Psalms 58:11
So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֭דָם
So that a man
H120
אָ֭דָם
So that a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 10
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
אַךְ
H389
אַ֥ךְ
H389
יֵשׁ
verily he is
H3426
יֵשׁ
verily he is
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
7 of 10
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
a God
H430
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
a God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Psalms 33:18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;Psalms 67:4O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.Isaiah 3:10Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.Psalms 64:9And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;Malachi 3:14Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?Psalms 98:9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.Malachi 2:17Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?Psalms 9:8And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.Psalms 18:20The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
Historical Context
This affirmation counters the psalmist's own earlier question (v.1) and the wicked's assumption that God is inactive or nonexistent. The visible execution of justice serves pedagogical purpose, testifying to God's reality and moral governance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the certainty of future judgment affect present faithfulness?
- What evidences of God's current judgment point toward final eschatological judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
The conclusion vindicates two truths: reward exists for the righteous and God judges the earth. The Hebrew 'peri' (fruit/reward) connects to works proceeding from faith. 'Verily there is a God' responds to practical atheism that denies accountability. This anticipates the final judgment when every hidden thing comes to light (Ecclesiastes 12:14, 2 Corinthians 5:10).