Psalms 53:3
Psalms 53:3 in Multiple Translations
All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Every one of them is gone back; they are together become filthy; There is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Every one of them has gone back; they are unclean: there is not one who does good, no, not one.
They have all fallen away, they are totally depraved; none of them does anything good, not even one.
Euery one is gone backe: they are altogether corrupt: there is none that doth good, no not one.
Every one went back, together they became filthy, There is none doing good — not even one.
Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one.
Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me in thy strength.
But they are all morally corrupt; no one does what is good/right.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 53:3
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 53:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים
מִ/שָּׁמַיִם֮
הִשְׁקִ֪יף
עַֽל
בְּנֵ֫י
אָדָ֥ם
לִ֭/רְאוֹת
הֲ/יֵ֣שׁ
מַשְׂכִּ֑יל
דֹּ֝רֵ֗שׁ
אֶת
אֱלֹהִֽים
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
מִ/שָּׁמַיִם֮
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Prep | N-mp
הִשְׁקִ֪יף
shâqaph
H8259
to look
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בְּנֵ֫י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אָדָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
לִ֭/רְאוֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הֲ/יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part | Part
מַשְׂכִּ֑יל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
V-Hiphil
דֹּ֝רֵ֗שׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 53:3
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים
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.
מִ/שָּׁמַיִם֮
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
הִשְׁקִ֪יף
shâqaph
H8259
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To look means to gaze or peep out, like looking out a window. It can also mean to overlook or gaze down, as in Psalm 14 where God looks down on humanity to see their ways.
Definition: 1) to overlook, look down or out, overhang, look out and down 1a) (Niphal) to lean over (and look), look down 1b) (Hiphil) to look down, look down upon
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: appear, look (down, forth, out). See also: Genesis 18:16; 2 Kings 9:30; Psalms 14:2.
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.
בְּנֵ֫י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
לִ֭/רְאוֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הֲ/יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
מַשְׂכִּ֑יל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
V-Hiphil
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
דֹּ֝רֵ֗שׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֱלֹהִֽים
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 53:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 53:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 53:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 53:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 53:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 53:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 53:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 53:3
- Sermons on Psalms 53:3
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. 5There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 3:12 | All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 64:6 | Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind. |
| 3 | Psalms 14:3 | All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. |
| 4 | Isaiah 53:6 | We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 8:5–6 | Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has pursued his own course like a horse charging into battle. |
| 6 | 3 John 1:11 | Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. |
| 7 | Revelation 22:11 | Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.” |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 20:2 | So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. |
| 9 | Job 15:16 | how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks injustice like water? |
| 10 | 1 John 2:29 | If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him. |
Psalms 53:3 Summary
[This verse is saying that every single person has turned away from God and is living in a way that is wrong in His eyes. This is because of the sin that is inside each of us, as described in Romans 3:23. It's not that people can't do good things, but rather that we are all flawed and can't be perfect, as stated in Ecclesiastes 7:20. We need God's help and forgiveness to be made right with Him, which is why Jesus came to save us, as stated in John 3:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'all have turned away' from God?
This phrase indicates that every person has rebelled against God, as stated in Romans 3:23, and chosen to go their own way, rather than following Him. This is a result of the fallen nature of humanity, as described in Genesis 3:6.
Is it really true that 'there is no one who does good, not even one'?
According to Psalms 53:3, yes, this is true. This verse is not saying that people are incapable of doing good deeds, but rather that, in God's eyes, no one is righteous or good enough to earn salvation on their own, as stated in Romans 3:10-12.
How can we understand the concept of 'corrupt' in this verse?
The word 'corrupt' in Psalms 53:3 means that humanity has been completely ruined by sin, as described in Jeremiah 17:9. This corruption affects every aspect of human nature, making it impossible for us to please God through our own efforts, as stated in Isaiah 64:6.
What is the significance of this verse in relation to the gospel?
This verse highlights the universal need for salvation, as every person has turned away from God and is corrupt. This sets the stage for the good news of Jesus Christ, who came to save sinners, as stated in Luke 19:10 and Romans 5:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that you have 'turned away' from God in your own life, and how can you turn back to Him?
- How does the fact that 'there is no one who does good, not even one' affect your understanding of your own righteousness and need for salvation?
- In what ways can you see the effects of corruption in your own heart and in the world around you?
- How can you share the message of the gospel with others, in light of the fact that 'all have turned away' from God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 53:3
Every one of them is gone back,.... From God, and the way of his commandments.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 53:3
Psalms 53:3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.Ver. 3. Every one of them is gone back] Diogenes in a great assembly going backward of purpose, and seeing every one laughing him to scorn, asked them aloud, if they were not ashamed so to do? since he went backwards but once, they did so all the days of their life.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 53:3
(3) There are two unimportant variations from Psalms 14 here: “every one,” instead of “the whole,” and “gone back” (sag) for “gone aside” (sar).
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 53:3
3. The result of His investigation. Every one of them had gone back (Psalms 44:18) from following God (in Psalms 14:3 turned aside from the path of right): together had they become tainted, a word which in Arabic means to go bad or turn sour, but in Heb. is used only in a moral sense, here and in Job 15:16. On the interpolation in the P.B.V. of Psalms 14 after Psalms 53:3 see note there.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 53:3
Every one of them is gone back - See the notes at Psalms 14:3. The only variation here in the two psalms is in the substitution of the word - סג sâg, for סור sûr - words almost identical in form and in sense.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 53:3
3. Every one of them—The distributive, each one, denoted by the suffix pronoun instead of the collective, the all, the totality, denoted by the prefix article in Psalms 14:3.
Sermons on Psalms 53:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Cogent Call to Indigenous Missions by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a hypothetical situation in first century Christianity. He talks about an elder who is thrown into prison by the Roman gu |
|
(Ephesians) the Incomparable Wonder of Being a Christian by Jeff Noblit | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel and following Jesus' example. He highlights the three elements involved in accepting the Gospel: unde |
|
Falling Short of Your Mandate by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the verse from Corinthians where Paul asks why believers walk as mere men. The speaker expresses disappointment in the lack of visible evide |
|
Homily 37 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the journey of Paul and his companions through various cities, emphasizing Paul's dedication to sharing the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. Despite |
|
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. |
|
The True Vine by Steve Hulshizer | Steve Hulshizer preaches about the fallen nature of man since Adam's rebellion, leading to a lineage tainted by sin and incapable of producing anything pleasing to God. Despite God |
|
A Craving for the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being a watchman and warning the body of Christ. He acknowledges that while there will be encouraging messages about communi |