Psalms 53:4

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲלֹ֥א

H3808

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

יָדְעוּ֮

H3045

no knowledge

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

פֹּ֤עֲלֵ֫י

H6466

Have the workers

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

אָ֥וֶן

H205

of iniquity

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

אָ֣כְלוּ

H398

as they eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

עַ֭מִּי

H5971

my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אָ֣כְלוּ

H398

as they eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֑חֶם

H3899

bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים

H430

upon God

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

#10

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#11

קָרָֽאוּ׃

H7121

they have not called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 53 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?