Psalms 53:5

There were they in great fear, [where] no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth [against] thee: thou hast put [them] to shame, because God hath despised them.

There were they in great {H6343} fear {H6342}{H8804)}, where no fear {H6343} was: for God {H430} hath scattered {H6340}{H8765)} the bones {H6106} of him that encampeth {H2583}{H8802)} against thee: thou hast put them to shame {H954}{H8689)}, because God {H430} hath despised {H3988}{H8804)} them.

They will be gripped with terror, even though now they are not afraid; for God will scatter the bones of him who is besieging you. You are putting them to shame, because God has rejected 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.

There were they in great fear, where no fear was; For God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: Thou hast put them to shame, because God hath rejected them.

Commentary on Psalms 53:5 (KJV)

Psalm 53:5 vividly portrays the sudden, inexplicable terror and ultimate defeat of those who oppose God and His people. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of divine justice and God's unwavering protection over His chosen.

Context

Psalm 53 is a wisdom psalm, almost identical to Psalm 14. It opens with the infamous declaration of the "fool" who says in his heart, "There is no God" (Psalm 53:1). The psalm then describes the widespread corruption resulting from such a worldview. Verse 5 is the climactic moment where God intervenes, bringing swift and humiliating judgment upon these wicked adversaries, particularly those who "encampeth against thee," referring to God's people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Reversal and Judgment: The verse highlights a dramatic shift in fortune. The enemies, previously confident in their opposition, are struck with "great fear" where no humanly discernible threat existed. This terror is divinely imposed, leading to their utter defeat and humiliation. It underscores God's active role in judgment.
  • The Folly of Atheism and Wickedness: Those who deny God's existence or defy His ways are ultimately met with His scorn and destruction. Their schemes are brought to nothing, and their arrogance turns to shame.
  • God as Protector and Deliverer: The verse assures believers that God is their ultimate defender. He actively "scatters the bones" of those who threaten His people, demonstrating His power and commitment to bringing justice. This offers immense comfort to those facing oppression.

Linguistic Insights

  • "There were they in great fear, where no fear was": This striking phrase emphasizes the supernatural origin of their terror. It was not due to an earthly army or visible danger, but a sudden, overwhelming dread instilled by God Himself. This highlights the irrationality and divine source of their panic.
  • "Scattered the bones": This is a vivid and grim image of complete and utter defeat. In ancient warfare, leaving bones unburied and scattered was a sign of extreme dishonor and total annihilation, denying the vanquished a proper burial and remembrance. It signifies a decisive and irreversible defeat.
  • "God hath despised them" (Hebrew: bāzâ): The Hebrew word bāzâ means to hold in contempt, to scorn, to reject as worthless, or to disdain. This is not merely anger, but a profound dismissal of their value, standing, and very existence in His sight. It signifies a complete lack of respect or regard for their actions and character, leading to their ultimate downfall because God resists the proud.

Practical Application

Psalms 53:5 offers both a warning and a comfort for believers today.

  • Warning Against Defiance: It serves as a stark reminder that defiance against God, whether through outright denial or rebellious living, ultimately leads to His judgment and shame. No human power or scheme can stand against the Almighty.
  • Comfort for Believers: For those who trust in God, this verse provides profound assurance. When facing opposition or when the wicked seem to prosper, we are reminded that God sees, hears, and will ultimately intervene. He is the ultimate protector, and He will scatter the plans and power of those who oppose His people. We can find solace knowing that the angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
  • Trust in Divine Justice: It encourages patience and trust in God's perfect timing and justice. Though His judgment may not always be immediate or visible, it is sure and decisive.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 28:1

    ¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

  • Leviticus 26:36

    And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

  • Leviticus 26:17

    And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

  • Psalms 141:7

    Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth [wood] upon the earth.

  • Jeremiah 6:30

    Reprobate silver shall [men] call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.

  • Ezekiel 6:5

    And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.

  • Psalms 83:16

    Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.

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