Psalms 53:4
Psalms 53:4 in Multiple Translations
Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon God.
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And call not upon God?
Have the workers of evil no knowledge? they take my people for food, as they would take bread; they make no prayer to God.
“Won't these people who do evil ever learn? They consume my people as if they were eating bread, and refuse to pray to me.”
Doe not the workers of iniquitie knowe that they eate vp my people as they eate bread? they call not vpon God.
Have not workers of iniquity known, Those eating my people have eaten bread, God they have not called.
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don’t call on God?
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread! they have not called upon God.
O God, hear my prayer: give ear to the words of my mouth.
Will all these evil people never learn what God will do to them? They act violently toward Yahweh’s people while eating the food that he provides, and they never pray to Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 53:4
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 53:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֻּלּ֥/וֹ
סָג֮
יַחְדָּ֪ו
נֶ֫אֱלָ֥חוּ
אֵ֤ין
עֹֽשֵׂה
ט֑וֹב
אֵ֝֗ין
גַּם
אֶחָֽד
כֻּלּ֥/וֹ
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
סָג֮
çûwg
H5472
to turn
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יַחְדָּ֪ו
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
נֶ֫אֱלָ֥חוּ
ʼâlach
H444
to corrupt
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
אֵ֤ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
עֹֽשֵׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
אֵ֝֗ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֶחָֽד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
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 53:4
כֻּלּ֥/וֹ
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
סָג֮
çûwg
H5472
"to turn"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word çûwg means to turn back or go back, and can also imply apostasy or backsliding. In the KJV translation, it is often used to describe someone who turns away from God or their faith, as seen in various biblical passages.
Definition: 1) to move, go, turn back, move away, backslide 1a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself away, turn back 1b2) to be turned or driven back, be repulsed Also means: sug (שׂוּג "to turn back" H7734)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: backslider, drive, go back, turn (away, back). See also: Psalms 35:4; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 40:15.
יַחְדָּ֪ו
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
נֶ֫אֱלָ֥חוּ
ʼâlach
H444
"to corrupt"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To corrupt means to turn morally corrupt, as seen in the KJV translation become filthy. It describes a state of moral decay or impurity. This concept is found in various biblical contexts.
Definition: (Niphal) to be corrupt morally, tainted
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: become filthy. See also: Job 15:16; Psalms 14:3; Psalms 53:4.
אֵ֤ין
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.
ט֑וֹב
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.
אֵ֝֗ין
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.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֶחָֽד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
Study Notes — Psalms 53:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 53:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 53:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 53:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 53:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 53:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 53:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 53:4
- Sermons on Psalms 53:4
Context — The Fool Says There Is No God
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. 6Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 10:25 | Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge You, and on the families that do not call on Your name. For they have devoured Jacob; they have consumed him and finished him off; they have devastated his homeland. |
| 3 | Psalms 27:2 | When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. |
| 4 | Revelation 17:16 | And the ten horns and the beast that you saw will hate the prostitute. They will leave her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. |
| 5 | Isaiah 27:11 | When its limbs are dry, they are broken off. Women come and use them for kindling; for this is a people without understanding. Therefore their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor. |
| 6 | Psalms 94:8 | Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise? |
| 7 | Matthew 23:17–39 | You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred? So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the One who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the One who sits on it. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous. And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ So you testify against yourselves that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers. You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell? Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute in town after town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ” |
Psalms 53:4 Summary
[Psalms 53:4 is a verse that talks about people who do bad things and hurt others, but don't care about God or His people. It says they eat up God's people like they are bread, which means they don't care about hurting them. This is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 7:15, where He warned about false prophets who would hurt His people. We should be careful not to be like these people and instead try to love and care for others, like it says in 1 John 4:7-8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a worker of iniquity?
A worker of iniquity is someone who consistently does evil and rebels against God, as seen in Psalms 53:4, and is often contrasted with those who seek to follow God's ways, like in Psalms 1:1-6.
Why do the wicked refuse to call upon God?
The wicked refuse to call upon God because they are consumed by their own selfish desires and have turned away from Him, as described in Romans 3:10-18, which quotes Psalms 53:1-3, highlighting humanity's sinful nature.
What does it mean to devour God's people like bread?
To devour God's people like bread means to consume and destroy them without regard for their well-being, much like a predator devours its prey, as seen in the actions of the wicked in Psalms 53:4 and also in the warnings of Proverbs 30:14.
Is there hope for those who are workers of iniquity?
Yes, there is hope for those who are workers of iniquity, for God desires that all would come to repentance and turn to Him, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9 and Acts 3:19-21, which offer forgiveness and restoration through faith in Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be unknowingly contributing to the devouring of God's people, and how can I change my actions to be more loving and supportive?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and empathy for those who are being devoured by the wicked, and what role can I play in standing up for them?
- In what ways have I seen God's people being devoured like bread in my own community or world, and how can I pray for and support them?
- What does it mean for me to 'call upon God' in times of trouble or uncertainty, and how can I deepen my practice of prayer and reliance on Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 53:4
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge?.... In Psalms 14:4, it is, "have all the workers", c.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 53:4
Psalms 53:4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people [as] they eat bread: they have not called upon God.Ver. 4. Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge?] Etiam scient in fine, et dolebunt, saith one, Know they shall, to their sorrow, in the end, that they have eaten that on earth which they must digest in hell.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 53:4
(4) Notice the omission of the expressive “all” found in Psalms 14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 53:4
Verse 4. Have the workers of iniquity] For פעלי, poaley, workers seventy-two of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., with several ancient editions, the Chaldee, though not noticed in the Latin translation in the London Polyglot, the Syriac, Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic, and the Arabic, with the Anglo-Saxon, add the word כל col, all, - ALL the workers of iniquity; which is the reading in the parallel place in Psalms 14:3-4. It may be necessary to observe, that the Chaldee, in the Antwerp and Paris Polyglots, and in that of Justinianus, has not the word כל col, ALL. Have not called upon God] אלהים Elohim; but many MSS. have יהוה Jehovah, LORD.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 53:4
4, 5. The corruption of mankind exemplified in their treatment of God’s people; and His Providence demonstrated in the deliverance of them.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 53:4
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? - See the notes at Psalms 14:4.
Sermons on Psalms 53:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Lord’s Perfect Provision for His Own Masterpiece by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going through trials and testing in order to truly know and experience Jesus. He shares a personal story of being surrounde |
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"Loose Him, and Let Him Go!" by T. Austin-Sparks | James emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God, highlighting the significance of approaching Him in worship and communion, seeking to enter into a close relationship with H |
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Important Questions by Richard Owen Roberts | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'burned up' (katakaio) in the Bible, emphasizing its significance in consuming or destroying by fire, symbolizing the ultimate purification |
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Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the historical account of Belshazzar's feast and the divine judgment that followed, showcasing the defiance and blasphemy against God that led to |
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Epistle 22 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of staying close to the inner light and the power of God's words, urging believers to avoid distractions from vain thoughts and to focus on the |
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Social Conditions by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the alarming increase in the consumption of cigarettes and intoxicants, despite the efforts of reformers and prohibitionists, revealing the na |
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Perpetual Fuel to the Flames of Hell! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks delivers a sobering sermon on the nature of hell, emphasizing that unlike earthly fire, the flames of hell do not consume but perpetually torment the damned. He illus |