Psalms 58:4-5

58:4 Their venom is like that of a snake, ¹ 

like a deaf serpent ²  that does not hear, ³ 

58:5 that does not respond to ⁴  the magicians,

or to a skilled snake-charmer.

Ecclesiastes 10:11

10:11 If the snake should bite before it is charmed, ⁵ 

the snake charmer ⁶  is in trouble. ⁷ 

[58:4]  ¹ tn Heb “[there is] venom to them according to the likeness of venom of a snake.”

[58:4]  ² tn Or perhaps “cobra” (cf. NASB, NIV). Other suggested species of snakes are “asp” (NEB) and “adder” (NRSV).

[58:4]  ³ tn Heb “[that] stops up its ear.” The apparent Hiphil jussive verbal form should be understood as a Qal imperfect with “i” theme vowel (see GKC 168 §63.n).

[58:5]  ⁴ tn Heb “does not listen to the voice of.”

[10:11]  ⁵ tn Heb “without charming.”

[10:11]  ⁶ tn Heb “the master of the tongue.”

[10:11]  ⁷ tn Heb “has no profit”; ASV, NAB, NRSV “there is no advantage.”