Psalms 58:9

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.

Original Language Analysis

בְּטֶ֤רֶם׀ H2962
בְּטֶ֤רֶם׀
Strong's: H2962
Word #: 1 of 9
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
יָבִ֣ינוּ can feel H995
יָבִ֣ינוּ can feel
Strong's: H995
Word #: 2 of 9
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
סִּירֹֽתֵכֶ֣ם Before your pots H5518
סִּירֹֽתֵכֶ֣ם Before your pots
Strong's: H5518
Word #: 3 of 9
a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook
אָטָ֑ד the thorns H329
אָטָ֑ד the thorns
Strong's: H329
Word #: 4 of 9
a thorn-tree (especially the buckthorn)
כְּמוֹ H3644
כְּמוֹ
Strong's: H3644
Word #: 5 of 9
as, thus, so
חַ֥י both living H2416
חַ֥י both living
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 6 of 9
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
כְּמוֹ H3644
כְּמוֹ
Strong's: H3644
Word #: 7 of 9
as, thus, so
חָ֝ר֗וֹן and in his wrath H2740
חָ֝ר֗וֹן and in his wrath
Strong's: H2740
Word #: 8 of 9
a burning of anger
יִשְׂעָרֶֽנּוּ׃ he shall take them away as with a whirlwind H8175
יִשְׂעָרֶֽנּוּ׃ he shall take them away as with a whirlwind
Strong's: H8175
Word #: 9 of 9
to storm; by implication, to shiver, i.e., fear

Analysis & Commentary

The difficult Hebrew of this verse likely depicts swift judgment—before pots feel thorns' heat, God's wrath sweeps away the wicked like a whirlwind. The imagery is sudden, unexpected judgment. The contrast between 'living' and 'wrath' may indicate judgment falling on the wicked during their prosperity, not just posthumously.

Historical Context

Thorns were common fuel for cooking fires in ancient Palestine, burning hot but quickly. The image suggests that before the wicked's plans come to fruition (pots boil), God's judgment intervenes, as with the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9).

Questions for Reflection