Psalm 53


Psalm 53 is the 53rd psalm from the Book of Psalms. In the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in its Latin translation in the Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 52 in a slightly different numbering system.

Content

It is the Elohistic Psalter's version of Psalm 14. Nearly identical to Psalm 14, which prophetically refers to the destruction of the First Temple, this one refers to the destruction of the second. Like Psalm 14, it is quoted in Paul the Apostle's Epistle to the Romans, where Paul uses portions as a base to discuss original sin.
There are two differences between Psalm 14 and 53, the name of God used being the first. Psalm 14 uses the covenant name of God, YHWH, typical of the Psalms in book 1 of Psalms. Psalm 53 uses Elohim, typical of the Psalms in Book 2. Second, there is a refuge for the poor in Psalm 14 in Psalm 14:6 and missing from Psalm 53. This leaves Psalm 53 more focused on judgement of the wicked, such as the Psalm preceding it, Psalm 52 concerning the boastful wicked man.

Uses

[New Testament]

Verse 1-3 is quoted in Romans