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According to mahalath. A maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, &#8220There is no God.&#8221 They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. <a href="/nlt/psalms/53.htm">New Living Translation</a> Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! <a href="/esv/psalms/53.htm">English Standard Version</a> The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. <a href="/bsb/psalms/53.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/psalms/53.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/psalms/53.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/psalms/53.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For the music director; according to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; There is no one who does good. <a href="/nasb/psalms/53.htm">NASB 1995</a> For the choir director; according to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool has said in his heart, &#8220There is no God,&#8221 They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; There is no one who does good. <a href="/nasb77/psalms/53.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God,” They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; There is no one who does good. <a href="/lsb/psalms/53.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For the choir director. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The wicked fool says in his heart, “There is no God,” They act corruptly, and commit abominable injustice; There is no one who does good. <a href="/amp/psalms/53.htm">Amplified Bible</a> To the Chief Musician; in a mournful strain. A skillful song, or didactic or reflective poem of David. The [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt and evil, and have committed repulsive injustice; There is no one who does good. <a href="/csb/psalms/53.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For the choir director: on Mahalath. † A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.” They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good. <a href="/hcsb/psalms/53.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For the choir director: on Mahalath. A Davidic Maskil. The fool says in his heart, &#8220God does not exist.&#8221 They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good. <a href="/asv/psalms/53.htm">American Standard Version</a> For the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath. Maschil 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. <a href="/cev/psalms/53.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Only a fool would say, "There is no God!" People like that are worthless! They are heartless and cruel and never do right. <a href="/erv/psalms/53.htm">English Revised Version</a> For the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath. Maschil 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. <a href="/gwt/psalms/53.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> [For the choir director; according to [mahalath], a [maskil] by David.] Godless fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt. They do disgusting things. There is no one who does good things. <a href="/gnt/psalms/53.htm">Good News Translation</a> Fools say to themselves, "There is no God." They are all corrupt, and they have done terrible things; there is no one who does what is right. <a href="/isv/psalms/53.htm">International Standard Version</a> Fools say to themselves "There is no God." They are corrupt and commit iniquity; not one of them practices what is good. <a href="/msb/psalms/53.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/psalms/53.htm">NET Bible</a> For the music director; according to the machalath style; a well-written song by David. Fools say to themselves, "There is no God." They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right. <a href="/nheb/psalms/53.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> [For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Mahalath." A contemplation by David.] The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good. <a href="/wbt/psalms/53.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. <a href="/web/psalms/53.htm">World English Bible</a> For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Mahalath.” A contemplation by David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/psalms/53.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> TO THE OVERSEER. “ON A DISEASE.” AN INSTRUCTION OF DAVID. A fool said in his heart, “There is no God.” They have done corruptly, "" Indeed, they have done abominable iniquity, "" There is none doing good. <a href="/ylt/psalms/53.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> To the Overseer. -- 'On a disease.' -- An instruction, by David. A fool said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They have done corruptly, Yea, they have done abominable iniquity, There is none doing good. <a href="/slt/psalms/53.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> To the overseer upon the stringed instrument: instruction to David. The fool said in his heart, No God. They were corrupted; they made iniquity abominable: none doing good.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/psalms/53.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Unto the end, for Maeleth, understandings to David. The fool said in his hear t: There is no God. They are corrupted, and become abominable in iniquities: there is none that doth good. <a href="/cpdv/psalms/53.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 52:1>Unto the end. For Mahalath: the thoughts of David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” <V 52:2>They were corrupted, and they became abominable with iniquities. There is no one who does good. <a href="/nabre/psalms/53.htm">New American Bible</a> For the leader; according to Mahalath. A maskil of David. [2] The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They act corruptly and practice injustice; there is none that does good. <a href="/nrsvce/psalms/53.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they commit abominable acts; there is no one who does good.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/psalms/53.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THE fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and abominable in their iniquities; and there is none that does good. <a href="/hpbt/psalms/53.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The evil one has said in his heart, "There is no God.” They are corrupted and they are defiled in their evil and there is none doing good.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/psalms/53.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For the Leader; upon Mahalath. Maschil of David. The fool hath said in his heart: 'There is no God'; They have dealt corruptly, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none that doeth good. <a href="/sep/psalms/53.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For the end, a Psalm of David upon Maeleth, of instruction. The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They have corrupted themselves, and become abominable in iniquities: there is none that does good. <a href="/parallel/psalms/53-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6273" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/psalms/53.htm">The Fool Says There is No God</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/5329.htm" title="5329: lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ (Prep-l, Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- Preeminent or enduring. A primitive root; properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. To be eminent; also, to be permanent.">For the choirmaster.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">According to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4257.htm" title="4257: mā·ḥă·laṯ (N-fs) -- In psalm titles, probably the name of a tune. From chalah; sickness; Machalath, probably the title of a popular song.">Mahalath.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4905.htm" title="4905: maś·kîl (N-ms) -- Instructive, a didactic poem. From sakal; instructive, i.e. A didactic poem.">A Maskil</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">of David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5036.htm" title="5036: nā·ḇāl (Adj-ms) -- Foolish, senseless. From nabel; stupid; wicked."> The fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: bə·lib·bōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">in his heart,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">“There is no</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7843.htm" title="7843: hiš·ḥî·ṯū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- Perhaps to go to ruin. A primitive root; to decay, i.e. ruin.">They are corrupt;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8581.htm" title="8581: wə·hiṯ·‘î·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To abhor. A primitive root; to loathe, i.e. detest.">their ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/5766.htm" title="5766: ‘ā·wel (N-ms) -- Injustice, unrighteousness. Or lavel; and lavlah; or owlah; or.olah; from aval; evil.">are vile.</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">There is no</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śêh- (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">one who does</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good.</a> 2God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Romans 3:10-12</a> As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. / There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. / All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1-3</a> 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. / The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. / All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:20</a> Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. <a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a> 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. <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-22</a> 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. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-21</a> For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ... <a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Ephesians 4:17-18</a> So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. / They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. <a href="/titus/1-15.htm">Titus 1:15-16</a> To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled. / They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. <a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a> 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. <a href="/job/15-16.htm">Job 15:16</a> how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks injustice like water? <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Matthew 15:19</a> For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Mark 7:21-23</a> For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.” <a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a> And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that does good.A.<a href="/psalms/88-1.htm">Psalm 88:1</a> A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:fool<a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1</a> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.<a href="/psalms/92-6.htm">Psalm 92:6</a> A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.<a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a> But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.said<a href="/psalms/10-4.htm">Psalm 10:4,6,11,13</a> The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts… <a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">1 Kings 12:26</a> And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:<a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21,28</a> Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened… Corrupt<a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5,6,11-13</a> And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually… <a href="/job/14-4.htm">Job 14:4</a> Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.<a href="/job/15-16.htm">Job 15:16</a> How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?have done<a href="/leviticus/18-24.htm">Leviticus 18:24-30</a> Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: … <a href="/deuteronomy/12-31.htm">Deuteronomy 12:31</a> Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.<a href="/1_kings/14-24.htm">1 Kings 14:24</a> And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.there is<a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Romans 3:10</a> As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Abominable</a> <a href="/psalms/52-9.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Choirmaster</a> <a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Contemplation</a> <a href="/psalms/38-5.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Corrupted</a> <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Corruptly</a> <a href="/psalms/52-9.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Director</a> <a href="/psalms/41-8.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/psalms/52-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/psalms/49-13.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/psalms/52-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/51-9.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/7-3.htm">Injustice</a> <a href="/psalms/50-17.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/psalms/52-9.htm">Mahalath</a> <a href="/psalms/52-9.htm">Maschil</a> <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Maskil</a> <a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/52-9.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/49-1.htm">Music-Maker</a> <a href="/psalms/49-1.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/psalms/52-9.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/9-1.htm">Tune</a> <a href="/psalms/14-3.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/psalms/41-8.htm">Vile</a> <a href="/psalms/51-13.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/psalms/52-3.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Abominable</a> <a href="/psalms/53-6.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Choirmaster</a> <a href="/psalms/106-6.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Contemplation</a> <a href="/psalms/53-3.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Corrupted</a> <a href="/psalms/73-8.htm">Corruptly</a> <a href="/psalms/53-6.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Director</a> <a href="/psalms/91-3.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/psalms/53-4.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/74-22.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/psalms/69-5.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/psalms/53-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/55-4.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/53-4.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/58-2.htm">Injustice</a> <a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/psalms/87-7.htm">Mahalath</a> <a href="/psalms/53-6.htm">Maschil</a> <a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">Maskil</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/53-6.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Music-Maker</a> <a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">Overseer</a> <a href="/psalms/53-6.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Tune</a> <a href="/psalms/53-3.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/psalms/101-3.htm">Vile</a> <a href="/psalms/55-19.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/psalms/54-5.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 53</div>1. <a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">David describes the corruption of the natural man</a> 4. <a href="/psalms/53-4.htm">He convinces the wicked by the light of their own conscience</a> 6. <a href="/psalms/53-6.htm">He glories in the salvation of God</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader of music in the temple. The role of the choirmaster was significant in ancient Israelite worship, as music was a central part of their religious expression. This highlights the communal aspect of the psalm, meant to be shared and reflected upon by the congregation.According to Mahalath. "Mahalath" is likely a musical term or tune to which the psalm was set. The exact meaning is uncertain, but it may refer to a specific melody or style. This suggests that the psalm was part of a larger collection of liturgical music, indicating the structured and organized nature of worship in ancient Israel.A Maskil of David. A "Maskil" is a type of psalm that is intended to impart wisdom or instruction. David, the attributed author, was not only a king but also a skilled musician and poet. His authorship connects the psalm to a historical figure known for his deep relationship with God, providing authority and authenticity to the message.The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” The term "fool" in biblical context refers to someone who is morally deficient rather than intellectually lacking. This statement reflects a willful denial of God's existence, which is seen as the root of moral corruption. The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. This internal denial contrasts with the external acknowledgment of God seen in other scriptures, such as <a href="/romans/1-20.htm">Romans 1:20</a>, which speaks of God's attributes being evident in creation.They are corrupt; their ways are vile. This phrase describes the moral decay that results from denying God. "Corrupt" and "vile" indicate a deep-seated moral failure and perversion of what is good. This echoes the condition of humanity described in <a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a>, where every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time, leading to the judgment of the flood.There is no one who does good. This universal statement underscores the pervasive nature of sin, aligning with the doctrine of total depravity found in passages like <a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Romans 3:10-12</a>, which quotes this psalm. It emphasizes the need for divine intervention and redemption, pointing to the necessity of a savior, fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who alone is truly good and able to redeem humanity from sin.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a> In the context of this Psalm, the "fool" is not merely someone lacking intelligence but is a person who denies God's existence and authority. The Hebrew word used here is (nabal), which implies moral deficiency and a rejection of wisdom. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> Traditionally attributed to King David, this Psalm reflects his observations and insights into human nature and the folly of denying God. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation of Israel serves as the backdrop for this Psalm, where the acknowledgment of God was central to their identity and covenant relationship. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart.htm">The Heart</a> The "heart" in Hebrew thought represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions. The fool's denial of God is a heart issue, indicating a deep-seated rebellion against divine authority. 5. <a href="/topical/c/corruption_and_vileness.htm">Corruption and Vileness</a> These terms describe the moral decay and ethical depravity that result from denying God. The Hebrew words (shachat) for corrupt and (avel) for vile emphasize the destructive nature of sin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_denial.htm">The Reality of Denial</a> Recognize that denying God's existence is not just an intellectual stance but a moral and spiritual issue that affects one's entire life. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_foolishness.htm">The Consequences of Foolishness</a> Understand that rejecting God leads to corruption and moral decay, impacting both personal life and society. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_the_heart.htm">The Importance of the Heart</a> Guard your heart, as it is the wellspring of life. Acknowledge God in all your ways to avoid the path of the fool. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_wisdom.htm">The Call to Wisdom</a> Pursue wisdom by fearing the Lord and seeking His guidance, contrasting the path of the fool with the path of the righteous. <a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_sin.htm">The Universality of Sin</a> Acknowledge that apart from God, no one does good. This realization should lead to humility and dependence on God's grace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_53.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 53</a> <a href="/q/does_evidence_support_psalm_53's_claims.htm">Are there any historical or archaeological evidences supporting the claims in Psalm 53, or does the lack of such data undermine its credibility? </a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_53_reflect_human_behavior.htm">Does Psalm 53’s universal condemnation of humanity accurately reflect observable human behavior and morality? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_53_align_with_altruism.htm">How can Psalm 53’s claim “there is no one who does good” align with scientific or sociological studies showing genuine altruism? </a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_psalm_53_with_moral_atheists.htm">How should one reconcile Psalm 53’s portrayal of unbelievers as “fools” with the existence of thoughtful, morally upright nonbelievers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/53.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) And.--The conjunction is wanting in <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm" title="The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.">Psalm 14:1</a>.Iniquity.--Instead of the general term, "doings," in Psalms 14, as if the adapter of the Psalm felt that a word applicable to good as well as evil was not strong enough to express the hideousness of the profanity.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/53.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1 and 2 are identical with the same verses of <a href="/psalms/14.htm">Psalm 14</a>, with the single exception that "Jehovah "is replaced by" Elohim," as the first word of ver. 2. <a href="/commentaries/psalms/53-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For the choirmaster. לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ) Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5329.htm">Strong's 5329: </a> To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent According to עַֽל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Mahalath. מָחֲלַ֗ת (mā·ḥă·laṯ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4257.htm">Strong's 4257: </a> Machalath' A Maskil מַשְׂכִּ֥יל (maś·kîl) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4905.htm">Strong's 4905: </a> Instructive, a didactic poem of David. לְדָוִֽד׃ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse The fool נָבָ֣ל (nā·ḇāl) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5036.htm">Strong's 5036: </a> Foolish, senseless says אָ֘מַ֤ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say in his heart, בְּ֭לִבּוֹ (bə·lib·bōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre “[There is] no אֵ֣ין (’ên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle God.” אֱלֹהִ֑ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative They are corrupt; הִֽ֝שְׁחִ֗יתוּ (hiš·ḥî·ṯū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7843.htm">Strong's 7843: </a> Perhaps to go to ruin their ways וְהִֽתְעִ֥יבוּ (wə·hiṯ·‘î·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8581.htm">Strong's 8581: </a> To loathe, detest are vile. עָ֝֗וֶל (‘ā·wel) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5766.htm">Strong's 5766: </a> Injustice, unrighteousness There is no אֵ֣ין (’ên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle one who does עֹֽשֵׂה־ (‘ō·śêh-) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make good. טֽוֹב׃ (ṭō·wḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/psalms/53-1.htm">Psalm 53:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 53:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/52-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 52:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 52:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/53-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 53:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 53:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>