Psalm 58 2

Psalm 58:2 kjv

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

Psalm 58:2 nkjv

No, in heart you work wickedness; You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.

Psalm 58:2 niv

No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.

Psalm 58:2 esv

No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth.

Psalm 58:2 nlt

No! You plot injustice in your hearts.
You spread violence throughout the land.

Psalm 58 verses

Psalm 58 2 Meaning

Psalm 58:2 states that those in positions of authority do not speak righteously or justly in their judgments. Instead, they actively plot and execute wickedness and violence from the depths of their hearts, intentionally meting out injustice on earth through their actions. The verse exposes the profound internal corruption of leaders who systematically pervert justice.

Psalm 58 2 Context

Psalm 58 is an imprecatory psalm, a prophetic prayer calling for divine judgment on the wicked. The psalmist, King David, directly confronts those in power, likely judges or rulers, who are called "gods" or "divine beings" (Ps 82:1) due to their role as God's representatives on earth, dispensing justice. The preceding verse (Ps 58:1) questions if they indeed "speak righteousness" and "judge uprightly," to which verse 2 provides the answer: they certainly do not. Instead of fulfilling their divine mandate to protect the weak and uphold justice, they actively perpetuate evil. The psalm continues by describing their inherent evil nature from birth and culminates in a fervent plea for God to break their power and deliver righteous judgment, ultimately assuring the upright that God indeed judges on earth.

Psalm 58 2 Word analysis

• Indeed / Surely / Truly: While the Hebrew word לֹא (loʾ) typically means "no" or "not," here in its emphatic use, often introducing rhetorical questions or strong assertions, it serves to confirm the negation from verse 1: they absolutely do not speak justice. It sets up a strong contrast with what they should be doing. This emphasizes the deliberate nature of their deviation from righteousness.

• in your hearts: בְּלֵב (bə·lēḇ). The Hebrew concept of the "heart" (לֵב, lev) is not merely the seat of emotion but primarily the center of intellect, will, and moral decision-making. Thus, "in your hearts" means that their wickedness is not accidental or external pressure, but deeply ingrained and intentional, conceived and planned in their innermost being. It speaks of motive and deliberation.

• you devise / you work / you contrive: תְּפַעֲלוּן (tə·faʿă·lūn). This verb denotes active working, accomplishing, or carrying out a deed. It emphasizes that their evil is not passive or merely thought but is translated into tangible actions. It implies plotting and preparation. They aren't just contemplating evil; they are "bringing it about."

• wickedness / injustice: רֶשַׁע (reshaʿ). This term refers to moral evil, wrongdoing, guilt, and crime. It contrasts directly with "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tzedeq) which they supposedly "speak." It encompasses actions that violate God's law and principles of justice.

• on earth / in the land: בָאָרֶץ (ḇā·ʾā·reṣ). This specifies the arena of their misdeeds. Their corruption has a real, tangible impact on society and the world, not merely an abstract moral failure. It impacts daily life for people.

• you weigh out / you weigh level / you measure: תְּפַלְּסוּן (tə·fal·lā·sūn). This verb literally means to weigh, balance, make level, or smooth. Ironically, instead of weighing justice fairly or leveling the path to righteousness, they meticulously weigh out "violence." This highlights the calculating and deliberate nature of their injustice. It suggests a methodical allocation or distribution of harm, rather than an impulsive act.

• the violence / wrong / outrage: חֲמַס (ḥă·mas). This signifies physical violence, injustice, or outrage, often encompassing oppressive and cruel acts against others. It is the direct consequence and product of their inner wickedness.

• of your hands: יְדֵיכֶם (yə·ḏê·ḵem). The "hands" in biblical idiom represent one's actions, power, and authority. "The violence of your hands" signifies that their deeds and rulings—the direct exercise of their power as judges—are filled with oppression and injustice. It's the tangible manifestation of their inner corruption.

• Group of Words: "Indeed in your hearts you devise wickedness on earth"This phrase reveals the deep-seated and intentional nature of the evil committed by these leaders. It is not an error in judgment, but a pre-meditated, internally formulated plan to execute what is morally wrong. Their actions on earth are merely the outworking of their wicked hearts. This is a severe indictment against the core of their being and their public function.

• Group of Words: "you weigh out the violence of your hands"This signifies that the unjust acts and oppression they commit are not arbitrary or chaotic, but are deliberately measured and allocated. The term "weigh out" suggests a precise, calculating determination of the harm they inflict, emphasizing their conscious choice to deal out injustice rather than righteous judgment. Their official judgments become instruments of oppression.

Psalm 58 2 Bonus section

• The deliberate language used, particularly the "indeed" and the verb "devise/work," points to a foundational aspect of sin: it originates internally as a conceived plan before manifesting externally. This aligns with New Testament teachings on the heart's depravity (e.g., Matt 15:19).
• The Psalm 58:2 critique of unjust leaders has broader theological implications for the "doctrine of humanity." It highlights the universal extent of human fallenness, showing that even those endowed with power and responsibility can descend into profound moral corruption if their hearts are not aligned with God.
• The contrast between weighing "justice" and weighing "violence" points to a profound inversion of their God-given role. Rulers were meant to reflect God's justice, not pervert it for their own gain or desires. This resonates with the ancient Near Eastern concept of kingship, where the ruler's primary duty was often seen as upholding cosmic justice (Ma'at in Egypt, Mishpat u-Tzedek in Israel). These rulers were failing their sacred obligation.
• This verse can be seen as part of a wider prophetic tradition of exposing judicial corruption and social injustice prevalent in ancient Israel and beyond. The prophets consistently denounced those in power who oppressed the weak and perverted legal systems for personal gain (e.g., Isa 1:23, Amos 5:12, Jer 5:28).

Psalm 58 2 Commentary

Psalm 58:2 strips bare the facade of corrupt authorities. It moves beyond simply stating they judge unjustly, diving into the depraved core of their being. The psalmist reveals that their wickedness stems not from ignorance or error, but from a deliberate, conscious choice originating "in their hearts." This refers to their very will, intellect, and moral center, implying a pre-meditated design for evil. They are actively "devising" wickedness, planning out their malevolent schemes, demonstrating active rebellion against God's standards of justice. Furthermore, the vivid image of "weighing out the violence of your hands" powerfully conveys the calculating precision with which these unjust rulers dispense their oppression. Instead of using their authority (their "hands") to balance the scales of justice and righteousness, they systematically and intentionally inflict "violence"—injustice and harm—upon the people they are sworn to protect. This is a stark warning against all forms of judicial or political corruption where personal gain, prejudice, or power override the divine mandate to govern righteously. It underscores the biblical truth that true righteousness must flow from an internal state, manifesting in just and compassionate action.