Psalms 58:4

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;

Original Language Analysis

חֲמַת Their poison H2534
חֲמַת Their poison
Strong's: H2534
Word #: 1 of 10
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
לָ֗מוֹ H0
לָ֗מוֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 2 of 10
כִּדְמ֥וּת is like H1823
כִּדְמ֥וּת is like
Strong's: H1823
Word #: 3 of 10
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
חֲמַת Their poison H2534
חֲמַת Their poison
Strong's: H2534
Word #: 4 of 10
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
נָחָ֑שׁ of a serpent H5175
נָחָ֑שׁ of a serpent
Strong's: H5175
Word #: 5 of 10
a snake (from its hiss)
כְּמוֹ H3644
כְּמוֹ
Strong's: H3644
Word #: 6 of 10
as, thus, so
פֶ֥תֶן adder H6620
פֶ֥תֶן adder
Strong's: H6620
Word #: 7 of 10
an asp (from its contortions)
חֵ֝רֵ֗שׁ they are like the deaf H2795
חֵ֝רֵ֗שׁ they are like the deaf
Strong's: H2795
Word #: 8 of 10
deaf (whether literally or spiritual)
יַאְטֵ֥ם that stoppeth H331
יַאְטֵ֥ם that stoppeth
Strong's: H331
Word #: 9 of 10
to close (the lips or ears); by analology to contract (a window by bevelled jambs)
אָזְנֽוֹ׃ her ear H241
אָזְנֽוֹ׃ her ear
Strong's: H241
Word #: 10 of 10
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

Analysis & Commentary

The serpent imagery evokes the Eden temptation, identifying wicked leaders with Satan's character. The 'deaf adder' (cobra) that refuses to hear the charmer represents judicial hardening—those who persistently resist truth become incapable of responding. This anticipates Jesus's quotation of Isaiah 6:9-10 regarding those who have eyes but cannot see (Matthew 13:13-15).

Historical Context

Snake charming was practiced in ancient Egypt and Palestine. The image of an adder refusing to respond to the charmer's music despite normally being susceptible illustrates willful rebellion—not ignorance but hardened resistance to known truth.

Questions for Reflection