Does verse 3 teach that infants consciously lie from birth?
It uses poetic hyperbole for radical, early-rooted sin. It supports pervasive fallenness but is not a developmental claim about infant speech or conscious guilt acts.
PSALM 58 — THE JUDGE OF UNJUST RULERS
Does verse 3 teach that infants consciously lie from birth? Study Psalm 58 with context, apologetic analysis, and cross-references.
Psalm 583 questions
Source linked
Commentary provenance
Dr. Lucas D. Shallua Commentary · PSALM 58 — THE JUDGE OF UNJUST RULERS
The precise difficulties
- Does verse 3 teach that infants consciously lie from birth?
- How can rejoicing over bloody judgment be righteous?
- What does verse 9 mean?
Verse and question study
How can rejoicing over bloody judgment be righteous?
The speakers are victims asking God to end predatory rule. The image celebrates public vindication and the defeat of violence; Christian readers must hold it with enemy love, prayer for repentance, and God's exclusive right to final vengeance.
What does verse 9 mean?
Its Hebrew is among the Psalter's most obscure. Most readings agree on sudden removal before wicked plans fully develop; doctrinal conclusions should rest on that clear context rather than one uncertain image.
Historical and literary context
This Davidic miktam is also set to “Do Not Destroy.” The opening Hebrew 'elem is difficult: it may mean “silence,” “gods,” or, with a small textual adjustment, “rulers.” The parallel address to “sons of man” favors human judges, perhaps ironically called mighty ones. The psalm is imprecatory, speaking from a world where corrupt authorities weaponize courts. Its imagery is poetic and judicial, not instructions for private violence. English Psalm 58 is Psalm 57 in Greek/Latin numbering.
Apologetic note
Psalm 58's severity corresponds to judges who turn institutions of justice into measured violence. Sanitizing such evil can favor perpetrators over victims. The psalm disciplines outrage by addressing God, defining the offense, and seeking removal of predatory power under divine judgment.
Chapter cross-references
- Exodus 23:1–8 Judges must reject falsehood and bribes
- Deuteronomy 1:16–17 Judgment belongs to God and must be impartial
- Psalm 82:1–8 God judges unjust rulers
- Proverbs 17:15 Acquitting wickedness and condemning righteousness offend God
- Isaiah 10:1–4 Lawmakers decree oppressive statutes
- Amos 5:7–15 Justice is turned bitter and must be restored
- Micah 3:1–4 Leaders devour those they should protect
- Matthew 5:44 Pray for persecutors
- Luke 18:1–8 God brings justice for persistent victims
- Romans 12:19 Vengeance belongs to God
- Revelation 16:5–7 Divine judgments answer shed blood
- Revelation 19:1–3 Heaven praises true and just judgment
Source and editorial status
Dr. Shallua’s Commentary
This study preserves the hard questions, explanations, context, apologetic note, and references from Dr. Shallua's Commentary.