King James Version

What Does Psalms 53:5 Mean?

Psalms 53:5 in the King James Version says “There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: t... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 53 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. were: Heb. they feared a fear

Psalms 53:5 · KJV


Context

3

Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth 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.

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. were: Heb. they feared a fear

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. Oh that: Heb. Who will give salvation, etc


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The coming terror: 'There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee.' Sudden, unexpected judgment produces terror among those who thought themselves secure. 'No fear was' indicates their false confidence. God scatters their bones--image of complete defeat and dishonor.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The scattering of bones meant no proper burial, the ultimate disgrace in ancient culture. This may reference specific historical deliverances where confident enemies suddenly panicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does false security lead to sudden terror?
  2. What does the scattering of bones represent about complete defeat?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
שָׁ֤ם׀1 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

פָּ֥חֲדוּ2 of 15

fear

H6342

to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general

פָ֥חַד3 of 15

There were they in great

H6343

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

לֹא4 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָ֪יָה֫5 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

פָ֥חַד6 of 15

There were they in great

H6343

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

כִּֽי7 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֱלֹהִ֥ים8 of 15

because God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

פִּ֭זַּר9 of 15

hath scattered

H6340

to scatter, whether in enmity or bounty

עַצְמ֣וֹת10 of 15

the bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

חֹנָ֑ךְ11 of 15

of him that encampeth

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

הֱ֝בִשֹׁ֗תָה12 of 15

against thee thou hast put them to shame

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

כִּֽי13 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֱלֹהִ֥ים14 of 15

because God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מְאָסָֽם׃15 of 15

hath despised

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Psalms 53:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 53:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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