Psalms 53

1 To him that excelleth on Mahalath. A Psalme of David to give instruction. The foole hath saide in his heart, There is no God. they haue corrupted and done abominable wickednes: there is none that doeth 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 downe from heauen vpon the children of men, to see if there were any that would vnderstand, and seeke God.

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

3 Euery one is gone backe: they are altogether corrupt: 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 Doe not the workers of iniquitie knowe that they eate vp my people as they eate bread? they call not vpon God.

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

5 There they were afraide for feare, where no feare was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that besieged thee: thou hast put them to confusion, because God hath cast them off.

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 Oh giue saluation vnto Israel out of Zion: when God turneth the captiuitie of his people, then Iaakob shall reioyce, and Israel shalbe 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.