Psalm 58 5

Psalm 58:5 kjv

Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.

Psalm 58:5 nkjv

Which will not heed the voice of charmers, Charming ever so skillfully.

Psalm 58:5 niv

that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.

Psalm 58:5 esv

so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter.

Psalm 58:5 nlt

ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers,
no matter how skillfully they play.

Psalm 58 verses

Psalm 58 5 Meaning

Psalm 58:5 describes the extreme recalcitrance and wickedness of oppressive, unjust individuals, metaphorically likening them to venomous snakes that are impervious to even the most skilled snake charmers. Despite attempts to persuade them, whether through warnings, reason, or even divine truth, they adamantly refuse to listen or change their ways, remaining deeply entrenched in their malicious acts and perverse sense of justice.

Psalm 58 5 Context

Psalm 58 is an imprecatory psalm, where David (or the Psalmist) cries out to God against unrighteous judges or rulers who pervert justice. The preceding verses (vv. 1-4) describe the profound depravity of these individuals: they "speak wickedness" (v. 2), "deal out violence" (v. 2), are "estranged from the womb" (v. 3), and possess venom like a "cobra that stops its ear" (v. 4). Verse 5, therefore, serves to further emphasize their inherent and unchangeable evil. The comparison to a snake impervious to charmers highlights that their rebellion against righteousness is not a misunderstanding or a lapse, but a deep-seated, wilful refusal to accept correction or influence, making divine intervention and judgment the only viable response. The historical/cultural context of snake charming was prevalent in the ancient Near East, where skilled practitioners were believed to be able to tame even the most dangerous serpents. The psalm uses this familiar imagery to powerfully convey that these wicked individuals are beyond human means of persuasion, indicating a complete resistance to any moral or divine influence.

Psalm 58 5 Word analysis

• which will not hearken / They do not listen: The Hebrew term is yish'māʿū (ישמעו), derived from the root shamaʿ (שמע). This word means "to hear," but crucially, in a biblical context, it often extends to mean "to listen attentively," "to understand," and most importantly, "to obey" or "to heed." Their unwillingness to hear signifies a deep-seated resistance and defiance, rather than mere physical deafness. It implies an active rejection of truth, justice, or warnings.
• to the voice: The Hebrew is qōl (קול), referring to any sound, but here specifically the sound of the charmers. It represents their persuasive or enchanting appeals.
• of charmers / of enchanters: The Hebrew word used is mənaḥashīm (מנחשים), derived from naḥash (נחש). While naḥash literally means "serpent" (Gen 3:1), it is also used in a verbal form to mean "to practice divination," "to seek omens," or "to whisper charms" (Lev 19:26; Deut 18:10). This connects the charmers directly to illicit occult practices in the eyes of God's law, practices considered detestable (Deut 18:12). In the context of the Psalm, it refers to those skilled in charming snakes, hinting at ancient magical practices believed to influence serpents.
• charming never so wisely / skillful in their spells / utterly skillful enchanter: This translates the Hebrew phrase ḥôbēr ḥeber (חֹבֵר חֶבֶר).
  • ḥôbēr (חֹבֵר): This is the active participle of the verb ḥābar (חבר), meaning "to join," "to bind," "to unite," or "to associate." When used with ḥeber, it specifically implies binding with spells or incantations. It emphasizes the deep expertise and the manipulative power involved in such a charm.
  • ḥeber (חֶבֶר): This noun refers to a "charm," "spell," "incantation," or "band." Together, ḥōbēr ḥeber describes one who skillfully "binds by means of a charm" or performs a potent "act of charming." This stresses the proficiency and the perceived effectiveness of the charm employed. The implication is that even the most expert and powerful enchantment, which can normally control deadly snakes, has no effect on these utterly wicked individuals. They are more stubborn than the most resistant creature to human control.

• Voice of charmers (or) enchanters skillful in their spells: This phrase captures the combined human effort to persuade, warn, or influence through a powerful appeal. The "charmers" represent any voice that attempts to sway the wicked towards righteousness – be it the voice of justice, reason, truth, or even prophetic warnings. The "skillful" aspect underscores that no matter how articulate, logical, or profound the appeal, it fails to penetrate their hardened hearts. The comparison suggests that these individuals possess an inherent spiritual "deafness" or resistance to what is good, paralleling the legendary deaf adder.

Psalm 58 5 Bonus section

The "deaf adder" is an ancient and enduring image often associated with the asp, or more broadly, venomous snakes common to the Middle East. While scientifically, no snake is entirely "deaf" in the way humans perceive sound, the imagery refers to their non-responsiveness to the specific pipe or musical tones used by charmers. Ancient belief or observation might have led to the understanding that some serpents (like the cobra raising its head due to vibration, not sound) could not be truly 'charmed' by auditory signals alone, or were believed to deliberately 'stop their ears' to resist capture. This served as a potent metaphor for intractable wickedness, illustrating a spiritual "ear-stopping" or heart-hardening that deliberately blocks out truth, justice, and the voice of God. The mention of "charmers" or "enchanters" using "spells" subtly positions the perverted justice of these wicked rulers against a backdrop of both human and perceived supernatural influence, ultimately asserting that neither can alter their pre-ordained course of malice, which only God's judgment can address.

Psalm 58 5 Commentary

Psalm 58:5 serves as a powerful hyperbole emphasizing the extreme moral corruption and resolute rebellion of certain individuals. Comparing them to a "deaf cobra" impervious to even the most potent and skillfully woven charms, the verse communicates their absolute refusal to be influenced by wisdom, warning, justice, or divine truth. Their unresponsiveness isn't accidental or a lapse of understanding; it's a profound, innate, and determined resistance stemming from a hardened heart. No rational appeal, no persuasive argument, and no form of enticement (even illicit magical ones as implied by "charmers") can break through their defiant obstinacy. This spiritual imperviousness highlights that human attempts to reform or enlighten such deeply entrenched wickedness are futile, leaving only the recourse of divine judgment as their fitting end. Practically, it cautions against the expectation of change from those utterly set against righteousness and emphasizes the depth of human depravity when the heart is hardened.