Psalms - Chapter 53

1 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.

1 <To the chief music-maker; put to Mahalath. Maschil. Of David.> The foolish man has said in his heart, God will not do anything. They are unclean, they have done evil works; there is not one who does good.

2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

2 God was looking down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who had wisdom, searching after God.

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

3 Every one of them has gone back; they are unclean: there is not one who does good, no, not one.

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

4 Have the workers of evil no knowledge? they take my people for food, as they would take bread; they make no prayer to God.

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.

5 They were in great fear, where there was no cause for fear: for the bones of those who make war on you have been broken by God; you have put them to shame, because God has no desire for them.

6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

6 May the salvation of Israel come out of Zion! When the fate of his people is changed by God, Jacob will have joy, and Israel will be glad.