Psalms 53:4
Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.
Original Language Analysis
הֲלֹ֥א
H3808
הֲלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדְעוּ֮
no knowledge
H3045
יָדְעוּ֮
no knowledge
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 11
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
פֹּ֤עֲלֵ֫י
Have the workers
H6466
פֹּ֤עֲלֵ֫י
Have the workers
Strong's:
H6466
Word #:
3 of 11
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
אָ֥וֶן
of iniquity
H205
אָ֥וֶן
of iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
4 of 11
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
עַ֭מִּי
my people
H5971
עַ֭מִּי
my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֶ֑חֶם
bread
H3899
לֶ֑חֶם
bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
8 of 11
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
upon God
H430
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
upon God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 11
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
Cross References
Jeremiah 4:22For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.Jeremiah 10:25Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.
Historical Context
This psalm parallels Psalm 14, with some variations. The oppression of God's people by those who deny His relevance was persistent throughout Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'knowledge' do the wicked lack or ignore?
- How does the bread metaphor describe the casualness of their oppression?
Analysis & Commentary
The ignorant workers of iniquity: 'Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon God.' The question is rhetorical--they should know better but act as if God doesn't see. 'Eating up' God's people as casually as bread indicates contemptuous oppression.