Psalms 53:4

KJV

Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people [as] they eat bread: they have not called upon God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Have the workers {H6466}{H8802)} of iniquity {H205} no knowledge {H3045}{H8804)}? who eat up {H398}{H8802)} my people {H5971} as they eat {H398}{H8804)} bread {H3899}: they have not called {H7121}{H8804)} upon God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Won't these evildoers ever learn? They devour my people as if they were eating bread, and they never call on God!

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And call not upon God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 53:4 poses a searing rhetorical question, exposing the profound moral and spiritual bankruptcy of those who reject God. It vividly portrays the oppressive and exploitative nature of the wicked, who, in their utter disregard for divine wisdom and justice, ruthlessly devour God's people as casually as they consume daily sustenance. This verse powerfully underscores that such depravity stems from a fundamental failure to acknowledge, seek, or call upon the Creator, leading to a life devoid of true knowledge and compassion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 53 bears a striking resemblance to [Psalm 14](/psalms/14 "Psalm 14 - The Universal Depravity of Man"), sharing nearly identical Hebrew text, which suggests either a common origin or a deliberate theological re-emphasis within the Psalter. Both psalms, attributed to David, commence with the stark declaration that "the fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" ([Psalm 53:1](/psalms/53-1 "Psalm 53:1 - The Fool's Rejection of God")). This foundational statement establishes the premise for the subsequent description of pervasive human depravity. Verse 53:4 then expands upon the practical consequences of such an atheistic or godless worldview, detailing the actions and mindset of those who operate without divine reference. It reveals the devastating impact of their spiritual void on society and, specifically, on God's covenant people. The Psalm progresses from this lament over widespread corruption to an earnest longing for God's redemptive intervention and the restoration of His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely reflects periods of intense social injustice, internal corruption, or foreign oppression experienced by ancient Israel. The phrase "my people" unequivocally refers to God's covenant community, Israel, who frequently faced exploitation from both external adversaries and internal corrupt leaders. In the ancient Near East, the powerful often ruthlessly oppressed the vulnerable, and the metaphor of "eating" or "devouring" was a common idiom for ruthless exploitation, confiscation of property, or even physical destruction. The act of "eating bread" was a fundamental, daily necessity, making the comparison particularly chilling: the wicked devour God's people with the same casual, thoughtless regularity and perceived necessity as they consume their basic sustenance, highlighting their utter lack of conscience or empathy. The absence of "calling upon God" would have been seen as a profound violation of covenant obligations and a sign of complete apostasy in a society where public and private appeals to deity were commonplace and expected.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Spiritual Ignorance and Moral Blindness**, positing that the "knowledge" lacking in the wicked is not mere intellectual capacity but a profound spiritual discernment and moral understanding rooted in recognizing God and His ways. Their actions are a direct consequence of this spiritual void, as seen in the prophetic lament, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" ([Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge")). Secondly, the verse vividly portrays **Ruthless Oppression and Exploitation**, using the graphic metaphor of "eating up my people" to illustrate the casual, habitual, and destructive manner in which the godless exploit the vulnerable. This speaks to a voracious appetite for power and gain at the expense of others, treating human beings as mere objects for their own desires, a theme echoed in prophetic condemnations of injustice. Finally, it identifies the **Rejection of God as the Root Cause** of this depravity. The concluding phrase, "they have not called upon God," pinpoints the fundamental reason for their moral decay and willingness to inflict suffering. This neglect of the divine leads to a terrifying spiritual and moral vacuum, often described as God giving people over to a [debased mind](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God Gives Them Over to a Debased Mind"), where moral boundaries are erased and evil flourishes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Workers of iniquity (Hebrew, _po'ale aven'_):** This phrase combines `H6466 (pâʻal)`, meaning "to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise," with `H205 (ʼâven)`, meaning "nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness." Together, it describes individuals who are not merely occasional wrongdoers but those whose very lives are characterized by active, habitual, and intentional engagement in harmful, unjust, and morally corrupt acts. It denotes a deliberate lifestyle of pursuing evil, often with a sense of self-justification or indifference to its devastating consequences on others.
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From `H3045 (yâdaʻ)`, a primitive root meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing)." This term encompasses a wide range of knowing, from intellectual understanding to experiential acquaintance, discernment, and even instruction. In this context, the absence of _yâdaʻ_ among the wicked is not a lack of intellectual capacity but a profound spiritual and moral ignorance. It signifies a failure to recognize, acknowledge, or wisely discern God's existence, His moral standards, or the inevitable consequences of their actions, leading to a complete disconnect from divine truth and justice.
* **Eat up (Hebrew, _akal'_):** Derived from `H398 (ʼâkal)`, a primitive root meaning "to eat (literally or figuratively)." While literally referring to physical consumption, here _akal_ functions powerfully as a metaphor for devouring, consuming, annihilating, or completely exploiting. It emphasizes the completeness and destructive nature of the wicked's oppression, much like one consumes daily bread for survival. The metaphor suggests that their exploitation is so ingrained and natural to them that they perceive it as essential for their own existence, reducing their victims to mere sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge?":** This is a potent rhetorical question, implying a resounding "No!" The Psalmist is not genuinely inquiring about their intellectual capacity but rather challenging their profound spiritual blindness and moral insensitivity. It highlights their astonishing lack of discernment regarding God's justice, His people, or the ultimate consequences of their actions. Their "knowledge" is absent in the crucial area of recognizing God and His ways, leading to ethical depravity.
* **"who eat up my people [as] they eat bread":** This vivid and disturbing metaphor describes the casual, habitual, and ruthless nature of the wicked's exploitation of God's covenant people. Just as one naturally and regularly consumes bread for sustenance, so too do the wicked consume, exploit, and destroy the vulnerable without hesitation, remorse, or even conscious thought. It underscores their utter lack of empathy and their voracious appetite for power, gain, or self-gratification at the expense of others, treating human beings as mere objects for their own desires.
* **"they have not called upon God.":** This concluding clause reveals the ultimate root cause of the wicked's depravity and oppressive behavior. Their failure to acknowledge, seek, or appeal to God is the fundamental reason for their moral decay and their willingness to inflict suffering. It points to a deliberate or habitual neglect of the divine, indicating a life lived without reference to God's authority, commands, or presence, leading to a terrifying spiritual and moral vacuum where evil can flourish unchecked.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 53:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and chilling message. The verse opens with a compelling **Rhetorical Question**, "Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge?" This is not a genuine inquiry but a forceful assertion, designed to highlight the shocking and deplorable spiritual ignorance and moral bankruptcy of the wicked. It compels the reader to agree with the implied answer: their lack of knowledge is indeed astounding and morally reprehensible. Following this, the psalm employs a striking **Metaphor** and an implied **Simile** when describing the wicked: "who eat up my people [as] they eat bread." The act of "eating up" is a vivid metaphor for ruthless exploitation, oppression, and destruction, while the comparison to "eating bread" functions as a simile, emphasizing the casual, habitual, and seemingly natural or essential nature of this oppression in the eyes of the wicked. This powerful imagery creates a visceral sense of the victims' vulnerability and the oppressors' callousness. The cumulative effect of these devices is to paint a stark and unforgettable picture of depravity rooted in spiritual rebellion and a profound disconnection from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 53:4 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of human depravity and its ultimate source. It asserts that a fundamental rejection or neglect of God leads directly to a distorted moral compass, resulting in casual cruelty and systemic injustice. The "knowledge" that is absent is not merely intellectual but deeply relational and spiritual—a failure to truly know God and His ways, which inevitably manifests in a disregard for humanity, particularly God's covenant people. This verse underscores the biblical truth that genuine righteousness, compassion, and justice flow from a right relationship with the Creator, and conversely, a godless worldview breeds exploitation and oppression. The Psalmist implies that the very act of "calling upon God" is essential for moral grounding, for receiving divine wisdom, and for living justly in the world.

* [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - Universal Sinfulness and Lack of Understanding")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge")
* [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Everyone Who Calls on the Name of the Lord Will Be Saved")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 53:4 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to introspectively examine the roots of injustice and compassion in our own lives and societies. It challenges the modern notion that intellectual prowess or scientific advancement alone constitutes true "knowledge," asserting instead that genuine wisdom begins with a humble acknowledgment of God and a reliant posture before Him. When individuals or communities abandon this divine reference point—choosing not to "call upon God"—the consequences are often seen in a chilling increase of injustice, exploitation, and a callous disregard for human dignity. This verse compels us to recognize that much of the suffering in the world stems from a fundamental rejection or neglect of our Creator. It calls us to cultivate a profound spiritual awareness, to actively stand against all forms of oppression, and to prioritize a vibrant, responsive relationship with God as the indispensable foundation for ethical living, true human flourishing, and the pursuit of justice in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this Psalm challenge my understanding of "knowledge" in a spiritual sense, beyond mere intellectual accumulation, and what does it mean to truly "know" God?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I, or my communities, inadvertently "eat up" others through neglect, exploitation, or indifference, even without malicious intent?**
* **How can prioritizing and deepening my practice of "calling upon God" transform my actions and interactions, fostering greater justice, empathy, and compassion in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Is the "knowledge" referred to in this verse intellectual or spiritual?**

Answer: The "knowledge" (Hebrew: _da'at_) in Psalms 53:4 is primarily spiritual and relational, rather than purely intellectual. While it doesn't preclude intellectual understanding, its absence in the "workers of iniquity" signifies a profound lack of moral discernment and spiritual sensitivity that stems from their rejection of God. It's a knowing that leads to right action, a practical wisdom that acknowledges God's existence, authority, and moral standards. Their lack of this knowledge means they do not understand the implications of their actions, nor do they perceive the divine justice that will ultimately hold them accountable. This concept is echoed in passages like [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge"), where a lack of knowledge leads to destruction, implying a failure to know God and His covenant requirements.

**Who are "my people" in this Psalm?**

Answer: In its immediate historical context, "my people" refers to God's covenant people, Israel. The Psalmist, likely David, is expressing God's perspective on the oppression faced by His chosen nation. However, the phrase also carries a broader theological implication, extending to all those who are in a covenant relationship with God throughout history. Therefore, "my people" can represent all true believers or the church, who, across various eras, have faced persecution, exploitation, and injustice at the hands of those who reject God. This universal application resonates with the New Testament's understanding of God's people as those who believe in Christ, as seen in [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 53:4, with its stark portrayal of human depravity and the oppression of God's people, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "workers of iniquity" who have "no knowledge" and "have not called upon God" represent fallen humanity in its rebellion, a condition that Christ came to redeem. Jesus is the embodiment of true "knowledge" and wisdom, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). He perfectly "called upon God" throughout His earthly life, demonstrating complete reliance and obedience to the Father, thereby providing the ultimate example for humanity. Furthermore, Christ Himself became the ultimate "people of God" who was "eaten up" and devoured by the wicked. He suffered the most profound injustice and oppression at the hands of those who had no knowledge of God and did not call upon Him, as Peter notes, they "acted in ignorance" ([Acts 3:17](/acts/3-17 "Acts 3:17 - Ignorance of those who crucified Jesus")). His crucifixion, the epitome of the wicked devouring the righteous, paradoxically became the means of salvation. Through His sacrifice, Christ not only bore the consequences of humanity's sin and lack of knowledge but also established the way for all people to "call upon God" for salvation, for "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" ([Romans 10:9-13](/romans/10-9-13 "Romans 10:9-13 - Confess Jesus as Lord and Be Saved")). Thus, in Christ, the cycle of oppression is broken, true knowledge is revealed, and a path to reconciliation with God is opened for all who believe.

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

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Jeremiah 10:25

Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

Psalms 27:2

When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Psalms 94:8

Understand, ye brutish among the people: and [ye] fools, when will ye be wise?

Isaiah 27:11

When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, [and] set them on fire: for it [is] a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.

Revelation 17:16

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

Matthew 23:17

[Ye] fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?