Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? New Living Translation Justice—do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly? English Standard Version Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? Berean Standard Bible 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? Berean Literal Bible For the one directing. “Do not Destroy.” Of David. a Miktam. O silent ones, Is it truly righteousness you⁺ speak? Do you⁺ judge uprightly, O sons of man? King James Bible To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? New King James Version 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? New American Standard Bible 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? NASB 1995 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? NASB 1977 Do you indeed speak righteousness, O gods? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? Legacy Standard Bible 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? Amplified Bible 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? Berean Annotated Bible For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy (do not destroy). A Miktam of David (beloved). Do you⁺ indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you⁺ judge uprightly, O sons of men? Christian Standard Bible For the choir director: “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you really speak righteously, you mighty ones? Do you judge people fairly? Holman Christian Standard Bible For the choir director: “Do Not Destroy.” A Davidic Miktam. Do you really speak righteously, you mighty ones? Do you judge people fairly? American Standard Version 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? Contemporary English Version Do you mighty people talk only to oppose justice? Don't you ever judge fairly? English Revised Version 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? GOD'S WORD® Translation [For the choir director; [al tashcheth]; a [miktam] by David.] Do you rulers really give fair verdicts? Do you judge Adam's descendants fairly? Good News Translation Do you rulers ever give a just decision? Do you judge everyone fairly? International Standard Version How is it that by remaining silent you can speak righteously? How can you judge people fairly? NET Bible 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? New Heart English Bible [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? Webster's Bible Translation 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? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor 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? World English Bible 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? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTO 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? Berean Literal Bible For the one directing. “Do not Destroy.” Of David. a Miktam. O silent ones, Is it truly righteousness you⁺ speak? Do you⁺ judge uprightly, O sons of man? Young's Literal Translation 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? Smith's Literal Translation 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? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleUnto 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. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible 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? New Revised Standard Version Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge people fairly? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleDO you indeed speak righteousness. O congregation? do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Whether truly you are speaking righteousness and integrity, you judge, oh, children of men! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For 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? Brenton Septuagint Translation 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. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God Judges the Earth1For 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? 2No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.… Cross References For the choirmaster. Psalm 4:1 For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer. Psalm 5:1 For the choirmaster, to be accompanied by flutes. A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Psalm 8:1 For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. A Psalm of David. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Psalm 57:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. Psalm 59:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. Psalm 75:1 For the choirmaster: To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Psalm of Asaph. A song. We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near. The people declare Your wondrous works. A Miktam of David. Psalm 16:1 A Miktam of David. Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge. Psalm 56:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. Psalm 60:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us! Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Proverbs 16:10 A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice. 2 Samuel 23:3-4 The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, / is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’ Isaiah 32:1 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? Deuteronomy 1:16-17 At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident. / Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.” Leviticus 19:15 You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly. John 7:24 Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” Isaiah 59:4 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. Treasury of Scripture Do you indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do you judge uprightly, O you sons of men? (Title. Psalm 57:1 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. Psalm 59:1 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 Psalm 72:1-4 A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son… Deuteronomy 16:18,19 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… 2 Samuel 23:3 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 Psalm 82:1,2 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods… Numbers 11:16 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. Deuteronomy 1:15,16 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 Psalm 82:6,7 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High… Jump to Previous Al-Taschith Al-Tashheth Blamelessly Chief Choirmaster Congregation David Decree Destroy Dumb Equity Gods Indeed Judge Judges Justly Leader Michtam Miktam Mouths Musician Music-Maker Ones Overseer Poem Psalm Righteously Righteousness Secret Silence Silent Speak Treasure Tune Upright UprightlyJump to Next Al-Taschith Al-Tashheth Blamelessly Chief Choirmaster Congregation David Decree Destroy Dumb Equity Gods Indeed Judge Judges Justly Leader Michtam Miktam Mouths Musician Music-Maker Ones Overseer Poem Psalm Righteously Righteousness Secret Silence Silent Speak Treasure Tune Upright UprightlyPsalm 58 1. David reproves wicked judges3. describes the nature of the wicked 6. devotes them to God's judgments 10. whereat the righteous shall rejoice 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.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? Persons / Places / Events 1. RulersThe 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. Sons of Men 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. David Traditionally attributed to King David, this psalm reflects his experiences and observations regarding justice and leadership. 4. Israel 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. Injustice 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. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders are called to speak and judge justly, reflecting God's character in their decisions and actions. The Call for Righteous Judgment Justice is a divine mandate, and those in authority must align their judgments with God's standards, not personal gain or bias. The Role of Accountability Believers are encouraged to hold leaders accountable to God's standards of justice and righteousness, advocating for truth and integrity. The Impact of Injustice 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. Prayer for Leaders Pray for those in authority, that they may lead with wisdom and justice, seeking God's guidance in their decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 58:1?2. How does Psalm 58:1 challenge us to pursue justice in our communities? 3. What does "speak justly" in Psalm 58:1 reveal about God's expectations for leaders? 4. How can we apply the call for righteousness in Psalm 58:1 today? 5. What other scriptures emphasize the importance of justice and righteousness like Psalm 58:1? 6. How can believers ensure their judgments align with God's standards in Psalm 58:1? 7. What is the historical context of Psalm 58:1 in ancient Israelite society? 8. How does Psalm 58:1 challenge the concept of divine justice? 9. What is the theological significance of the term "gods" in Psalm 58:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 58? 11. Which historical context supports the harsh curses in Psalm 58 when other biblical texts advocate forgiveness? 12. Why does David, in Psalm 58, invoke violent divine judgment (verse 6) when other passages emphasize mercy? 13. Is Psalm 82:6's claim 'You are gods' evidence of polytheism creeping into ancient Israel's beliefs? 14. How can a 'divine council' (Psalm 82:1) fit with passages claiming there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)? What Does Psalm 58:1 Mean For the choirmasterPsalm 58 opens, “For the choirmaster.” This tells us the psalm was intended for public worship led by the temple music director. • Similar inscriptions appear in Psalm 4, 6, and 54, showing David regularly entrusted his songs to Israel’s corporate praise (1 Chronicles 25:1). • The placement reminds us that even hard‐hitting words against injustice belong in the gathered worship of God’s people (Psalm 149:6-9). To the tune of “Do Not Destroy” The phrase signals a well-known melody of the day, also used for Psalm 57, 59, 75. • The title may echo David’s plea in 1 Samuel 26:9, “Do not destroy him,” when he spared Saul. • Using a familiar tune would help worshipers memorize and internalize the psalm’s call for righteous judgment (Colossians 3:16). A Miktam of David “Miktam” appears in six psalms, all Davidic (Psalm 16, 56-60). While its exact nuance is uncertain, the grouping hints at meditations forged in crisis. • David often penned such songs while on the run (1 Samuel 21; Psalm 56:title), making his protests against corrupt leadership deeply personal (Psalm 34:19). • The heading signals a weighty, reflective composition suited for believers facing oppression. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? “Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers?”. David confronts leaders (literally “silent ones” or “mighty ones”) who should pronounce righteous decisions. • Scripture holds governing authorities accountable to God’s standards (Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Romans 13:3-4). • Prophets echoed this challenge: “Woe to those who enact unjust statutes” (Isaiah 10:1) and “How long will you defend the unjust?” (Psalm 82:2). • The question pierces hypocrisy—silence or partiality from those in power is itself injustice (Proverbs 17:15). Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? “Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?”. David broadens the rebuke from rulers to all humanity. • God’s expectation of fair judgment extends beyond officials to every person’s daily dealings (Micah 6:8; James 2:1-4). • Upright judgment reflects God’s character: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” (Psalm 89:14). • Failure to judge uprightly invites divine response; Psalm 58 proceeds to describe God’s certain vindication of the oppressed (vv. 6-11; compare Proverbs 21:12). summary Psalm 58:1 begins with worship-context notes that place this bold protest inside Israel’s liturgy. David then fires two probing questions at leaders and all humanity, exposing the gap between their duty and their practice. The verse calls believers to examine whether their words and verdicts mirror God’s perfect justice, confident that every corner of society is accountable before the Judge who rules with righteousness. (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 Exodus 21:6; Exodus 22:8; Psalm 82:6, 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.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. Psalm 29:1). 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.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew For the choirmaster.לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ) Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent To the tune of אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's Hebrew “Do Not Destroy.” תַּשְׁחֵ֗ת (taš·ḥêṯ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular Strong's 516: destroy not', a phrase in Psalm titles A Miktam מִכְתָּֽם׃ (miḵ·tām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4387: A technical term in psalm titles of David. לְדָוִ֥ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse Do you indeed הַֽאֻמְנָ֗ם (ha·’um·nām) Conjunction Strong's 552: Verily, truly, indeed speak תְּדַבֵּר֑וּן (tə·ḏab·bê·rūn) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue justly, צֶ֭דֶק (ṣe·ḏeq) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity O rulers? אֵ֣לֶם (’ê·lem) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 482: Silence Do you judge תִּ֝שְׁפְּט֗וּ (tiš·pə·ṭū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate uprightly, מֵישָׁרִ֥ים (mê·šā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4339: Evenness, prosperity, concord, straightness, rectitude O sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of men? אָדָֽם׃ (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being Links Psalm 58:1 NIVPsalm 58:1 NLT Psalm 58:1 ESV Psalm 58:1 NASB Psalm 58:1 KJV Psalm 58:1 BibleApps.com Psalm 58:1 Biblia Paralela Psalm 58:1 Chinese Bible Psalm 58:1 French Bible Psalm 58:1 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 58:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
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