Psalms 53:1
Psalms 53:1 in Multiple Translations
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none that doeth good.
The foolish man has said in his heart, God will not do anything. They are unclean, they have done evil works; there is not one who does good.
Only fools tell themselves, “God doesn't exist.” They are completely immoral, they commit terrible sins, not a single one of them does anything good.
To him that excelleth on Mahalath. A Psalme of David to give instruction. The foole hath saide in his heart, There is no God. they haue corrupted and done abominable wickednes: there is none that doeth good.
To the Overseer. — 'On a disease.' — An instruction, by David. A fool said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They have done corruptly, Yea, they have done abominable iniquity, There is none doing good.
The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good.
To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
Unto the end, In verses, understanding for David.
Only foolish people say to themselves, “There is no God!” People who say that are corrupt; they commit terrible sins; there is not one of them who does what is good/right.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 53:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 53:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
עַֽל
מָחֲלַ֗ת
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל
לְ/דָוִֽד
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
nâtsach
H5329
to conduct
Prep | V-Piel
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מָחֲלַ֗ת
machălath
H4257
Mahalath
N-fs
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל
maskîyl
H4905
Maskil
N-ms
לְ/דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 53:1
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֥חַ
nâtsach
H5329
"to conduct"
Prep | V-Piel
To conduct or oversee, this word describes a leader or chief musician. In the Bible, it is used in the book of Psalms to describe the role of a music director. The word implies a sense of leadership and guidance.
Definition: 1) to excel, be bright, be preeminent, be perpetual, be overseer, be enduring 1a) (Niphal) enduring (participle) 1b) (Piel) to act as overseer or superintendent or director or chief Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsach (נְצַח "to distinguish oneself" H5330)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: excel, chief musician (singer), oversee(-r), set forward. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:21; Psalms 49:1; Psalms 4:1.
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מָחֲלַ֗ת
machălath
H4257
"Mahalath"
N-fs
The title of a song, possibly a popular tune, used in the headings of Psalms 53 and 81, with an uncertain meaning.
Definition: Mahalath found in headings of Ps 53:1 and Ps 81:1 meaning uncertain, probably a catchword in a song giving name to tune
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Mahalath. See also: Psalms 53:1; Psalms 88:1.
מַשְׂכִּ֥יל
maskîyl
H4905
"Maskil"
N-ms
Maskil refers to a type of poem or song that teaches a lesson. It's used in the Psalms to describe instructive songs, like Psalm 32. These poems aim to educate and inspire.
Definition: (Hiphil) poem, song or poem of contemplation
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Maschil. See also: Psalms 32:1; Psalms 54:1; Psalms 42:1.
לְ/דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 53:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 53:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 53:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 53:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 53:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 53:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 53:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 53:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 53:1
- Sermons on Psalms 53:1
Context — The Fool Says There Is No God
1The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good.
2God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. 3All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 14:1–7 | The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD. There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is in the company of the righteous. You sinners frustrate the plans of the oppressed, yet the LORD is their shelter. Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad! |
| 2 | Psalms 10:4 | In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God. |
| 3 | Luke 12:20 | But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
| 4 | Romans 3:10–31 | As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery lie in their wake, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus. Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law. |
| 5 | Romans 1:28 | Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. |
| 6 | Job 15:16 | how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks injustice like water? |
| 7 | 1 Kings 14:24 | There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land. They imitated all the abominations of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. |
| 8 | Psalms 10:13 | Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.” |
| 9 | Psalms 10:11 | He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.” |
| 10 | Psalms 88:1 | O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You. |
Psalms 53:1 Summary
[Psalms 53:1 tells us that someone who says there is no God is a fool, and their actions will be corrupt and vile. This is because, without God, we have no standard for what is good or bad, as seen in Judges 21:25. Without a relationship with God, we are separated from Him and cannot do truly good things, as stated in Isaiah 64:6. Our only hope is to turn to God and seek His redemption and forgiveness, as described in Acts 4:12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a fool in the context of Psalms 53:1?
In this verse, a fool is someone who denies the existence of God, as stated in Psalms 53:1, and is characterized by corrupt and vile ways, as seen in their actions and decisions, much like those described in Romans 1:18-32 who suppress the truth of God's existence.
Is it possible for someone to be a good person without believing in God?
According to Psalms 53:1, there is no one who does good, emphasizing that true goodness comes from a relationship with God, as seen in Jeremiah 17:9, which states that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.
How does this verse relate to the idea of original sin?
Psalms 53:1 supports the concept of original sin, as stated in Romans 3:10-18 and Romans 5:12-19, which teaches that all humans are born with a sinful nature and are separated from God, highlighting the need for redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ.
What is the significance of the phrase 'there is no one who does good'?
This phrase emphasizes the universal nature of sin, as seen in Romans 3:23, which states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and underscores the need for God's grace and redemption in our lives, as described in Ephesians 2:8-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be denying God's existence or presence in my life, and how can I surrender these areas to Him?
- How do my actions and decisions reflect my belief or unbelief in God, and what changes can I make to align my life with His will?
- In what ways can I seek to understand and know God better, as described in Jeremiah 9:23-24, and how can I cultivate a deeper relationship with Him?
- How can I share the truth of God's existence and love with those around me who may be living in denial or ignorance of His presence?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 53:1
The fool hath said in his heart, [there is] no God,.... The Targum adds, "of whom is revenge"; or there is no God to punish and avenge the wicked; corrupt are they; the Chaldee paraphrase is, "the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 53:1
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 53:1
Psalms 53:1 « To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David. » The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: [there is] none that doeth good.Maschil, a Psalm of David] Purposely set down here the second time to instruct what every man is by nature, and that he who is scholar to his own carnal reason is sure to have a fool to his master. The heathens are very obstinate in propugning man’ s nature, witness Cicero, and both the Senecas, saying, that if men would but follow the bent of their own natures they could not do amiss. And we have much ado to persuade people that their natures are so foul, their ways so wicked, &c. Twice, therefore, is this psalm recorded, that all may be convinced that there is no safety in such a condition; nothing better than to hasten out of it. Ver. 1. The fool, &c.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 53:1
(1) And.—The conjunction is wanting in Psalms 14:1. Iniquity.—Instead of the general term, “doings,” in Psalms 14, as if the adapter of the Psalm felt that a word applicable to good as well as evil was not strong enough to express the hideousness of the profanity.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 53:1
PSALM LIII The sentiments of atheists and deists, who deny Divine Providence; their character: they are corrupt, foolish, abominable, and cruel, 1-4; God fills them with terror, 5; reproaches these for their oppression of the poor, 5. The psalmist prays for the restoration of Israel, 6. NOTES ON PSALM LIII The title, To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, an instructive Psalm of David. The word מחלת machalath, some translate the president; others, the master or leader of the dance; others, hollow instruments; others, the chorus. A flute pipe, or wind instrument with holes, appears to be what is intended. "To the chief player on the flute;" or, "To the master of the band of pipers." Verse 1. The fool hath said in his heart] The whole of this Psalm, except a few inconsiderable differences, is the same as the fourteenth; and, therefore, the same notes and analysis may be applied to it; or, by referring to the fourteenth, the reader will find the subject of it amply explained. I shall add a few short notes. Have done abominable iniquity] Instead of עול avel, evil or iniquity, eight of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS. have עלילה alilah, work, which is nearly the same as in Psalms 14:1, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 53:1
1–3. The universal depravity of mankind, and its cause.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 53:1
The fool hath said in his heart ... - For the meaning of this verse, see the notes at Psalms 14:1.
Sermons on Psalms 53:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Living in Fear Where No Fear Is by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence of filth in the world and the need for believers to stand as a testimony to the existence of God. The preacher calls for believ |
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Prayer Sighs by A.W. Pink | Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 36031 preaches on the concept of becoming useless, as described by the Greek word 'achreioo', meaning to make unprofitable or morally corrupt. |
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Psalm 53 - a Prophetic Reflection on Israel by Art Katz | Art Katz reflects on Psalm 53, emphasizing the consequences of atheism and the rejection of God in the context of Israel's current struggles. He argues that true wisdom involves se |
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Exposition on Psalm 54 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the significance of Psalm 53, focusing on the hidden meanings within the text. He delves into the allegorical interpretation of the Ziphites as enemies of |
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Can You Afford It? by Tom Macartney | Tom Macartney emphasizes the critical importance of not neglecting the Bible, ignoring God's existence, or rejecting Jesus Christ, urging listeners to consider the eternal conseque |
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(Mount Vernon) the Creation in Genesis by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness and sovereignty of God, using the creation of the sun and moon as an example. He quotes verses from Genesis, John, and Romans |
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A Foolish Time Demands an Answer by Carter Conlon | Carter Conlon emphasizes that we are living in a foolish time that demands a response from Christians. He highlights the increasing immorality and mockery of morality in society, u |