58:4 Their venom is like that of a snake, 1
like a deaf serpent 2 that does not hear, 3
38:13 But I am like a deaf man – I hear nothing;
I am like a mute who cannot speak. 4
1 tn Heb “[there is] venom to them according to the likeness of venom of a snake.”
2 tn Or perhaps “cobra” (cf. NASB, NIV). Other suggested species of snakes are “asp” (NEB) and “adder” (NRSV).
3 tn Heb “[that] stops up its ear.” The apparent Hiphil jussive verbal form should be understood as a Qal imperfect with “i” theme vowel (see GKC 168 §63.n).
4 sn I am like a deaf man…like a mute. The psalmist is like a deaf mute; he is incapable of defending himself and is vulnerable to his enemies’ deception (see v. 14).