Psalms 53:2
Psalms 53:2 in Multiple Translations
God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, That did seek after God.
God was looking down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who had wisdom, searching after God.
God watches from heaven to see if anyone understands, if anyone wants to come to God.
God looked downe from heauen vpon the children of men, to see if there were any that would vnderstand, and seeke God.
God from the heavens looked on the sons of men, To see if there be an understanding one, [One] seeking God.
God looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God.
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
When the men of Ziph had come and said to Saul: Is not David hidden with us?
God looks down from heaven and sees humans; he looks to see if anyone is very wise, with the result that he seeks to know God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 53:2
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 53:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֘מַ֤ר
נָבָ֣ל
בְּ֭/לִבּ/וֹ
אֵ֣ין
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
הִֽ֝שְׁחִ֗יתוּ
וְ/הִֽתְעִ֥יבוּ
עָ֝֗וֶל
אֵ֣ין
עֹֽשֵׂה
טֽוֹב
אָ֘מַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
נָבָ֣ל
nâbâl
H5036
foolish
Adj
בְּ֭/לִבּ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
הִֽ֝שְׁחִ֗יתוּ
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
וְ/הִֽתְעִ֥יבוּ
taʻâb
H8581
to abhor
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
עָ֝֗וֶל
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
N-cs
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
עֹֽשֵׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 53:2
אָ֘מַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נָבָ֣ל
nâbâl
H5036
"foolish"
Adj
A foolish person is someone who acts stupidly or wickedly, often in a way that is impious or against God. This word is used to describe someone who lacks sense or wisdom.
Definition: foolish, senseless, fool
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person. See also: Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalms 74:18; Psalms 14:1.
בְּ֭/לִבּ/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הִֽ֝שְׁחִ֗יתוּ
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
וְ/הִֽתְעִ֥יבוּ
taʻâb
H8581
"to abhor"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To abhor or detest something is what this Hebrew word means, and it is often used in a moral or ritual sense. It can also mean to cause something to be detested.
Definition: 1) to abhor, be abominable, do abominably 1a) (Niphal) to be abhorred, be detested 1a1) in the ritual sense 1a2) in the ethical sense 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to loathe, abhor, regard as an abomination 1b1a) in the ritual sense 1b1b) in the ethical sense 1b2) to cause to be an abomination 1c) (Hiphil) to make abominable, do abominably 1c1) in the ritual sense 1c2) in the ethical sense Also means: ta.av (תָּאַב "to loathe" H8374)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (make to be) abhor(-red), (be, commit more, do) abominable(-y), [idiom] utterly. See also: Deuteronomy 7:26; Psalms 53:2; Psalms 5:7.
עָ֝֗וֶל
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
עֹֽשֵׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 53:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
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. 4Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 55:6 | Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 15:2 | So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. |
| 3 | Psalms 27:8 | My heart said, “Seek His face.” Your face, O LORD, I will seek. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 19:3 | However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 23:24 | “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Psalms 111:10 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! |
| 7 | Jeremiah 16:17 | For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes. |
| 8 | Psalms 33:13–14 | The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From His dwelling place He gazes on all who inhabit the earth. |
| 9 | Psalms 102:19 | For He looked down from the heights of His sanctuary; the LORD gazed out from heaven to earth |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 4:6 | Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” |
Psalms 53:2 Summary
This verse tells us that God is looking down from heaven to see if anyone truly understands and is seeking Him. It's a reminder that God is actively involved in our lives and desires a relationship with us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13. However, as Romans 3:11 says, our sinful nature makes it impossible for us to seek God on our own, and we need God's mercy and grace to draw us to Himself. By recognizing our need for God and seeking Him with all our heart, we can experience a deep and meaningful relationship with Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is God looking for when He looks down from heaven?
God is looking for those who understand and seek Him, as stated in Psalms 53:2, and as seen in Jeremiah 29:13, where it says that those who seek Him with all their heart will find Him.
Does this verse imply that God is distant and uninvolved?
No, this verse actually shows that God is actively looking down from heaven, showing His interest and involvement in humanity, similar to what we see in Psalms 139:1-6, where David describes God's intimate knowledge of him.
How does this verse relate to the idea of humanity's sinfulness?
This verse is part of a larger passage that describes humanity's corruption and sinfulness, as seen in Psalms 53:1-3, and is reminiscent of Romans 3:23, which states that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
Is it possible for people to truly seek God on their own?
According to the Bible, people are unable to seek God on their own due to their sinful nature, as seen in Romans 3:11, but God in His mercy draws people to Himself, as seen in John 6:44.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to 'look down from heaven' and how does this impact my daily life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my understanding and seeking of God, as described in this verse?
- How does the fact that God is searching for those who seek Him encourage me in my walk with Him?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper desire to seek God in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 53:2
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men,.... In Psalms 14:2, it is read, "the Lord" or "Jehovah"; in everything else there is an agreement in this verse; [See comments on Psalms 14:2];
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 53:2
Psalms 53:2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were [any] that did understand, that did seek God.Ver. 2. God looked down, &c.]
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 53:2
2. For a while God as it were overlooked the growing corruption. At length He ‘looked down’ (Psalms 33:13-14). So in the yet simpler language of the Pentateuch He is said to have ‘come down to see’ the wickedness of Babel and Sodom (Genesis 11:5; Genesis 18:21; and note the use of ‘look down’ in the latter narrative though in a different connexion, Psalms 18:16). Were not these typical examples of human corruption in the Psalmist’s mind? God (in Psalms 14:2 Jehovah) looked down … to see if there were any that did understand (or deal wisely, R.V. marg., for the verb often includes the idea of right action), that did seek after God. Cp. Psalms 9:10. The use of God, not Jehovah, in Psalms 14 as well as here, is significant. It is of mankind in general, not of Israel, that the Psalmist is speaking.
God made Himself known through the voice of conscience and in the works of creation, but men would not follow the light of conscience or read the book of nature. See Acts 14:17; Acts 17:27; and especially Romans 1:19 ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 53:2
God looked down from heaven ... - See the notes at Psalms 14:2. The only change which occurs in this verse is the substitution of the word אלהים 'Elohiym, rendered “God,” for “Yahweh,” rendered Lord, in Psalms 14:2.
Sermons on Psalms 53:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Shrewdness and Bitterness by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the difficulties of life and the struggles faced by people in the community. He observes the older individuals pushing shopping carts and d |
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Skyland Conference 1980-07 Christian Stewardship by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fifty-third song, emphasizing how God looked down to see and sent his beloved Son, Jesus, to satisfy his heart and save humanity. The co |
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A Craving for the Presence - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving the presence of the Lord amidst challenging times, highlighting the need to prioritize seeking God's presence over solely relying o |
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A Touch From God (Full) by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and being willing to fully surrender to Him, leaving behind defilement and busyness. It highlights the need for a de |
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A Craving for the Presence - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving and seeking the presence of the Lord in our lives, rather than just relying on legal contracts or promises. It highlights the need |
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God Wants to Make Covenant With You! by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in serving God. Under the Old Covenant, people tried to please God through thei |
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Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl |