Psalms 53

1 Unto the end, for Maeleth, understandings to David. The fool said in his heart: There is no God. They are corrupted, and become abominable in iniquities: there is none that doth good.

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.

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

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

3 All have gone aside, they are become unprofitable together, there is none that doth good, no not one.

Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one.

4 Shall not all the workers of iniquity know, who eat up my people as they eat bread?

Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call on God?

5 They have not called upon God: there have they trembled for fear, where there was no fear. For God hath scattered the bones of them that please men: they have been confounded, because God hath despised them.

There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.

6 Who will give out of Sion the salvation of Israel? when God shall bring back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back his people from captivity, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.