Psalms 53:2

2 (52-3) God looked down from heaven on the children of men: to see if there were any that did understand, or did seek God.

Psalms 53:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 53:2

God looked down from heaven upon the children of men
In ( Psalms 14:2 ) , it is read, "the Lord" or "Jehovah"; in everything else there is an agreement in this verse; (See Gill on Psalms 14:2);

to see if there were [any] that did understand;
the Targum is, "that were understanding" in the law; it doubtless means understanding in divine and spiritual things;

that did seek God;
the above paraphrase is, "seeking doctrine from before the Lord".

Psalms 53:2 In-Context

1 (52-1) <Unto the end, for Maeleth, understandings to David.> The fool said in his heart: There is no God. (52-2) They are corrupted, and become abominable in iniquities: there is none that doth good.

2 (52-3) God looked down from heaven on the children of men: to see if there were any that did understand, or did seek God.

3 (52-4) All have gone aside, they are become unprofitable together, there is none that doth good, no not one.

4 (52-5) Shall not all the workers of iniquity know, who eat up my people as they eat bread?

5 (52-6) They have not called upon God: there have they trembled for fear, where there was no fear. For God hath scattered the bones of them that please men: they have been confounded, because God hath despised them.