Psalms 53:3

KJV

Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every one of them is gone back {H5472}{H8804)}: they are altogether {H3162} become filthy {H444}{H8738)}; there is none that doeth {H6213}{H8802)} good {H2896}, no, not one {H259}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Every one of them is unclean, altogether corrupt; not one of them does what is good, not a single one.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Every one of them is gone back; they are together become filthy; There is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 53:3 offers a stark and uncompromising declaration of humanity's universal depravity, asserting that all people have turned away from God and become morally corrupt, utterly incapable of producing genuine good on their own. This verse underscores the pervasive nature of sin, revealing a profound spiritual rebellion and an inherent inability to align with divine righteousness, thereby establishing the foundational truth of humanity's desperate need for divine intervention and redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 53:3 is nestled within a psalm that opens with the audacious declaration, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" ([Psalms 53:1](/psalms/53-1 "Psalms 53:1 - The Fool's Denial of God")). This initial statement sets the stage, identifying the root cause of the subsequent moral decay described in verse 3: a rejection of divine authority and existence. The psalm then proceeds to detail the comprehensive consequences of such foolishness, portraying a society steeped in corruption and violence. The striking resemblance between [Psalm 53](/psalms/53 "Psalm 53 - The Universal Depravity of Humanity") and [Psalm 14](/psalms/14 "Psalm 14 - The Corruption of Humanity") highlights the enduring and universal nature of this spiritual diagnosis, with minor textual variations often emphasizing the depth of humanity's fallen state and God's sovereign gaze upon it. Verse 3 serves as a pivotal amplification of the initial premise, demonstrating the widespread manifestation of the "fool's" mindset across all of humanity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 53 is not explicitly stated, its themes resonate with periods of widespread moral decline and social injustice within ancient Israel. David, as the presumed author, likely observed the pervasive corruption among those who disregarded God's covenant and law, perhaps reflecting on the spiritual state of the nation during times of apostasy or internal strife. The cultural norms of the ancient Near East often linked societal well-being to adherence to divine decrees, and a turning away from God was understood to lead to chaos and moral decay. The psalm thus functions as a prophetic lament, diagnosing the spiritual sickness of a people, or even humanity at large, who have abandoned the source of all goodness. The geographical setting of Israel, a land given by God, makes the moral failure of its inhabitants particularly poignant, as they were meant to be a light to the nations, yet often succumbed to the very depravity they were called to transcend.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 53:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **universal human depravity**, asserting that sin is not an isolated phenomenon but a pervasive condition affecting every individual. The emphatic repetition, "none that doeth good, no, not one," leaves no room for exception, underscoring humanity's inherent inability to achieve true righteousness apart from divine intervention. This ties directly into the theme of **spiritual apostasy**, where "gone back" signifies a deliberate turning away or backsliding from God's standards, a regression into sin that marks a rebellion against His moral law. Furthermore, the description of becoming "filthy" highlights the theme of **moral corruption**, portraying a deep-seated defilement that permeates human nature when estranged from God. This comprehensive diagnosis of sin sets the stage for the biblical emphasis on God's **sovereign judgment** and, ultimately, His **redemptive grace**, as the recognition of humanity's utter inability to save itself creates the desperate need for a divine solution, a theme beautifully developed in passages like [Romans 3](/romans/3 "Romans 3 - Righteousness Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gone back (Hebrew, _sug'_):** This verb signifies a retreat, a turning away, or a backsliding. It implies a deliberate act of apostasy or a regression from a previous state of obedience, knowledge, or proximity to God. It highlights a conscious departure from the path of righteousness, indicating spiritual rebellion rather than mere ignorance.
* **Filthy (Hebrew, _alah'_):** This word carries the strong connotation of becoming sour, putrid, or morally corrupt. It describes something that has gone bad, emphasizing a deep-seated moral decay and rottenness of human nature when estranged from God. It suggests an inherent defilement that affects one's very being, not just outward actions.
* **Good (Hebrew, _tov'_):** In the phrase "doeth good," _tov_ refers to that which is morally right, pleasing in God's eyes, and reflective of true integrity and righteousness. It's not merely about performing outwardly benevolent acts, but about actions stemming from a heart aligned with God's will and character, something the verse emphatically states is absent in fallen humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every one of them is gone back:"** This clause establishes the universality of the problem. "Every one of them" refers to all humanity, particularly those described as "fools" in [Psalms 53:1](/psalms/53-1 "Psalms 53:1 - The Fool's Denial of God"). The phrase "is gone back" indicates a deliberate turning away from God and His ways, a spiritual defection or apostasy. It implies a regression from an original state of righteousness or a rejection of known truth, signifying a fundamental spiritual rebellion.
* **"they are altogether become filthy;"** This segment intensifies the description of human depravity. "Altogether" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this corruption, affecting every aspect of their being. "Become filthy" paints a vivid picture of moral decay, suggesting that their nature and actions are defiled, putrid, and abhorrent in God's sight. It speaks to a deep-seated, inherent corruption that permeates their character and conduct.
* **"[there is] none that doeth good, no, not one."** This final, emphatic declaration reiterates and underscores the absolute and universal inability of humanity to perform genuine, God-pleasing good on its own. The double negation ("none... no, not one") leaves no room for exception, asserting that apart from divine intervention, humanity is utterly incapable of producing true righteousness or acts that genuinely honor God. This is not a denial of human capacity for civil kindness, but a profound statement about spiritual goodness and righteous standing before a holy God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 53:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the absolute statements "Every one of them" and "none that doeth good, no, not one," which emphasize the pervasive and universal nature of sin, highlighting its comprehensive reach across humanity. This is further amplified by **repetition** of "no, not one," which serves to underscore the utter lack of righteousness outside of God, leaving no room for exceptions or self-justification. The imagery of becoming "filthy" is a vivid **metaphor** for moral corruption, evoking a sense of putrefaction and uncleanness that is deeply offensive to a holy God. This strong sensory language effectively communicates the depth of humanity's fallen state. The verse also utilizes **antithesis** implicitly by contrasting the ideal of human goodness with the reality of universal depravity, thereby highlighting the profound chasm between humanity's fallen state and God's perfect standard.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 53:3 lays a foundational theological truth regarding the universal sinfulness of humanity, a doctrine central to the entire biblical narrative. It asserts that all people, by nature, have turned away from God and are morally corrupt, incapable of achieving righteousness through their own efforts. This profound declaration establishes the absolute necessity of divine intervention for salvation, setting the stage for the Gospel message. Without this understanding of pervasive human depravity, the radical grace of God and the atoning work of Christ lose their full significance. The verse highlights that humanity's problem is not merely a matter of occasional bad deeds, but a deep-seated spiritual condition, an inherent inability to align with God's perfect will.

* [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10-12 - Paul's Quotation of Universal Sin")
* [Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 53:3 serves as a profound mirror, reflecting the uncomfortable truth of our own fallen nature and the universal human condition. It strips away any illusion of self-sufficiency or inherent goodness, compelling us to acknowledge that apart from God's grace, we are all "gone back" and "filthy." This recognition is not meant to condemn us to despair, but rather to cultivate a deep humility and a profound appreciation for the Gospel. When we truly grasp our inability to "do good" in God's sight, we are prepared to receive the righteousness that comes only through faith in Christ. This verse calls us to abandon self-righteousness, to cease striving in our own strength, and to fully embrace our dependence on God's redemptive work. It reminds us that any genuine good we accomplish is a result of His transforming power within us, not our own merit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal declaration of depravity in this verse challenge your understanding of human nature and your own capacity for good?**
* **If "none that doeth good, no, not one," what does this imply about the source of true goodness and righteousness?**
* **How does recognizing your own "filthiness" (in the spiritual sense) deepen your appreciation for God's grace and forgiveness?**
* **In what ways might a failure to acknowledge this foundational truth hinder one's understanding or acceptance of the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that people cannot perform any good deeds at all?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean that people are incapable of performing outwardly kind, helpful, or morally upright actions in a civil sense. Many non-believers demonstrate compassion, generosity, and integrity. However, the "good" referred to in [Psalms 53:3](/psalms/53-3 "Psalms 53:3 - Universal Depravity") is primarily spiritual good—actions and motivations that are truly righteous and pleasing in God's sight, stemming from a heart fully devoted to Him and His glory. Because humanity is "gone back" and "filthy" due to sin, our best efforts, when viewed from God's perfect standard, are tainted by self-interest, pride, or a lack of ultimate devotion to Him. As [Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Isaiah 64:6 - Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags") states, "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." This verse highlights humanity's spiritual inability to achieve salvation or true righteousness through self-effort, pointing to the necessity of divine grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 53:3, with its stark declaration of universal human depravity, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's revelation of Jesus as the sole solution to humanity's pervasive sin problem. The emphatic pronouncement that "none that doeth good, no, not one" sets the stage for the Gospel, demonstrating the absolute necessity of a divine redeemer. Jesus Christ is presented as the only one who perfectly "did good," living a sinless life in complete obedience to God, thereby fulfilling the righteous requirements that fallen humanity could never meet ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). His atoning death on the cross addresses the "filthiness" of sin, cleansing believers and imputing His righteousness to them ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through faith in Him, those who were "gone back" are brought near to God, reconciled and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to genuinely "do good" as new creations in Christ ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works"); [Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Eager to Do Good Works")). Thus, Psalms 53:3, far from being a message of despair, serves as the dark backdrop against which the glorious light of Christ's perfect righteousness and redemptive grace shines most brightly, revealing Him as the answer to humanity's deepest spiritual need.

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

Romans 3:12

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Isaiah 64:6

¶ But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Psalms 14:3

They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Jeremiah 8:5

Why [then] is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

Jeremiah 8:6

I hearkened and heard, [but] they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.

3 John 1:11

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.