Psalms 53:3

Context of Psalms 53:3

Psalm 53 is a profound reflection on human depravity and the pervasive foolishness of those who deny God's existence or authority, opening with the declaration that "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalms 53:1). This psalm bears a striking resemblance to Psalm 14, often considered a parallel version, with minor variations that emphasize the universal nature of humanity's fallen state. Written by David, this psalm likely reflects a lament over widespread moral decay and spiritual rebellion evident in society, highlighting the consequences of turning away from divine truth.

Understanding the Verse: Key Themes

Psalms 53:3 vividly describes the comprehensive moral corruption that results from a rejection of God. It articulates several critical themes:

• Universal Depravity: The phrase "Every one of them is gone back" underscores the idea that sin is not isolated to a few individuals but is a pervasive condition affecting all humanity. The repetition "none that doeth good, no, not one" leaves no room for exception, asserting a universal inability to achieve true righteousness apart from God. This theme is foundational to understanding the human need for salvation.
• Spiritual Apostasy: To be "gone back" (Hebrew: sug) implies a turning away or backsliding from what is right and good. It suggests a deliberate departure from divine standards or a regression into sin, signifying a spiritual rebellion against God's moral law.
• Moral Corruption and Filthiness: The description "they are altogether become filthy" (Hebrew: alah) paints a stark picture of deep moral decay. This term suggests becoming sour, putrid, or morally corrupt, indicating that their very nature and actions are defiled in God's sight. It's not merely a surface stain but an inherent corruption that permeates their being.
• Inability to Do Good: The emphatic declaration, "there is none that doeth good, no, not one," highlights humanity's inherent spiritual inability to produce genuine, God-pleasing goodness on its own. This is not to say people cannot perform outwardly kind acts, but that their core motivation and spiritual standing are marred by sin, making true righteousness impossible without divine intervention.

Linguistic Nuances

The Hebrew words used in this verse convey a powerful message:

• "Gone back" (סוּג - sug): This verb means to retreat, backslide, or turn away. It denotes a deliberate act of apostasy or a regression from a previous state of obedience or knowledge of God.
• "Filthy" (אָלָה - alah): This word carries the sense of becoming sour, putrid, or corrupt. It's used to describe something that has gone bad, emphasizing the moral decay and rottenness of human nature when estranged from God.
• "Doeth good" (יָשָׁר - yashar): While *yashar* primarily means to be straight or upright, in this context it refers to doing what is morally right and pleasing in God's eyes, reflecting true integrity and righteousness.

New Testament Echoes and Practical Application

The profound message of Psalms 53:3 finds its most significant echo in the New Testament, particularly in Paul's letter to the Romans. In Romans 3:10-12, Paul quotes this very passage (along with others from the Psalms and Isaiah) to establish the universal sinfulness of both Jews and Gentiles, laying the groundwork for the necessity of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This theological truth, that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), is central to the Gospel.

For believers today, Psalms 53:3 serves as a vital reminder of:

• Humility: It calls us to acknowledge our own fallen nature and inherent inability to earn God's favor through our own efforts.
• The Need for Grace: It highlights that true goodness and righteousness are not self-generated but are gifts from God, received through faith in Christ, who alone lived a perfect life and atoned for our sins.
• The Power of Redemption: While humanity is inherently corrupt, God's grace offers transformation. Through Christ, believers are made new creatures, enabled by the Holy Spirit to genuinely "do good" and live righteously (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This verse ultimately points us to the profound truth that our hope lies not in our own efforts or inherent goodness, but in the redemptive work of God.