Psalm 53
JPS TaNaKH 1917
Chapter overview
Psalm 53 describes practical atheism through corrupt behavior, universal failure, and exploitation of vulnerable people. Yet panic overtakes unjust power, and the suffering community continues to long for restoration arriving from Zion.
FollyCorruptionPoorRestoration
1(53-1) For the Leader; upon Mahalath. Maschil of David. (53-2) 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.
2(53-3) God looked forth from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any man of understanding, that did seek after God.
3(53-4) Every one of them is unclean, they are together become impure; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
4(53-5) 'Shall not the workers of iniquity know it, who eat up My people as they eat bread, and call not upon God?'
5(53-6) There are they in great fear, where no fear was; for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee; Thou hast put them to shame, because God hath rejected them.
6(53-7) Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God turneth the captivity of His people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
JPS TaNaKH 1917 — Public Domain. Where these translations come from.