Psalms 58:4-5
They have venom like the venom of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops its ear, so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Psalmist isn't just saying these wicked people are venomous like a snake, but that they're like a deaf adder specifically because they refuse to hear anything good, no matter how skillfully it's presented. This "deafness" isn't natural inability, but a willful closing off to warnings, advice, or God’s truth, making them stubbornly untameable in their evil.
The psalmist is speaking about incredibly wicked and dangerous people who actively plot evil and spread lies. He uses vivid imagery of serpents to describe their venomous nature and their stubborn refusal to listen to any warnings or reason. These individuals are so set in their ways that, like a snake ignoring a charmer, they are deaf to any attempt to turn them from their destructive path.
The verse paints a grim picture of wickedness. What makes this 'poison' so dangerous?
The 'poison' here isn't just a physical substance; it's the deep-seated malice and harmful words that flow from wicked hearts. Like a serpent's venom, this malice spreads, corrupting everything it touches. It's described as 'like the poison of a serpent,' meaning it's inherent, powerful, and deadly. This isn't just about accidental harm; it's about a deliberate intent to wound and destroy through words and actions, much like how a serpent's venom infiltrates the whole body, causing death. The commentary suggests this poison can be like slander, poisoning reputations and turning people against each other.
Why compare wicked people to a 'deaf adder'? What does this stubbornness reveal?
The comparison to a 'deaf adder that stops its ear' points to a willful refusal to hear. While some ancient texts suggest certain serpents might have been naturally deaf or used tactics to block out sounds like charmers' calls, the spiritual meaning here is clear: these individuals deliberately shut their ears to truth, good counsel, and warnings. They are like serpents that resist any attempt to tame or dissuade them from their destructive path. This isn't about an inability to hear, but a refusal to listen to reason, conscience, or God's word, making them stubbornly resistant to change or correction.
Understand the original words
chemah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to venomous or poisonous substances. Metaphorically, it represents the destructive and deadly nature of evil speech or malicious behavior.
nachash · Hebrew Noun
An animal representing danger, craftiness, and, in a broader biblical sense, often associated with temptation, deception, and the adversary.
chabar · Hebrew Noun/Participle
Refers to someone who uses incantations, magical arts, or persuasive speech to manipulate or control. In a negative light, it suggests deceitful and manipulative persuasion.
This passage directly quotes or alludes to the idea of venomous words coming from the mouth, comparing them to deadly poison, just as Psalm 58:4 describes the wicked having 'venom like the venom of a serpent'.
Jeremiah 8:17This verse speaks of serpents that cannot be charmed, an image that powerfully parallels the 'deaf adder' in Psalm 58:4, representing the wicked's stubborn refusal to heed warnings or advice.
Matthew 12:31-32Jesus speaks of the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit, linking it to speaking against the Spirit. This connects to the theme of malicious, venomous speech in Psalm 58:4, highlighting the severe spiritual danger of such words.
Ecclesiastes 10:11This verse mentions the danger of a serpent biting 'without enchantment,' which ties into the 'deaf adder' imagery of Psalm 58:4, representing those who are impervious to correction and continue to inflict harm.
clarkePsalms 58:4: "Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;"
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent - When they bite, they convey poison into the wound, as the serpent does. They not only injure you by outward acts, but by their malevolence they poison your reputation. They do you as much evil as they can, and propagate the worst reports that others may have you in abhorrence, treat you as a bad and dangerous man; and thus, as the poison…
gillPsalms 58:4: "Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;"
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent,.... Either their "wrath" and fury, as the word (x) may be rendered, against God, his people, and even one another, is like that of a serpent when irritated and provoked; or their mischievous and devouring words are like the poison of asps under their lips, Romans 3:13 ; or the malignity of sin in them is here meant, which, like the poison…
The Psalmist isn't just saying these wicked people are venomous like a snake, but that they're like a deaf adder specifically because they refuse to hear anything good, no matter how skillfully it's presented. This "deafness" isn't natural inability, but a willful closing off to warnings, advice, or God’s truth, making them stubbornly untameable in their evil.
The psalmist is speaking about incredibly wicked and dangerous people who actively plot evil and spread lies. He uses vivid imagery of serpents to describe their venomous nature and their stubborn refusal to listen to any warnings or reason. These individuals are so set in their ways that, like a snake ignoring a charmer, they are deaf to any attempt to turn them from their destructive path.
The psalmist is speaking about incredibly wicked and dangerous people who actively plot evil and spread lies. He uses vivid imagery of serpents to describe their venomous nature and their stubborn refusal to listen to any warnings or reason. These individuals are so set in their ways that, like a snake ignoring a charmer, they are deaf to any attempt to turn them from their destructive path.
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"They have venom like the venom of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops its ear, so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter." — The Psalmist isn't just saying these wicked people are venomous like a snake, but that they're like a deaf adder specifically because they refuse to hear anything good, no matter how skillfully it'…
