Psalm 53:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good.

Traditional

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.

Literal

For the one directing. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt and have done abominable injustice; there is no one doing good.

Latin

In finem, pro Maëleth intelligentiæ David. Dixit insipiens in corde suo: Non est Deus. Corrupti sunt, et abominabiles facti sunt in iniquitatibus; non est qui faciat bonum.

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good.

Notes

Psalms 53:1–3

Paul uses the Greek translation of this passage to describe the moral corruption of all people (Romans 3:10–12).

Psalms 53:1–6

This psalm is similar to Psalm 14, with differences only in verse 5.

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

Psalm 10:4
In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God.
Psalm 14:1–7
For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good.
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?’
Romans 3:10–31
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.
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.
Job 15:16
…how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks injustice like water?
Psalm 10:11
He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.”
Psalm 10:13
Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.”
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.
Romans 1:21
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.
Genesis 6:5–6
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.
Ephesians 5:12
For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

Parallels

Psalm 14:1–7 Isaiah 59:1–17 Romans 3:9–20

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Mahalath: A musical or literary term in the Psalms Maskil: A musical or literary term in the Psalms

Glossary

David Mahalath (Music) Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Atheism: General Scriptures Concerning Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Fool: General Scriptures Concerning Fools: Deny God Infidelity: General Scriptures Concerning Music: Makalath, Maschil, Leannoth: These Terms are Found in the Titles of Music: Maschil: This Musical Sign Occurs in the Titles of Psalms: Didactic Skepticism: General Scriptures Concerning Wicked (People): Described

Psalm 53:1

Translations?

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