Discovery BoxPsalms 58:3-6 
Context58:3 The wicked turn aside from birth; 1
liars go astray as soon as they are born. 2
58:4 Their venom is like that of a snake, 3
like a deaf serpent 4 that does not hear, 5
58:5 that does not respond to 6 the magicians,
or to a skilled snake-charmer.
58:6 O God, break the teeth in their mouths!
Smash the jawbones of the lions, O Lord!
1 tn Heb “from the womb.”
2 tn Heb “speakers of a lie go astray from the womb.”
3 tn Heb “[there is] venom to them according to the likeness of venom of a snake.”
4 tn Or perhaps “cobra” (cf. NASB, NIV). Other suggested species of snakes are “asp” (NEB) and “adder” (NRSV).
5 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).
6 tn Heb “does not listen to the voice of.”
