Psalms 58:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 58:3 mean?

Psalms 58:3 says that wicked people are separated from what is right from the very beginning of their lives, and that they start lying as soon as they are born. The verse uses strong language to describe how deeply rooted wrongdoing and dishonesty can be in some people.

In this psalm, David is speaking about those who act unjustly, especially leaders or judges who are corrupt. The verse uses poetic exaggeration to stress how early and naturally these people seem to turn away from truth and goodness, highlighting the seriousness of their moral failure.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 58:3

• "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha): This word refers to people who are actively doing wrong or are morally corrupt, not just those who make occasional mistakes.
• "estranged" (זוּר, zur): This word means to be separated or alienated, often with the sense of being a stranger or outsider. Here, it emphasizes that the wicked are distant from what is right from the start.
• "astray" (תָּעָה, ta'ah): This word means to wander or go off the correct path. It paints a picture of people who are lost morally, not just making a single wrong turn.
• "lies" (כָּזָב, kazav): This word means falsehood or deception. The verse highlights that dishonesty is a key part of the behavior being described.

Why Psalms 58:3 matters

• Psalms 58:3 helps clarify that the psalmist is using strong, poetic language to describe the depth of corruption in certain people, not making a literal statement about every person from birth.
• The verse sets up the rest of the psalm, which deals with the consequences of injustice and the hope for God’s judgment against those who persist in wrongdoing.
• Understanding the original words shows that the focus is on people who are persistently and deliberately dishonest, not just those who make mistakes or struggle with truthfulness.