Psalms 58:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 58:5 mean?

Psalms 58:5 describes someone who is so stubborn or resistant that they will not listen to the voice of charmers, no matter how skillfully those charmers try to persuade them. The verse uses the image of a snake that ignores even the most expert snake-charmers.

In this psalm, David is speaking about wicked people who refuse to listen to reason or correction. The picture is of a person who, like a deaf snake, cannot be influenced even by those who are usually able to control or calm dangerous things. This highlights the deep stubbornness and unresponsiveness of those who choose evil.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 58:5

• "hearken" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means to listen or pay attention. The verse emphasizes that these people are not just failing to hear, but are actively refusing to respond.
• "charmers" (לָחַשׁ, lachash): This refers to those who whisper spells or use secret arts, often thought of as snake-charmers. The image is of someone with special skill in persuasion.
• "charming" (חָבַר, chavar / חֶבֶר, chever): These words relate to binding or joining together, often used for spells or enchantments. The verse suggests that even the most effective or wise attempts to influence are ignored.
• "wisely" (חָכַם, chakam): This word means to act with wisdom or skill. The point is that even the most clever or experienced efforts to persuade are useless against such stubbornness.

Why Psalms 58:5 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that some people are simply beyond persuasion, no matter how skilled or wise the approach.
• It emphasizes the depth of resistance in the wicked, showing that their refusal to listen is not due to lack of opportunity or poor communication.
• In the context of the psalm, it helps explain why judgment is needed—because some will never respond to correction or reason, no matter how gently or skillfully it is offered.