Psalms 53:2-3

53:2 God looks down from heaven ¹  at the human race, ² 

to see if there is anyone who is wise ³  and seeks God. ⁴ 

53:3 Everyone rejects God; ⁵ 

they are all morally corrupt. ⁶ 

None of them does what is right, ⁷ 

not even one!

[53:2]  ¹ sn The picture of the Lord looking down from heaven draws attention to his sovereignty over the world.

[53:2]  ² tn Heb “upon the sons of man.”

[53:2]  ³ tn Or “acts wisely.” The Hiphil is exhibitive.

[53:2]  ⁴ tn That is, who seeks to have a relationship with God by obeying and worshiping him.

[53:3]  ⁵ tn Heb “all of it turns away.” Ps 14:1 has הָכֹּל (hakkol) instead of כֻּלּוֹ, and סָר (sar, “turn aside”) instead of סָג (sag, “turn away”).

[53:3]  ⁶ tn Heb “together they are corrupt.”

[53:3]  ⁷ tn Heb “there is none that does good.”