King James Version
Psalms 53:2 in the King James Version says “God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 53 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.”
Psalms 53:2 · KJV
To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David. 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.
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
“from heaven”
H8064the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
“looked down”
H8259properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“upon the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“to see”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“if there were”
H3426there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
“any that did understand”
H7919to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
“that did seek”
H1875properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Psalms 53:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Psalms 53:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge