Psalms 53:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David. The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: [there is] none that doeth good.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)} upon Mahalath {H4257}, Maschil {H4905}{H8688)}, A Psalm of David {H1732}. The fool {H5036} hath said {H559}{H8804)} in his heart {H3820}, There is no God {H430}. Corrupt {H7843}{H8689)} are they, and have done abominable {H8581}{H8689)} iniquity {H5766}: there is none that doeth {H6213}{H8802)} good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the leader. On machalat. A maskil of David: A brutish fool tells himself, "There isn't any God."Such people are depraved, all their deeds are vile, not one of them does what is good.

Berean Standard Bible

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good.

American Standard Version

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none that doeth good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 53:1 opens with a profound and sobering declaration concerning humanity's fallen state, asserting that the "fool" is not merely intellectually deficient but morally perverse, actively denying God's existence or authority from the depths of their heart. This internal rejection inevitably manifests in widespread corruption and the commission of abominable iniquity, leading to the stark conclusion that, apart from divine intervention, "there is none that doeth good." The verse thus powerfully establishes the pervasive nature of human depravity and the desperate need for God's redemptive grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 53:1 serves as the opening verse of a Maschil, an instructional or didactic psalm, explicitly attributed to David. Its most striking literary feature is its near-verbatim similarity to [Psalm 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool's Corruption and God's Judgment"). This remarkable repetition within the Psalter suggests a theological message of paramount importance that warranted reiteration, possibly for different liturgical contexts or to emphasize its enduring truth across generations. Both psalms function as a profound indictment of human sinfulness, portraying a world where the practical denial of God's authority inexorably leads to moral decay and societal corruption. The superscription, "To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David," indicates its intended use in public worship, likely accompanied by a solemn or contemplative tune ("Mahalath"), and designed to impart wisdom and understanding ("Maschil"). This places the psalm firmly within the wisdom tradition of the Psalter, instructing the audience on the profound contrast between true wisdom (rooted in God) and destructive folly.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of the "fool" (Hebrew: *nabal*) in ancient Israelite wisdom literature, particularly as found in the Psalms and Proverbs, is not primarily concerned with intellectual capacity or intelligence. Instead, it is a descriptor of moral and spiritual character. A *nabal* is someone who lacks reverence for God, lives without accountability to divine law, and consequently engages in wicked and senseless behavior. This denial of God is rarely presented as a philosophical atheism in the modern sense, but rather as a practical one – living as if God does not exist, or as if His commands are irrelevant to daily life. Such a worldview, in a society founded upon the covenant relationship with Yahweh, was perceived as the ultimate rebellion, leading inevitably to societal breakdown, personal corruption, and divine judgment. The psalm likely reflects a period where moral decline was evident, perhaps during times of apostasy, national distress, or internal corruption, prompting David to lament the widespread spiritual blindness and its tangible, devastating consequences.
* **Key Themes:** Two dominant theological themes powerfully emerge from this foundational verse, setting the trajectory for the entire psalm. First, the theme of **The Fool's Practical Denial of God** posits that true folly lies not in intellectual skepticism but in a moral and volitional rejection of God's authority and active presence in the world. This "saying in the heart" signifies a deep-seated, internal decision to live without God as the ultimate arbiter of truth, morality, and justice. Such a stance inevitably leads to the second major theme: **Universal Human Depravity**. The verse immediately links the denial of God to pervasive corruption and abominable iniquity, culminating in the sweeping statement, "there is none that doeth good." This is a profound theological assertion about humanity's fallen state, emphasizing that apart from divine grace and intervention, all are inherently inclined towards sin and incapable of achieving true righteousness in God's sight. This theme resonates throughout the broader biblical narrative, finding its most comprehensive exposition in the New Testament, particularly in Paul's argument for universal sinfulness in [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10-18 "Romans 3:10-18 - All Under Sin"), where he explicitly quotes similar Old Testament passages to underscore humanity's inability to achieve righteousness on its own.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fool (Hebrew, _nâbâl'_):** This term (נָבָל, H5036) in biblical Hebrew denotes far more than a simple lack of intelligence; it signifies moral perversity, spiritual insensitivity, and a profound, active lack of reverence for God. The *nabal* is someone who is senseless in a moral and spiritual sense, acting wickedly because they have chosen to reject divine wisdom, authority, and accountability. Their foolishness is not a passive deficiency but an active rebellion, leading to a life lived without moral boundaries or genuine fear of the Lord.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** The word (אֱלֹהִים, H430), often translated as "God," is a plural noun used here to refer to the supreme God. In the context of "no God," it signifies a denial of His supreme authority, His active involvement in human affairs, and His rightful claim over creation. The fool's declaration is not merely about the existence of a deity, but about the practical relevance and sovereignty of the one true God over their life and the world.
* **Corrupt (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** The verb (שָׁחַת, H7843) means to decay, spoil, ruin, destroy, or pervert. When applied to moral character, as it is here, it implies a deep-seated moral decay, a defilement that has permeated one's being and actions. It suggests a state of moral rottenness, where the original good or intended design has been spoiled or destroyed, leading to actions that are detestable and morally repugnant in God's eyes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David.":** This superscription provides vital information regarding the psalm's authorship, David (H1732, _Dâvid'_), its musical instruction ("To the chief Musician," H5329, _nâtsach'_), its intended tune or instrument ("Mahalath," H4257, _machălath'_), and its genre or purpose ("Maschil," H4905, _maskîyl'_), indicating it is an instructional or didactic poem designed to impart wisdom.
* **"The fool hath said in his heart,":** This opening clause immediately introduces the central figure: "the fool" (H5036, _nâbâl'_). The phrase "hath said in his heart" (H559, _ʼâmar'_; H3820, _lêb'_), is crucial, emphasizing that this declaration is not an external, intellectual proposition but an internal, volitional conviction. The "heart" (H3820, _lêb'_), in Hebrew thought, is the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, indicating a comprehensive and deeply rooted rejection of God's authority and presence.
* **"[There is] no God.":** This is the core declaration of the fool. It signifies a practical atheism – a life lived without regard for God's existence, authority (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym'_), or commands. This internal belief system, a deliberate choice to ignore or deny God's relevance, underpins all subsequent actions and moral choices, leading to self-governance rather than divine submission.
* **"Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity:":** This clause reveals the inevitable and widespread consequence of the fool's declaration. When God is practically denied, moral decay ("corrupt," H7843, _shâchath'_), and heinous acts ("abominable," H8581, _taʻâb'_ with "iniquity," H5766, _ʻevel'_), naturally follow. The plural "they" indicates that this corruption is not isolated but widespread, a societal phenomenon stemming from individual hearts that reject God. "Abominable iniquity" refers to deeds that are utterly detestable and morally repugnant in God's sight.
* **"[there is] none that doeth good.":** This sweeping statement underscores the universal nature of human depravity when left to its own devices. It is not an assertion that humans are incapable of any good deeds in a societal sense (e.g., acts of kindness or charity), but rather that no one, by their own efforts, achieves the perfect righteousness or moral goodness (H2896, _ṭôwb'_), that God requires. This highlights humanity's fallen state and inherent inability to please God or meet His holy standard on its own terms.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 53:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound and somber message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, as this verse is almost identical to [Psalm 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool's Corruption"). This near-verbatim repetition serves to emphasize the enduring truth of human depravity and the fool's denial of God, underscoring its timeless and pervasive nature. The phrase "The fool hath said in his heart" utilizes **Personification**, attributing the act of "saying" to the "heart," which in Hebrew thought represents the inner core of a person's intellect, will, and emotion. This device highlights the deeply internal, volitional, and comprehensive nature of this denial, rather than a mere intellectual assent or dissent. The concluding statement, "there is none that doeth good," is a powerful use of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration employed for dramatic emphasis. While individuals may perform acts of kindness or societal benefit, the psalmist uses this strong, universal language to underscore the pervasive nature of sin and the absence of inherent, perfect righteousness in fallen humanity apart from God. This creates a stark **Contrast** between the divine standard of perfect goodness and the grim reality of human behavior when God's authority is rejected.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 53:1 serves as a foundational text for understanding the biblical doctrine of universal human depravity. It asserts that the practical denial of God's authority, originating deep within the heart, inevitably leads to widespread moral corruption and an inherent inability to achieve true goodness in God's sight. This is not merely a statement about isolated acts of sin, but about a fallen human nature that is fundamentally alienated from God and inherently inclined towards self-serving iniquity. The psalm thus lays bare humanity's desperate need for divine intervention and redemption, as no amount of human effort or self-improvement can bridge the chasm created by this pervasive sinfulness. It sets the stage for the revelation of God's gracious initiative to restore humanity to Himself, highlighting that salvation must come from outside of humanity.

* [Psalm 14:1-3](/psalms/14-1-3 "Psalm 14:1-3 - The Fool's Corruption and God's Judgment") - A near-identical parallel, powerfully reiterating the pervasive nature of human sin and the fool's practical denial of God.
* [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - All Under Sin") - The Apostle Paul's definitive theological exposition on universal sinfulness, explicitly quoting Old Testament passages (including phrases similar to Psalms 53:1) to establish that "None is righteous, no, not one."
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") - Contrasts the fool's denial of God with the beginning of true wisdom, which is the fear of the Lord, underscoring the absolute necessity of acknowledging and revering God's sovereignty.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 53:1 offers a profound and challenging mirror for both individual self-reflection and societal critique. It compels us to examine not just our intellectual beliefs about God, but the practical outworking of our faith in our daily lives. Do our actions, priorities, and decisions truly reflect a vibrant, active belief in God's existence, sovereignty, and moral authority, or do they, at times, betray a practical denial of His presence and commands? The "fool" described here is not the uneducated or intellectually deficient, but rather the one who, despite any intellectual acknowledgment of God, chooses to live as if He does not matter, prioritizing self-will, desires, and autonomy over divine will and wisdom. This practical atheism inevitably leads to a moral decay that impacts not only individuals but also communities and nations, as seen in the "abominable iniquity" that follows. This verse serves as a sobering call to confront the pervasive reality of human sinfulness and our desperate, inherent need for God's transforming grace. It reminds us that true goodness, in God's sight, flows only from a heart submitted to Him, prompting us to humbly acknowledge our own fallen nature and continually seek God's righteousness, rather than relying on our own flawed efforts or perceived self-sufficiency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I, or my society, practically say "there is no God" through our actions, priorities, or cultural norms, even if we intellectually affirm His existence?**
* **How does the biblical concept of the "fool" in this psalm challenge my contemporary understanding of wisdom, intelligence, and foolishness?**
* **If "there is none that doeth good" in God's sight, what profound implications does this have for my own efforts to achieve righteousness, and what does it highlight about my absolute need for divine intervention and grace?**
* **How should the pervasive nature of sin, as described in this verse, shape my prayers, my approach to personal holiness, and my engagement in evangelism and social justice?**

### FAQ
**What does "the fool" mean in Psalms 53:1?**

Answer: In biblical wisdom literature, particularly in the Psalms and Proverbs, "the fool" (Hebrew: *nabal*) does not primarily refer to someone lacking intellectual capacity or intelligence. Instead, it denotes a person who is morally debased, spiritually senseless, and wicked. This "fool" is characterized by a profound lack of reverence for God, choosing to live without regard for His authority or commands. Consequently, they act in ways that are morally perverse, destructive, and ultimately self-defeating. Their foolishness is a chosen rebellion against divine wisdom and order, leading to a life of practical atheism, even if they might intellectually acknowledge God's existence. It is a volitional rejection of God's rightful place in their heart and life.

**Why is Psalms 53:1 almost identical to Psalm 14:1?**

Answer: The near-verbatim similarity between Psalms 53:1 and [Psalm 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool's Declaration") is a unique feature within the Psalter, prompting various scholarly theories. It is widely believed that both psalms originated from a common source or tradition, perhaps an earlier prophetic or wisdom saying that was incorporated into different collections of psalms. Some scholars suggest they might have been adapted for distinct liturgical settings or purposes within ancient Israelite worship, with minor textual variations reflecting different emphases or audiences. Others propose that the repetition serves to underscore the enduring and pervasive nature of the problem of human depravity and the fool's denial of God, emphasizing its timeless relevance across generations. Despite their striking similarities, there are indeed minor textual differences and variations in the subsequent verses of each psalm, indicating they were not mere duplicates but intended for distinct, though related, functions within the broader Psalter's theological message.

**Does "there is none that doeth good" mean no one can ever do anything good?**

Answer: No, this phrase does not mean that individuals are incapable of performing any good deeds in a societal or human sense (e.g., acts of kindness, charity, or justice that benefit others). Instead, "there is none that doeth good" (Hebrew: אֵין עֹשֵׂה טוֹב, *ein oseh tov*) refers to humanity's inherent inability to achieve perfect righteousness or moral goodness in God's sight, apart from His grace. It speaks to the pervasive nature of sin that corrupts even our best intentions and actions, rendering us incapable of meeting God's holy and perfect standard. This declaration highlights humanity's fallen state and desperate need for divine intervention and transformation, rather than a total absence of all beneficial human activity. As [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") succinctly states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," emphasizing that no human effort can bridge the gap to God's perfect righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 53:1, with its stark declaration that "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: [there is] none that doeth good," powerfully sets the stage for the absolute necessity of Jesus Christ. This verse paints a bleak, yet accurate, picture of universal human depravity, revealing a world where sin has so permeated humanity that no one, by their own efforts, can achieve true righteousness or goodness before a holy God. It underscores the desperate need for a divine solution to this pervasive moral bankruptcy. Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect fulfillment of this profound human need. He is the only one who truly "did good," living a perfectly righteous and sinless life in complete obedience to God, unlike the "fool" who denies God's authority and lives in rebellion. As the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Christ entered into this corrupt human condition not to participate in its depravity, but to redeem it. His atoning sacrifice on the cross directly addresses the "abominable iniquity" that humanity commits, offering complete forgiveness, cleansing, and reconciliation with God. Through faith in Him, those who were once "fools" in their hearts, living as if there were no God, can be radically transformed and made new creations in Christ. His perfect righteousness is graciously imputed to believers, fulfilling the "none that doeth good" by providing the very goodness and standing before God that we inherently lack. Thus, the despair and indictment of Psalms 53:1 find their glorious hope and resolution in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who alone makes it possible for fallen humanity to be reconciled to God and truly "do good" in His eyes, by His power. As [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness") profoundly proclaims, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 14:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good.

Psalms 14:7

Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

Psalms 10:4

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.

Romans 3:10

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:31

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

1 Kings 14:24

And there were also sodomites in the land: [and] they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

Job 15:16

How much more abominable and filthy [is] man, which drinketh iniquity like water?