Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child that never sees the sun. New Living Translation May they be like snails that dissolve into slime, like a stillborn child who will never see the sun. English Standard Version Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime, like the stillborn child who never sees the sun. Berean Standard Bible Like a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun. King James Bible As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun. New King James Version Let them be like a snail which melts away as it goes, Like a stillborn child of a woman, that they may not see the sun. New American Standard Bible May they be like a snail which goes along in slime, Like the miscarriage of a woman that never sees the sun. NASB 1995 Let them be as a snail which melts away as it goes along, Like the miscarriages of a woman which never see the sun. NASB 1977 Let them be as a snail which melts away as it goes along, Like the miscarriages of a woman which never see the sun. Legacy Standard Bible Let them be as a snail which melts away as it goes along, Like the miscarriages of a woman which never behold the sun. Amplified Bible Let them be as a snail which melts away (secretes slime) as it goes along, Like the miscarriage of a woman which never sees the sun. Christian Standard Bible Like a slug that moves along in slime, like a woman’s miscarried child, may they not see the sun. Holman Christian Standard Bible Like a slug that moves along in slime, like a woman’s miscarried child, they will not see the sun. American Standard Version Let them be as a snail which melteth and passeth away, Like the untimely birth of a woman, that hath not seen the sun. Contemporary English Version Let them dry up like snails or be like a child that dies before seeing the sun. English Revised Version Let them be as a snail which melteth and passeth away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that hath not seen the sun. GOD'S WORD® Translation Let them become like a snail that leaves behind a slimy trail or like a stillborn child who never sees the sun. Good News Translation May they be like snails that dissolve into slime; may they be like a baby born dead that never sees the light. International Standard Version May they be like a snail that dries up as it crawls; like a woman's stillborn baby, who never saw the sun. NET Bible Let them be like a snail that melts away as it moves along! Let them be like stillborn babies that never see the sun! New Heart English Bible Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. Webster's Bible Translation As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLike a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun. World English Bible Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHe goes on as a snail that melts, "" [As] an untimely birth of a woman, "" They have not seen the sun. Young's Literal Translation As a snail that melteth he goeth on, As an untimely birth of a woman, They have not seen the sun. Smith's Literal Translation As a snail shall melt away he shall go: fire fell; they saw not the sun. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLike wax that melteth they shall be taken away: fire hath fallen on them, and they shall not see the sun. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Let them dissolve like a snail that oozes away, like an untimely birth that never sees the sun. New Revised Standard Version Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime; like the untimely birth that never sees the sun. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLike the wax that melts, and drips before the fire, let them be destroyed: fire has fallen from heaven and they did not see; the light of truth has been given and they did not understand. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Like wax that is melted and falls before the fire, they will be destroyed; the fire has fallen and they have not seen neither have they perceived the sun. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Let them be as a snail which melteth and passeth away; Like the untimely births of a woman, that have not seen the sun. Brenton Septuagint Translation They shall be destroyed as melted wax: the fire has fallen and they have not seen the sun. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God Judges the Earth…7May they vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, may their arrows be blunted. 8Like a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun. 9Before your pots can feel the burning thorns—whether green or dry—He will sweep them away.… Cross References Job 20:7 he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who had seen him will ask, ‘Where is he?’ Job 20:28 The possessions of his house will be removed, flowing away on the day of God’s wrath. Job 21:18 Are they like straw before the wind, like chaff swept away by a storm? Job 27:21 The east wind carries him away, and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place. Job 27:23 It claps its hands at him and hisses him out of his place. Proverbs 10:25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever. Proverbs 14:32 The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. Isaiah 17:13 The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale. Isaiah 40:24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner have their stems taken root in the ground, than He blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like stubble. Hosea 13:3 Therefore they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes, like chaff blown from a threshing floor, like smoke through an open window. James 1:11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. 1 Peter 1:24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, Matthew 13:6 But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Matthew 13:20-21 The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. / But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. Mark 4:6 But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Treasury of Scripture As a snail which melts, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun. a snail. pass Psalm 37:35,36 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree… Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. James 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. untimely Job 3:16 Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light. Ecclesiastes 6:3 If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he. Jump to Previous Birth Births Child End Fruit Gives Goes Melteth Melts Moves Passes Passeth Slime Snail Stillborn Sun Time Turned Untimely WaterJump to Next Birth Births Child End Fruit Gives Goes Melteth Melts Moves Passes Passeth Slime Snail Stillborn Sun Time Turned Untimely WaterPsalm 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 Like a slug that dissolves in its slime This phrase uses vivid imagery to convey the idea of futility and inevitable destruction. In the ancient Near East, slugs and snails were common and their trails of slime were a familiar sight. The imagery suggests a process of self-destruction, as the slug's own environment leads to its demise. This can be seen as a metaphor for the wicked, whose own actions lead to their downfall. The Bible often uses natural imagery to illustrate spiritual truths, as seen in Job 13:28, where human life is compared to a moth-eaten garment. The self-destructive nature of sin is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing that the wicked will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. like a woman’s stillborn child may they never see the sun Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 58, David is expressing a prayer for divine justice against the wicked. 2. The Wicked The psalm addresses the corrupt and unjust leaders or judges, calling for their downfall. 3. The Slug Used metaphorically to describe the slow and inevitable demise of the wicked. 4. Stillborn Child Another metaphor illustrating the futility and abrupt end of the wicked's plans. 5. God's Justice The overarching theme of the psalm, emphasizing divine retribution against evil. Teaching Points The Inevitability of Divine JusticeGod's justice may seem delayed, but it is certain and thorough. The imagery of the slug and stillborn child underscores the ultimate futility of wickedness. The Transience of Wickedness The wicked may appear to prosper temporarily, but their end is as certain as a slug melting away. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing. The Power of Metaphor in Scripture The vivid imagery used in this verse serves to communicate deep spiritual truths about the nature of sin and divine justice. Reflect on how these metaphors can deepen your understanding of God's Word. The Call to Righteous Living In light of the eventual downfall of the wicked, believers are called to pursue righteousness and trust in God's justice rather than taking matters into their own hands. Hope in God's Sovereignty Even when faced with injustice, believers can find hope in the sovereignty of God, who will ultimately right all wrongs. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 58:8?2. How does Psalm 58:8 illustrate the fleeting nature of the wicked's power? 3. What imagery in Psalm 58:8 helps us understand God's judgment on the wicked? 4. How can Psalm 58:8 encourage believers to trust in God's ultimate justice? 5. How does Psalm 58:8 connect with Proverbs 11:7 on the fate of the wicked? 6. How can we apply the lessons of Psalm 58:8 in our daily lives? 7. What is the historical context of Psalm 58:8 in ancient Israelite society? 8. How does Psalm 58:8 reflect the justice of God? 9. What metaphor is used in Psalm 58:8, and what does it signify? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 58? 11. Didn't Jesus never actually claim to be God? 12. Which historical context supports the harsh curses in Psalm 58 when other biblical texts advocate forgiveness? 13. Why does Psalm 129:4 emphasize God's righteousness when the text also calls for the enemies' defeat--can both themes coexist without contradiction? 14. Does the phrase 'a little lower than the angels' (Psalm 8:5) conflict with other scriptures that portray humanity as entirely separated from the divine or angelic realm? What Does Psalm 58:8 Mean Context of Psalm 58Psalm 58 is an imprecatory prayer in which David calls on the righteous Judge to deal decisively with corrupt leaders. The entire psalm underscores that God’s justice is real and visible (Psalm 58:11), echoing earlier assurances such as Psalm 7:11 and Romans 12:19 that vengeance belongs to the Lord. “Like a slug that dissolves in its slime” • David selects a creature every Middle-Eastern child recognized. A slug creeps along, leaving a trail that seems to melt its own body. • The picture suggests: – Slow but unstoppable self-destruction. Just as a slug’s slime seems to consume it, wicked people unravel under their own sin (Psalm 37:2; Galatians 6:7-8). – Utter worthlessness of their path. Slugs ruin gardens; corrupt judges ruin societies (Isaiah 10:1-3). • The literalness of the statement doesn’t mean slugs actually vanish in seconds but that their progress and residue point to a final, unavoidable decay—mirroring Job 7:9 on vapor disappearing. “Like a woman’s stillborn child” • David’s next image is heartbreaking: a baby that never draws breath outside the womb. • Two truths rise from this comparison: – The wicked will be cut off before their “day in the sun.” They will not mature into lasting influence (Psalm 49:19; Proverbs 24:20). – God’s intervention can be sudden, sparing innocent people from prolonged oppression—paralleling Job 3:16, where a stillborn child is spared earthly misery. “May they never see the sun” • The prayer is for total removal of the wicked’s power, not for petty revenge. • “Sun” signifies life, opportunity, and visibility (Ecclesiastes 11:7). Asking that they never see it means they will never enjoy the blessings they deny others (Psalm 1:4-6; Matthew 13:41-43). • This accords with God’s promise that darkness cannot coexist with His kingdom (John 3:19-20; Revelation 21:27). The purpose of this imprecatory image • To vindicate God’s holiness. By exposing evil, God shows He is “righteous…who judges the earth” (Psalm 58:11). • To comfort the oppressed. Seeing wickedness compared to dissolving slugs and stillborn children reassures believers that injustice is temporary (Psalm 37:9-11). • To warn evildoers. Vivid language shakes the complacent (James 5:1-6). summary Psalm 58:8 uses two striking pictures—a dissolving slug and a stillborn child—to declare that the wicked will swiftly, certainly, and completely lose their power and visibility. God’s people can rest in His active, righteous judgment, knowing He will not let corruption endure or overshadow His light. Verse 8. - As a snail which molteth, lot every one of them pass away; or, "let them be as a snail, which melteth and passeth away" (Revised Version). Snails in Palestine, during dry seasons, often shrink, shrivel up, and disappear from their shells (Tristram, 'Natural History of the Bible,' p. 296). Like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun; rather, that hath not seen the sun (Professor Cheyne, Revised Version); i.e. "let them be as an abortion" (comp. Job 3:16).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Likeכְּמ֣וֹ (kə·mōw) Preposition Strong's 3644: Like, as, when a slug שַׁ֭בְּלוּל (bə·lūl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7642: A snail that dissolves יַהֲלֹ֑ךְ (ya·hă·lōḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk in its slime, תֶּ֣מֶס (te·mes) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8557: Liquefaction, disappearance like a woman’s אֵ֝֗שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female stillborn child, נֵ֥פֶל (nê·p̄el) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5309: Something fallen, an abortion may they never בַּל־ (bal-) Adverb Strong's 1077: A failure, nothing, not at all, lest see חָ֥זוּ (ḥā·zū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2372: To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of the sun. שָֽׁמֶשׁ׃ (šā·meš) Noun - common singular Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement Links Psalm 58:8 NIVPsalm 58:8 NLT Psalm 58:8 ESV Psalm 58:8 NASB Psalm 58:8 KJV Psalm 58:8 BibleApps.com Psalm 58:8 Biblia Paralela Psalm 58:8 Chinese Bible Psalm 58:8 French Bible Psalm 58:8 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 58:8 Let them be like a snail which (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
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