Psalms 58:3
The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
Original Language Analysis
זֹ֣רוּ
are estranged
H2114
זֹ֣רוּ
are estranged
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
1 of 7
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
The wicked
H7563
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
The wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
תָּע֥וּ
they go astray
H8582
תָּע֥וּ
they go astray
Strong's:
H8582
Word #:
4 of 7
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
מִ֝בֶּ֗טֶן
as soon as they be born
H990
מִ֝בֶּ֗טֶן
as soon as they be born
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
5 of 7
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
Cross References
Psalms 51:5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.Isaiah 48:8Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.Proverbs 22:15Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.Ephesians 2:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Historical Context
This verse reflects Israel's understanding that sin is inherited and universal, not merely learned behavior. The psalmist's observation connects to the covenant curses for generational iniquity (Exodus 20:5) while pointing toward the need for regeneration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the doctrine of original sin affect your understanding of human nature and salvation?
- What is the only remedy for estrangement from God that begins in the womb?
Analysis & Commentary
The doctrine of original sin is here poetically expressed: 'The wicked are estranged from the womb.' The Hebrew 'zur' (estranged/alienated) indicates separation from God from conception, not merely from moral accountability. 'Speaking lies' as soon as born is hyperbolic but theologically accurate—the sin nature precedes personal acts of sin. This anticipates Paul's teaching in Romans 5:12-19.