Psalm 53 1

Psalm 53:1 kjv

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.

Psalm 53:1 nkjv

To the Chief Musician. Set to "Mahalath." A Contemplation of David. The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good.

Psalm 53:1 niv

For the director of music. According to mahalath. A maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.

Psalm 53:1 esv

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.

Psalm 53:1 nlt

Only fools say in their hearts,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does good!

Psalm 53 verses

Psalm 53 1 Meaning

Psalm 53:1 states a profound truth about humanity's rebellion against God. It describes "the fool" as one who declares in his heart, "There is no God." This declaration is not merely an intellectual position but a practical, active denial that manifests in deep moral corruption and abominable deeds, leading to a state where none are found to do good. The verse reveals that the root of human depravity lies in an internal rejection of the Creator, which inevitably leads to widespread moral decay.

Psalm 53 1 Context

Psalm 53 is strikingly similar to Psalm 14, sharing almost identical phrasing, particularly in verse 1 and the surrounding verses describing the corruption of humanity. The primary difference is the consistent use of the name "Elohim" (God) in Psalm 53 where Psalm 14 uses "YHWH" (LORD). This substitution is characteristic of the "Elohistic Psalter" (Psalms 42-83), suggesting its compilation or adaptation for specific liturgical or editorial purposes. The psalm is titled "To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David." "Maschil" suggests a didactic or contemplative psalm, intended for instruction and reflection. "Mahalath" likely refers to a musical instrument or tune, emphasizing its liturgical context.

Historically, this psalm can be understood as reflecting a period where practical atheism and moral decay were prevalent, possibly during periods of apostasy in Israel or when foreign influences fostered disregard for divine law. David's experience, often dealing with wicked men (like Doeg the Edomite or even some within Saul's court), would provide ample personal context for such observations. The "fool" (nabal) here is not an intellectual atheist but one who lives as if God does not exist, defying divine authority and morality, which inevitably leads to corrupt actions and social injustice.

Psalm 53 1 Word analysis

• The fool: (Hebrew: nabal - נָבָל) This term denotes a moral and spiritual idiot, not necessarily an intellectual one. A nabal is someone whose actions and character are vile, despicable, and godless. They are characterized by insolence, gross impiety, and a complete disregard for divine wisdom and righteousness. Their "foolishness" is primarily ethical—a lack of moral sensibility and reverence for God. This contrasts sharply with wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7).

• says: This implies a firm, settled conviction or a practical working assumption. It is not a casual thought but a deeply held stance that directs one's life.

• in his heart: (Hebrew: b'libbo - בְּלִבּוֹ) In biblical understanding, the "heart" (lev) is the center of one's being, encompassing the intellect, will, emotions, and moral consciousness. So, saying "in his heart" means it is a deeply internal, fundamental conviction that shapes one's entire being and behavior. It's not a secret thought but a foundational principle from which all actions flow.

• 'There is no God.': (Hebrew: Ein Elohim - אֵין אֱלֹהִים) This statement is a denial of God's existence, but more profoundly, it implies a practical atheism. It is living as though God is irrelevant, absent, or without authority to judge or intervene. This is the root cause of the moral corruption that follows, as removing divine accountability frees one to pursue any form of wickedness.

• They are corrupt: (Hebrew: Hishḥiṭu - הִשְׁחִיטוּ) A strong verb meaning to ruin, spoil, corrupt, or act violently. It speaks to a deep, pervasive moral degradation, an utter decay of character and conduct. This corruption affects not just individuals but can pervade an entire society, making it putrid in God's sight.

• and their ways are vile: (Hebrew: Ve'hit'ivu to'evah - וְהִתְעִיבוּ תֹאֲבָה; KJV: "have done abominable iniquity") To'evah (abominable) refers to something detestable, disgusting, often a practice or action that God utterly loathes (e.g., idolatry, certain sexual practices, injustice). It indicates a deliberate choice to engage in actions offensive to God and destructive to society. Their actions are not just mistakes but deeply repugnant acts.

• there is no one who does good: (Hebrew: Ein oseh tov - אֵין עֹשֵׂה־טֽוֹב) This is a sweeping indictment of universal human depravity. Once the fundamental truth of God's existence and authority is denied, the standard for good collapses, leading to a pervasive moral failure where genuine goodness (as defined by God) is absent. It's not about isolated acts of kindness, but a fundamental orientation of life and character.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'": This phrase sets up the foundational premise. The internal, practical rejection of God is the root cause and catalyst for all subsequent moral failure. This declaration establishes the 'fool's' worldview—a self-centered cosmos where divine laws and accountability are nonexistent.
  • "They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.": This section describes the inevitable outcome and consequence of the fool's initial declaration. The practical atheism of the heart results in moral decay, leading to abominable actions and a complete lack of genuine righteousness among them. It's a statement of effect following cause: denying God leads to absolute moral degradation, from which no one is exempt under this state.

Psalm 53 1 Bonus section

While Psalm 14 and Psalm 53 are remarkably similar, the subtle changes, particularly the consistent use of "Elohim" in Psalm 53 for "YHWH," point to specific liturgical or theological intentions. Scholars suggest that "Elohim" might offer a more universal or generic reference to God, suitable for wider congregational use or for emphasizing God's transcendence and power without immediately referencing His covenant name with Israel. The title "Mahalath" is intriguing; while its precise meaning is debated, it often points to a mournful or sombre tune, reinforcing the somber diagnosis of humanity's spiritual and moral illness presented in the psalm. This psalm highlights the dire consequences not only of denying God intellectually but, more pervasively, of disregarding Him functionally in one's daily life, demonstrating that true godlessness is evidenced not by argument but by actions.

Psalm 53 1 Commentary

Psalm 53:1 encapsulates a foundational theological truth about the human condition: the practical denial of God's existence or authority (the "fool's" heart-statement) inevitably leads to profound moral degradation. The "fool" (nabal) is not a philosophical atheist in the modern sense, but someone who, despite creation's testimony (Rom 1:20), chooses to live as if God has no claim or rule over their life. This internal rebellion transforms their actions into what is "corrupt" and "abominable," revealing the interconnectedness of belief and behavior. The stark declaration, "there is no one who does good," speaks to humanity's fallen state, apart from divine grace, where genuine righteousness is elusive. It underscores the biblical premise of humanity's need for redemption. The examples could be widespread societal injustice and disregard for human life which often stem from a worldview where accountability to a higher moral authority is absent.