this psalm's raw expression of anger and desire for justice resonate with your own feelings when confronted with deep injustice in the world?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust God as the ultimate Judge, even when human justice seems to fail or be delayed?**
* **How can the imagery of "passing away" and "not seeing the sun" inform your understanding of the ultimate futility and impermanence of wickedness in God's grand plan?**

### FAQ

**Why does the psalmist use such harsh and graphic language to describe the fate of the wicked?**

Answer: The graphic language in Psalms 58:8 and other imprecatory psalms reflects the intense emotional pain, righteous indignation, and profound spiritual struggle of the psalmist in the face of pervasive and unpunished evil. It is not an expression of personal vindictiveness or a call for human vengeance, but rather a fervent plea for divine justice. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such vivid and often hyperbolic imagery was a common and accepted way to express the depth of one's desire for God to act decisively and completely. The psalmist is essentially asking God to utterly nullify the wicked's power and influence, making them as if they never existed, thereby bringing an end to their oppression and vindicating the righteous. This is a prayer for God's ultimate judgment to manifest, aligning with the theological principle articulated in the New Testament: "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Vengeance to God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 58:8, with its fervent cry for the utter dissolution of the wicked and the triumph of divine justice, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm expresses a longing for the temporal judgment of earthly oppressors, Christ's first advent inaugurated the decisive defeat of the ultimate oppressor, Satan, and the spiritual powers of sin and death. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus "disarmed principalities and powers, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming the Rulers and Authorities")), effectively causing them to "pass away" in terms of their ultimate dominion and authority over believers. His glorious resurrection is the definitive proof that evil's power is futile and will not "see the sun" of lasting victory. Furthermore, Christ is the righteous Judge who will return in glory to execute perfect justice, bringing to nothing all forms of wickedness and establishing His eternal kingdom where "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain in the New Creation")). Thus, the psalmist's longing for the complete eradication of evil finds its ultimate, cosmic, and eternal realization in the redemptive and judicial work of Christ, who ensures that all unrighteousness will ultimately vanish, leaving no trace, and His perfect justice will reign forever.

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

Job 3:16

Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants [which] never saw light.

Ecclesiastes 6:3

If a man beget an hundred [children], and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also [that] he have no burial; I say, [that] an untimely birth [is] better than he.

Psalms 37:35

I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

Psalms 37:36

Yet he passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

James 1:10

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.