Psalm 53 2

Psalm 53:2 kjv

God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

Psalm 53:2 nkjv

God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

Psalm 53:2 niv

God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

Psalm 53:2 esv

God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.

Psalm 53:2 nlt

God looks down from heaven
on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.

Psalm 53 verses

Psalm 53 2 Meaning

Psalm 53:2 states that God, from His transcendent position in heaven, intently observes all humanity. His perfect gaze is not casual but purposeful, seeking to determine if there are any among the children of man who possess genuine spiritual understanding and, consequently, actively pursue a relationship with Him. The implicit conclusion drawn by the psalm, especially from the preceding verse, is the widespread absence of such individuals.

Psalm 53 2 Context

Psalm 53 stands as a profound commentary on the human condition. It is nearly identical to Psalm 14, with the primary difference being the consistent use of "Elohim" (God) in Psalm 53 versus "Yahweh" (the LORD) in Psalm 14, placing it within the "Elohistic Psalter." This choice of "Elohim" emphasizes God's majesty, power, and universal sovereignty.

The historical context reflects a time when widespread moral decay and practical atheism were prevalent. The psalm begins with the "fool" (nabal) saying "There is no God" (53:1). This "no God" isn't necessarily a philosophical denial of God's existence but a practical disregard for God's moral authority and an embracing of corruption. It describes a society deeply marred by wickedness, where true piety and righteousness are conspicuously absent. Psalm 53:2 acts as God's divine audit, revealing the spiritual barrenness of humanity in light of this pervasive foolishness and moral rebellion described in verse 1. It underscores a deep disconnect between God's truth and human conduct.

Psalm 53 2 Word analysis

• אֱלֹהִים (Elohim): Transliteration: Elohim. Meaning: God. This is the common plural Hebrew word for God, often used to denote the singular God of Israel, emphasizing His omnipotence, majesty, and universal sovereignty. Its use here reinforces God's supreme authority in evaluating humanity.
• מִשָּׁמַיִם (mi-shamaim): Transliteration: mi-shamaim. Meaning: from heaven. The preposition "mi" (from) indicates origin, emphasizing God's elevated, transcendent position. Heaven here signifies His dwelling place, conveying His omniscient, impartial, and distant-yet-seeing perspective. It underscores His perfect judgment, not bound by earthly limitations.
• הִשְׁקִיף (hishqif): Transliteration: hishqif. Meaning: He looks down, He gazes. This is the Hiphii stem of the verb "shaqaf" (to look out, over). The Hiphii stem suggests a causative or intensive action, meaning God does not merely see by chance but actively, purposefully, and intensely scrutinizes. It implies a penetrating observation with intent to discern and evaluate.
• עַל בְּנֵי אָדָם (al benei adam): Transliteration: al benei adam. Meaning: upon the children of man. "Al" means upon/concerning. "Benei adam" refers to humanity in general, literally "sons of Adam." This phrase highlights the universality of God's gaze – He observes all human beings, not just a specific group or nation. It denotes the fallen human race as descendants of Adam.
• לִרְאוֹת (lir'ot): Transliteration: lir'ot. Meaning: to see, in order to see. This is the infinitive construct of "ra'ah" (to see, perceive). It explicitly states the purpose or objective of God's looking down: it is an investigative glance aimed at discovering something specific.
• הֲיֵשׁ (hayeish): Transliteration: hayeish. Meaning: whether there is. This particle combines the interrogative "ha" (is there?) with the existential verb "yesh" (there is). It introduces a question that functions as a search or inquiry, carrying an implication of rarity or scarcity. God is searching, perhaps with the expectation of finding very few, if any.
• מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil): Transliteration: maskil. Meaning: one who understands, one who has insight. This is a Hiphii participle of "sakhal" (to be prudent, insightful, wise). It signifies not mere intellectual knowledge, but spiritual discernment, prudence, and practical wisdom concerning divine matters. It’s an understanding that leads to righteous action. This term often appears as a title in other Psalms, designating them as wisdom psalms.
• דֹּרֵשׁ אֶת־אֱלֹהִים (doresh et-Elohim): Transliteration: doresh et-Elohim. Meaning: one who seeks after God. "Doresh" is the Qal participle of "darash" (to seek, inquire, consult). This implies an active, diligent, and intentional pursuit, a profound desire for a relationship with God. "Et-Elohim" uses the direct object marker, indicating that God Himself is the specific object of this fervent seeking. It denotes devotion and worship.

Psalm 53 2 Bonus section

• The nearly identical nature of Psalm 53 to Psalm 14 is a significant scholarly observation. The shift from "Yahweh" to "Elohim" in Psalm 53 may reflect the theological preference of the collection in which it was preserved or signify a more general reference to God's universal nature and authority in the context of global humanity, rather than specifically covenantal relations with Israel.
• The term "maskil" is used as a superscription for thirteen psalms (e.g., Psa 32, 42, 44, 45). While here it refers to "one who understands," its broader use points to a specific genre of "wisdom psalms" intended to impart instruction and discernment.
• God's "looking down from heaven" in biblical narrative often precedes divine intervention, either in judgment (e.g., Gen 11:5 for Babel) or salvation (e.g., Psa 102:19-20 for prisoners and the oppressed). In Psalm 53, it sets the stage for a concluding cry for salvation (53:6) by first establishing the universal human plight.
• This verse, especially through its quotation in Rom 3:10-12, establishes a foundational theological truth regarding humanity's natural spiritual condition apart from divine grace: no one genuinely understands or seeks God on their own. This sets the stage for the Gospel's necessity, highlighting that salvation is not merited by human wisdom or pursuit but given by God's initiative.

Psalm 53 2 Commentary

Psalm 53:2 presents a vivid theological tableau: a sovereign God, elevated above all creation, intently scrutinizing humanity. His gaze is not passive but an active, purposeful search, much like an investigator seeking critical evidence. The essence of His inquiry revolves around two crucial spiritual qualities: understanding and seeking Him. The "understanding" God seeks (maskil) is not simply intellectual acumen, but a spiritual discernment that comprehends divine truth and acknowledges God's rightful place. This spiritual understanding, the psalm implies, should naturally lead to "seeking after God" (doresh et-Elohim), which is an active, sincere, and heartfelt pursuit of a relationship with Him through obedience and devotion.

The dire context from Psalm 53:1 – the "fool" denying God and corrupting his ways – underscores the profound implication of God's search in verse 2: He finds a shocking deficit. His comprehensive divine audit reveals a pervasive lack of spiritual understanding and a general disinterest in seeking Him. This verse powerfully illustrates God's omniscience and righteous standard, lamenting humanity's spiritual blindness and rebellion, and thereby establishing the universal need for divine intervention and redemption.

• Example 1: A person may excel in academic studies (intellectual understanding), but true "maskil" means they understand God's truth revealed in His Word and discern His will for their lives.
• Example 2: Many may attend church (outward seeking), but true "doresh et-Elohim" means their hearts genuinely yearn for God's presence, they diligently pray, and strive to obey His commands out of love.