For "they are all gone aside" ( הכּל סר ) in Psalms 14:1-7 ; the present psalm has, "every one of them is gone back" ( לּכּוֹ סג )—a difference which may be due to corruption, and which is, at any rate, of no importance. read more
For "the workers of iniquity" in this verse, Psalms 14:1-7 . has "all the workers of iniquity "—a difference wholly unimportant. read more
There were they in great fear, where no fear was . So long a phrase as "where no fear was" ( לא־היה כּחד ) can scarcely have "fallen out," and must have been added intentionally to mark that, on the occasion in connection with which the revision was made, there had been no ground at all for the panic. For God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee . This clause takes the place of the following in Psalms 14:1-7 .: "For God is in the generation of the... read more
The fool hath said in his heart ... - For the meaning of this verse, see the notes at Psalms 14:1. The only change in this verse - a change which does not affect the sense - is the substitution of the word “iniquity,” in Psalms 53:1-6, for “works,” in Psalms 14:1-7. read more
God looked down from heaven ... - See the notes at Psalms 14:2. The only change which occurs in this verse is the substitution of the word אלהים 'Elohiym, rendered “God,” for “Yahweh,” rendered Lord, in Psalms 14:2. The same change occurs also in Psalms 14:4, Psalms 14:6. It is to be observed, also, that the word “Yahweh” does not occur in this psalm, but that the term used is uniformly. אלהים 'Elohiym, God. In Psalms 14:1-7 both terms are found - the word אלהים 'Elohiym three times Psalms... read more
Every one of them is gone back - See the notes at Psalms 14:3. The only variation here in the two psalms is in the substitution of the word - סג sâg, for סור sûr - words almost identical in form and in sense. The only difference in meaning is, that the former word - the word used here - means “to draw back,” or “to go back;” the other, the word used in Psalms 14:1-7, means “to go off, to turn aside.” Each of them indicates a departure from God; a departure equally fatal and equally guilty,... read more
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? - See the notes at Psalms 14:4. The only change in this verse is in the omission of the word “all.” This word, as it occurs in Psalms 14:1-7 (“all the workers of iniquity”), makes the sentence stronger and more emphatic. It is designed to affirm in the most absolute and unqualified manner that none of these workers of iniquity had any true knowledge of God. This has been noticed by critics as the only instance in which the expression in Psalms 14:1-7... read more
There were they in great fear ... - Margin, as in Hebrew, “they feared a fear.” For the general meaning of the verse, see the notes at Psalms 14:5. There is, however, an important change introduced here - the most important in the psalm. The general sentiment of two verses Psalms 14:5-6 in Psalms 14:1-7 is here compressed into one, and yet with such an important change as to show that it was by design, and apparently to adapt it to some new circumstance. The solution of this would seem to be... read more
Psalms 53:5. Where no fear was Where there was no great or sufficient cause of fear. They who designed to secure themselves from all fear and danger, by their contempt of God, and by the persecution of good men, and by other wicked courses, were, by these means, filled with the terrors which they sought to avoid. For God hath scattered the bones, &c. Hath not only broken the bones, that is, their strength and force, which are often signified by bones; but also dispersed them hither... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 53:1-6
The expression, "upon Mahalath," or, "set to Mahalath," in the title, is thought to be a musical direction, and is explained by Dr. Kay as equivalent to the modern Maestoso. Psalms 53:1 and Psalms 53:2 are identical with the same verses of Psalms 14:1-7 ; with the single exception that "Jehovah "is replaced by" Elohim," as the first word of Psalms 14:2 . read more