Psalms 53:5
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.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁ֤ם׀
H8033
פָּ֥חֲדוּ
fear
H6342
פָּ֥חֲדוּ
fear
Strong's:
H6342
Word #:
2 of 15
to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general
פָ֥חַד
There were they in great
H6343
פָ֥חַד
There were they in great
Strong's:
H6343
Word #:
3 of 15
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָ֪יָה֫
H1961
הָ֪יָה֫
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
פָ֥חַד
There were they in great
H6343
פָ֥חַד
There were they in great
Strong's:
H6343
Word #:
6 of 15
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
because God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
because God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 15
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
עַצְמ֣וֹת
the bones
H6106
עַצְמ֣וֹת
the bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
10 of 15
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
חֹנָ֑ךְ
of him that encampeth
H2583
חֹנָ֑ךְ
of him that encampeth
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
11 of 15
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
הֱ֝בִשֹׁ֗תָה
against thee thou hast put them to shame
H954
הֱ֝בִשֹׁ֗תָה
against thee thou hast put them to shame
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Proverbs 28:1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.Leviticus 26:36And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.Psalms 141:7Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.Jeremiah 6:30Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.Ezekiel 6:5And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.Leviticus 26:17And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.1 Samuel 14:15And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.Psalms 2:4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.Psalms 40:14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.Psalms 35:26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does false security lead to sudden terror?
- What does the scattering of bones represent about complete defeat?
Analysis & 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.