Psalm 58 (57):4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When individuals speak wrongdoing, they utter falsehoods, for wrongdoing is deceptive; and even when they proclaim the truth, they still deliver deceptions, as they profess one thing with their mouths while concealing another within their hearts. From their very beginnings, sinners are estranged. What does this imply? Let us investigate further, as it may be that this assertion reflects God’s omniscience regarding humanity’s sinful nature even before birth. Consider the case of Rebekah, who carried twins in her womb—why was it declared that "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated"? It is also written, "The elder shall serve the younger." Thus, the decree of God was foreordained, indicating that from the outset, sinners are estranged. Estranged from what? They are alienated from the truth.

I perceive the psalmist foretelling, it seems, of current tribulations, as it speaks of wrongdoers: "Sinners are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth." The Church can rightly be seen as the womb of those who are born in accordance with God's purpose, for within her, she nurtures those she brings forth, and through faith, she ushers them into existence. In contrast, sinners, akin to those who are delivered prematurely, "have alienated themselves from the womb and have strayed from" their own "womb." It is evident that the apostates of faith do not linger in their mother’s embrace, and I assert that this prophecy refers to those who have been led astray by falsehood, as they "went astray from the womb" by "speaking lies."

The unrepentant were distanced from the truth. This indicates that they had no basis for anticipating redemption. Through the prophet Isaiah, God addressed the Israelites, saying, ‘I have seen that you are rejected, and yet from the womb you are called a lawless man (Isaiah 48:8).’ By "the womb," He referred to holy baptism.

You have strayed far from the truth and embraced deception. The prophet remarked, "from the seed, from the womb," indicating that the Lord was aware of their actions even before their creation. Similarly, Jeremiah declared, "Before I created thee in the womb I knew thee, and before I brought thee forth out of the womb I sanctified thee" (Jer. 1:5); and God spoke to Pharaoh, "For this cause have I raised thee up, that I might show thee My power" (Rom. 9:17). However, it was not God's foreknowledge that rendered Pharaoh wicked or Jeremiah righteous; rather, the Almighty simply foreknew what each would ultimately become.

Sinners are separated from their spouses and have strayed from the very beginning. In these words, David shames those who refuse to repent, succinctly identifying them and the ruin that awaits them. As he notes, these unyielding individuals were distanced from God even while in their mother's womb, as Theodoret explains; thus, they are acknowledged as estranged for what lies ahead due to their lack of repentance. Gregory of Nyssa remarks that the womb and its purpose highlight the goodness of God, who created and brought us into existence. The womb that formed us and the womb that birthed us into the world reflect God's benevolence, from which the wicked have become alienated.

By stating these words, he intensifies the wrath of his adversaries, demonstrating that their sinful nature is not a recent development but rather an inherent trait from birth. While it is acknowledged that many individuals possess an innate goodness and, though they may succumb to sin, this often arises from carelessness, frailty, or various external influences, the Prophet insistently declares that his foes are steeped in malevolence from conception, with betrayal and animosity being part of their very nature.

The Prophet, guided by the Holy Spirit, in this psalm delivers a strong admonition to his oppressors and all who are unrighteous, singling out particularly the lawless Jews. They foolishly attempt to undermine the Lord Christ, who harbors no hostility, as they strive to tarnish the incorruptible and erase His divine majesty and honor, whose name is eternally inscribed: King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16). Such reproach is fitting for unjust judges and leaders who, through their wicked judgments and sinful actions, distort the truth and incite a persecution reminiscent of that faced by Christ at the hands of the Jews. Christ is the Just One, the avenger of death and the grave. Though they wash their hands of guilt — cleansed to distance themselves from His blood, much like Pilate sought to declare himself innocent of Christ’s blood, they remain responsible.

The Psalmist portrays the unrepentant condition of sinners. In illustrating this state, he alludes to original sin. He asserts that they are estranged from birth, having deviated from the very moment of conception, indicating that their inception involves elements that distance them from the truth.