Psalm 53:2

2 God from the heavens looked on the sons of men, To see if there be an understanding one, [One] seeking God.

Psalm 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".

Psalm 53:2 In-Context

1 To the Overseer. -- `On a disease.' -- An instruction, by David. A fool said in his heart, `There is no God.' They have done corruptly, Yea, they have done abominable iniquity, There is none doing good.

2 God from the heavens looked on the sons of men, To see if there be an understanding one, [One] seeking God.

3 Every one went back, together they became filthy, There is none doing good -- not even one.

4 Have not workers of iniquity known, Those eating my people have eaten bread, God they have not called.

5 There they feared a fear -- there was no fear, For God hath scattered the bones of him Who is encamping against thee, Thou hast put to shame, For God hath despised them.