Psalms 58:2 - No, in your heart you plot injustice. You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.
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What does "Psalms 58:2" mean?
Psalm 58:2 is a powerful indictment of injustice and violence. Let's break down what the verse means:
"No, in your heart you plot injustice...": This part highlights the internal nature of the sin. It's not just about outward actions, but a deliberate scheme of wickedness being planned and nurtured in the hearts of the individuals being addressed. "Plot injustice" means they are actively devising ways to be unfair and oppressive. The Hebrew word used for "injustice" often refers to unrighteousness, wickedness, and perversion of justice.
"You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.": This signifies the external manifestation of the evil plotted within. "Measure out" suggests a calculated and deliberate use of violence. The phrase "violence of your hands" points to physical acts of brutality. The phrase "in the earth" has a few possible interpretations:
Literal Soil: It could mean that the physical land itself is being defiled by their violent actions. The violence they commit leaves a mark on the physical environment.
The People: "Earth" (Hebrew: eretz) can refer to the people who inhabit the land. So, they are measuring out violence upon the people, particularly those they are meant to be governing justly.
Extent of their Violence: It could suggest that the violence they inflict is widespread and permeates all areas of life (as far as they can measure, or reach). They are actively distributing violence throughout the land.
In essence, the verse is saying:
You don't just commit unjust acts. You actively plan and cultivate evil intentions in your hearts. Then, you deliberately inflict violence upon the people (or the land), meticulously carrying out your wicked schemes with your own hands.
Context within Psalm 58:
Psalm 58 is a lament and a plea for justice. The psalmist is addressing rulers or judges who are corrupt and pervert the law. The verse is part of a larger accusation, highlighting the utter depravity of these individuals who are supposed to be upholding justice but are instead architects of violence and oppression. The psalmist goes on to ask God to break the power of these wicked individuals.
Psalms 58:2 - No, in your heart you plot injustice. You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.
What does "Psalms 58:2" mean?
Psalm 58:2 is a powerful indictment of injustice and violence. Let's break down what the verse means:
"No, in your heart you plot injustice...": This part highlights the internal nature of the sin. It's not just about outward actions, but a deliberate scheme of wickedness being planned and nurtured in the hearts of the individuals being addressed. "Plot injustice" means they are actively devising ways to be unfair and oppressive. The Hebrew word used for "injustice" often refers to unrighteousness, wickedness, and perversion of justice.
"You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.": This signifies the external manifestation of the evil plotted within. "Measure out" suggests a calculated and deliberate use of violence. The phrase "violence of your hands" points to physical acts of brutality. The phrase "in the earth" has a few possible interpretations:
Literal Soil: It could mean that the physical land itself is being defiled by their violent actions. The violence they commit leaves a mark on the physical environment.
The People: "Earth" (Hebrew: eretz) can refer to the people who inhabit the land. So, they are measuring out violence upon the people, particularly those they are meant to be governing justly.
Extent of their Violence: It could suggest that the violence they inflict is widespread and permeates all areas of life (as far as they can measure, or reach). They are actively distributing violence throughout the land.
In essence, the verse is saying:
You don't just commit unjust acts. You actively plan and cultivate evil intentions in your hearts. Then, you deliberately inflict violence upon the people (or the land), meticulously carrying out your wicked schemes with your own hands.
Context within Psalm 58:
Psalm 58 is a lament and a plea for justice. The psalmist is addressing rulers or judges who are corrupt and pervert the law. The verse is part of a larger accusation, highlighting the utter depravity of these individuals who are supposed to be upholding justice but are instead architects of violence and oppression. The psalmist goes on to ask God to break the power of these wicked individuals.