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To the tune of &#8220Do Not Destroy.&#8221 Of David. A miktam. Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? <a href="/nlt/psalms/58.htm">New Living Translation</a> Justice—do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly? <a href="/esv/psalms/58.htm">English Standard Version</a> Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? <a href="/bsb/psalms/58.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? <a href="/kjv/psalms/58.htm">King James Bible</a> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? <a href="/nkjv/psalms/58.htm">New King James Version</a> To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David. Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones? Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men? <a href="/nasb_/psalms/58.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For the music director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David. Do you indeed speak righteousness, you gods? Do you judge fairly, you sons of mankind? <a href="/nasb/psalms/58.htm">NASB 1995</a> For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David. Do you indeed speak righteousness, O gods? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? <a href="/nasb77/psalms/58.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Do you indeed speak righteousness, O gods? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? <a href="/lsb/psalms/58.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For the choir director. Al-tashheth. Of David. A Mikhtam. Do you indeed speak righteousness, O gods? Do you judge with equity, O sons of men? <a href="/amp/psalms/58.htm">Amplified Bible</a> To the Chief Musician; set to [the tune of] “Do Not Destroy.” A Mikhtam of David. [A record of memorable thoughts of David]. Do you indeed speak righteousness, O gods (heavenly beings)? Do you judge fairly, O sons of men? <a href="/csb/psalms/58.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For the choir director: “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you really speak righteously, you mighty ones? Do you judge people fairly? <a href="/hcsb/psalms/58.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For the choir director: &#8220Do Not Destroy.&#8221 A Davidic Miktam. Do you really speak righteously, you mighty ones? Do you judge people fairly? <a href="/asv/psalms/58.htm">American Standard Version</a> For the Chief Musician; set to Al-tashheth. A Psalm of David. Michtam. Do ye indeed in silence speak righteousness? Do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? <a href="/cev/psalms/58.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Do you mighty people talk only to oppose justice? Don't you ever judge fairly? <a href="/erv/psalms/58.htm">English Revised Version</a> For the Chief Musician; set to Al-tashheth. A Psalm of David: Michtam. Do ye indeed in silence speak righteousness? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? <a href="/gwt/psalms/58.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> [For the choir director; [al tashcheth]; a [miktam] by David.] Do you rulers really give fair verdicts? Do you judge Adam's descendants fairly? <a href="/gnt/psalms/58.htm">Good News Translation</a> Do you rulers ever give a just decision? Do you judge everyone fairly? <a href="/isv/psalms/58.htm">International Standard Version</a> How is it that by remaining silent you can speak righteously? How can you judge people fairly? <a href="/msb/psalms/58.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of ?Do Not Destroy.? A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? <a href="/net/psalms/58.htm">NET Bible</a> For the music director; according to the al-tashcheth style; a prayer of David. Do you rulers really pronounce just decisions? Do you judge people fairly? <a href="/nheb/psalms/58.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> [For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David.] Do you rulers indeed speak righteousness? Do you judge blamelessly, you descendants of Adam? <a href="/wbt/psalms/58.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? <a href="/web/psalms/58.htm">World English Bible</a> For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David. Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones? Do you judge blamelessly, you sons of men? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/psalms/58.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> TO THE OVERSEER. “DO NOT DESTROY.” A MIKTAM OF DAVID. Is it true, O silent one, that you speak righteously? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? <a href="/ylt/psalms/58.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> To the Overseer. -- 'Destroy not.' -- A secret treasure, by David. Is it true, O dumb one, righteously ye speak? Uprightly ye judge, O sons of men? <a href="/slt/psalms/58.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> To the overseer, Thou wilt not destroy; to David a poem. Will ye indeed speak dumb justice? will ye judge justly, ye sons of man?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/psalms/58.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Unto the end, destroy not, for David, for an inscription of a title. If in very deed you speak justice: judge right things, ye sons of men. <a href="/cpdv/psalms/58.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 57:1>Unto the end. May you not destroy. Of David, with the inscription of a title. <V 57:2>If, truly and certainly, you speak justice, then judge what is right, you sons of men. <a href="/nabre/psalms/58.htm">New American Bible</a> For the leader. Do not destroy. A miktam of David. [2] Do you indeed pronounce justice, O gods; do you judge fairly you children of Adam? <a href="/nrsvce/psalms/58.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge people fairly?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/psalms/58.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> DO you indeed speak righteousness. O congregation? do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? <a href="/hpbt/psalms/58.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Whether truly you are speaking righteousness and integrity, you judge, oh, children of men!<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/psalms/58.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For the Leader; Al-tashheth. [A Psalm] of David; Michtam. Do ye indeed speak as a righteous company? Do ye judge with equity the sons of men? <a href="/sep/psalms/58.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For the end. Destroy not: by David, for a memorial. If ye do indeed speak righteousness, then do ye judge rightly, ye sons of men. <a href="/parallel/psalms/58-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6808" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/psalms/58.htm">God Judges the Earth</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/5329.htm" title="5329: lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ (Prep-l, Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- Preeminent or enduring. A primitive root; properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. To be eminent; also, to be permanent.">For the choirmaster.</a> <a href="/hebrew/516.htm" title="516: ’al- (Adv) -- From 'al and shachath; Thou must not destroy; probably the opening words to a popular song.">To the tune of</a> <a href="/hebrew/516.htm" title="516: taš·ḥêṯ (V-Hifil-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- From 'al and shachath; Thou must not destroy; probably the opening words to a popular song.">“Do Not Destroy.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4387.htm" title="4387: miḵ·tām (N-ms) -- A technical term in psalm titles. From katham; an engraving, i.e. A poem.">A Miktam</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">of David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/552.htm" title="552: ha·’um·nām (Conj) -- Verily, truly, indeed. An orthographical variation of 'omnam."> Do you indeed</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: tə·ḏab·bê·rūn (V-Piel-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/6664.htm" title="6664: ṣe·ḏeq (N-ms) -- Rightness, righteousness. From tsadaq; the right; also equity or prosperity.">justly,</a> <a href="/hebrew/482.htm" title="482: ’ê·lem (N-msc) -- Silence. From 'alam; silence.">O rulers?</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: tiš·pə·ṭū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To judge, govern. ">Do you judge</a> <a href="/hebrew/4339.htm" title="4339: mê·šā·rîm (N-mp) -- Evenness, uprightness, equity. From yashar; evenness, i.e. prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e. rectitude.">uprightly,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">O sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of men?</a> 2No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/59-4.htm">Isaiah 59:4</a> No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. <a href="/micah/3-1.htm">Micah 3:1-2</a> Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. <a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Jeremiah 5:28</a> They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. <a href="/ezekiel/22-27.htm">Ezekiel 22:27</a> Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a> Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. <a href="/jeremiah/23-10.htm">Jeremiah 23:10-11</a> For the land is full of adulterers—because of the curse, the land mourns and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up—their course is evil and their power is misused. / “For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD. <a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12</a> For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate. <a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Isaiah 10:1-2</a> Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, / to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder. <a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12</a> If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. <a href="/isaiah/59-14.htm">Isaiah 59:14</a> So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. <a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Luke 11:42</a> Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former. <a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Romans 3:10-18</a> As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. / There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. / All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” ... <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a> You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. <a href="/james/2-6.htm">James 2:6</a> But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Do you indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do you judge uprightly, O you sons of men?(Title.<a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1</a> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.<a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Psalm 59:1</a> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.Do<a href="/psalms/72-1.htm">Psalm 72:1-4</a> A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son… <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18,19</a> Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment… <a href="/2_samuel/23-3.htm">2 Samuel 23:3</a> The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.O congregation<a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">Psalm 82:1,2</a> A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods… <a href="/numbers/11-16.htm">Numbers 11:16</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.<a href="/deuteronomy/1-15.htm">Deuteronomy 1:15,16</a> So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes… O ye<a href="/psalms/82-6.htm">Psalm 82:6,7</a> I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Al-Taschith</a> <a href="/psalms/57-11.htm">Al-Tashheth</a> <a href="/psalms/15-2.htm">Blamelessly</a> <a href="/psalms/57-11.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Choirmaster</a> <a href="/psalms/40-10.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/psalms/57-11.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/7-6.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/psalms/39-9.htm">Dumb</a> <a href="/psalms/45-6.htm">Equity</a> <a href="/psalms/50-1.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/psalms/56-13.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/9-8.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-3.htm">Justly</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/psalms/57-11.htm">Michtam</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Miktam</a> <a href="/psalms/35-21.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/psalms/57-11.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">Music-Maker</a> <a href="/psalms/55-3.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Poem</a> <a href="/psalms/57-11.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/9-4.htm">Righteously</a> <a href="/psalms/57-10.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/56-6.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/psalms/50-21.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/psalms/52-3.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Tune</a> <a href="/psalms/55-22.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Uprightly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Al-Taschith</a> <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Al-Tashheth</a> <a href="/psalms/75-2.htm">Blamelessly</a> <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/60-1.htm">Choirmaster</a> <a href="/psalms/68-10.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/81-4.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Dumb</a> <a href="/psalms/67-4.htm">Equity</a> <a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/psalms/75-8.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Justly</a> <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Michtam</a> <a href="/psalms/60-1.htm">Miktam</a> <a href="/psalms/58-6.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/61-1.htm">Music-Maker</a> <a href="/psalms/59-3.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/psalms/61-1.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Poem</a> <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/67-4.htm">Righteously</a> <a href="/psalms/58-11.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/59-3.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/psalms/62-1.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/psalms/62-1.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/psalms/58-3.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/psalms/135-4.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/psalms/58-5.htm">Tune</a> <a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/psalms/67-4.htm">Uprightly</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 58</div>1. <a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">David reproves wicked judges</a> 3. <a href="/psalms/58-3.htm">describes the nature of the wicked</a> 6. <a href="/psalms/58-6.htm">devotes them to God's judgments</a> 10. <a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">whereat the righteous shall rejoice</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/58.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/58.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For the choirmaster. This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was directed to the leader of music in the temple. The role of the choirmaster was crucial in ancient Israelite worship, as music was a central part of their religious expression. The choirmaster would have been responsible for ensuring that the psalm was performed correctly and reverently.To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” This suggests that the psalm was to be sung to a specific melody known to the original audience. The phrase "Do Not Destroy" is also used in the titles of Psalms 57, 59, and 75, indicating a common tune or theme. This could imply a plea for protection or deliverance, fitting the context of David's life when he often faced persecution and sought God's intervention.A Miktam of David. The term "Miktam" is not fully understood, but it is often associated with golden or precious, possibly indicating a psalm of deep significance or value. David, the attributed author, was the second king of Israel and a central figure in the Old Testament. His life experiences, including his time as a shepherd, warrior, and king, deeply influenced his writings. This psalm, like others attributed to him, reflects his personal struggles and reliance on God.Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? This rhetorical question challenges the integrity and fairness of those in positions of authority. In the historical context, rulers were expected to uphold justice and righteousness, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a>, where judges are commanded to judge fairly. The question implies a failure to do so, highlighting a common biblical theme of corrupt leadership, as seen in the prophets' rebukes of Israel's leaders (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Jeremiah 5:28</a>).Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? This phrase continues the challenge to human leaders, emphasizing the expectation of moral and ethical judgment. The term "sons of men" underscores the human nature of these leaders, contrasting their fallibility with God's perfect justice. This theme is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2-4</a>, where God calls out unjust judges. The call for upright judgment reflects God's character and His desire for His people to reflect His justice in their governance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/r/rulers.htm">Rulers</a> The term "rulers" refers to those in positions of authority and leadership. In the context of ancient Israel, this could include kings, judges, and other officials responsible for maintaining justice and order. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sons_of_men.htm">Sons of Men</a> This phrase is a poetic way of referring to humanity in general, emphasizing the human condition and the responsibility of all people, especially those in authority, to act justly. 3. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> Traditionally attributed to King David, this psalm reflects his experiences and observations regarding justice and leadership. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation of Israel, where the context of leadership and justice is particularly relevant, as the people were governed by laws given by God. 5. <a href="/topical/i/injustice.htm">Injustice</a> The event or condition being addressed in this psalm is the presence of injustice and corruption among leaders, which is a recurring theme in the Psalms.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_leadership.htm">The Responsibility of Leadership</a> Leaders are called to speak and judge justly, reflecting God's character in their decisions and actions. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_for_righteous_judgment.htm">The Call for Righteous Judgment</a> Justice is a divine mandate, and those in authority must align their judgments with God's standards, not personal gain or bias. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_accountability.htm">The Role of Accountability</a> Believers are encouraged to hold leaders accountable to God's standards of justice and righteousness, advocating for truth and integrity. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_injustice.htm">The Impact of Injustice</a> Injustice affects the entire community, leading to suffering and unrest. Christians are called to be agents of change, promoting justice in their spheres of influence. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_for_leaders.htm">Prayer for Leaders</a> Pray for those in authority, that they may lead with wisdom and justice, seeking God's guidance in their decisions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_58.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 58</a> <a href="/q/what_context_justifies_psalm_58's_curses.htm">Which historical context supports the harsh curses in Psalm 58 when other biblical texts advocate forgiveness? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_psalm_58_6_invoke_violence.htm">Why does David, in Psalm 58, invoke violent divine judgment (verse 6) when other passages emphasize mercy?</a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_82_6_suggest_israel's_polytheism.htm">Is Psalm 82:6's claim 'You are gods' evidence of polytheism creeping into ancient Israel's beliefs?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_82_1_fit_with_deut._6_4.htm">How can a 'divine council' (Psalm 82:1) fit with passages claiming there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/58.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) Congregation.--This rendering comes of a mistaken derivation of the Hebrew word elem, which offers some difficulty. As pointed, it must mean silence (comp. Psalms 56 title, the only other place it occurs); and some, regardless of sense, would render, "do ye truly in silence speak righteousness." Of the many conjectures on the passage, we may choose between reading elim (short for elim = gods), and here, as in <a href="/exodus/21-6.htm" title="Then his master shall bring him to the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or to the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever.">Exodus 21:6</a>; <a href="/exodus/22-8.htm" title="If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges, to see whether he have put his hand to his neighbor's goods.">Exodus 22:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/82-6.htm" title="I have said, You are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.">Psalm 82:6</a>, applied to the judges) and ulam (with the LXX., Syriac, and Arabic, in the sense of but. To speak righteousness is, of course, to pronounce a just judgment. If we prefer the former of these (with most modern scholars), it is best to take sons of men in the accusative rather than the vocative, do ye judge with equity the sons of men.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/58.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation! The rendering of elem (אֵלֶם) by "congregation" is contrary to all analogy, and quite untenable. It must either mean "dumb ones," or be a corruption of elim (אֵלִים) - "mighty ones" (comp. <a href="/psalms/29-1.htm">Psalm 29:1</a>). In either case it is an epithet applied to the judges of the people, and not to the congregation. Do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Both questions are asked in bitter irony, as is clear from the context. <a href="/commentaries/psalms/58-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For the choirmaster. לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ) Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5329.htm">Strong's 5329: </a> To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent To the tune of אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> “Do Not Destroy.” תַּשְׁחֵ֗ת (taš·ḥêṯ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_516.htm">Strong's 516: </a> destroy not', a phrase in Psalm titles A Miktam מִכְתָּֽם׃ (miḵ·tām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4387.htm">Strong's 4387: </a> A technical term in psalm titles of David. לְדָוִ֥ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse Do you indeed הַֽאֻמְנָ֗ם (ha·’um·nām) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_552.htm">Strong's 552: </a> Verily, truly, indeed speak תְּדַבֵּר֑וּן (tə·ḏab·bê·rūn) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue justly, צֶ֭דֶק (ṣe·ḏeq) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6664.htm">Strong's 6664: </a> The right, equity, prosperity O rulers? אֵ֣לֶם (’ê·lem) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_482.htm">Strong's 482: </a> Silence Do you judge תִּ֝שְׁפְּט֗וּ (tiš·pə·ṭū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate uprightly, מֵישָׁרִ֥ים (mê·šā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4339.htm">Strong's 4339: </a> Evenness, prosperity, concord, straightness, rectitude O sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of men? אָדָֽם׃ (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 58:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/57-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 57:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 57:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/58-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 58:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 58:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>