Psalms 53

1 To the chief Musician. On Mahalath: an instruction. Of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God! They have corrupted themselves, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

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.

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

God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.

3 Every one of them is gone back, they are together become corrupt: there is none that doeth good, not even one.

All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, eating up my people [as] they eat bread? they call not upon God.

Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon God.

5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was; for God scattereth the bones of him that encampeth against thee. Thou hast put [them] to shame, for God hath despised them.

There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them.

6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God turneth again the captivity of his people, Jacob shall be glad, Israel shall rejoice.

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!