Psalms 53

1 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.

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 from the heavens looked on the sons of men, To see if there be an understanding one, [One] seeking God.

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

3 Every one went back, together they became filthy, There is none doing 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 not workers of iniquity known, Those eating my people have eaten bread, God they have not called.

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

5 There they feared a fear — there was no fear, For God hath scattered the bones of him Who is encamping against thee, Thou hast put 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 Who doth give from Zion the salvation of Israel? When God turneth back [to] a captivity of His people, Jacob doth rejoice — Israel is glad!

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