Psalms 53:3

Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Psalms 53:3 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 53 is a lament written by King David. It describes the folly of people who reject God and live in rebellion against Him. In the verses before this one, God looks down from heaven to see if anyone understands or seeks Him. The answer is that all have turned away. This verse gives the sad result of that search: every person has gone back from God, become morally corrupt, and none does good.

The words “gone back” mean a deliberate turning away from the right path. These people have not simply stumbled; they have chosen to abandon God’s ways. The word “filthy” in the original language pictures something sour or spoiled, like milk that has turned. It shows that their moral decay is complete and visible. The verse ends with a strong statement: “there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” This is not a small failure but a total condition.

Meaning

The phrase “every one of them” makes the statement universal. It includes all people, not just a few wicked individuals. The verse teaches that human sin is not limited to certain actions but reaches into the whole person. People do not merely commit sins; they have become sinful in their nature. This is why the verse says they are “altogether” filthy. The corruption is not partial but complete.

The final clause, “there is none that doeth good, no, not one,” leaves no room for exception. It does not mean that people never perform kind acts. It means that no one, by their own power, can do good that meets God’s holy standard. Apart from God’s grace, every person falls short. This truth is sobering, but it is also necessary. It shows why humanity cannot save itself.

Biblical connections

This verse is almost identical to Psalm 14:3. Both psalms describe the same sad condition of humanity. The Apostle Paul later quotes this passage in Romans 3:10-12 to show that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin. He uses it to prove that no one is righteous on their own. This connection is important because it shows that the problem of sin is not limited to one time or one people. It is the condition of every person.

Paul also writes in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. This verse agrees with Psalm 53:3. Together they teach that salvation cannot be earned by human effort. It must come from God’s mercy. The bad news of our total need prepares the way for the good news of Christ’s saving work.

Application

This verse calls us to honest self-examination. It is easy to compare ourselves with others and think we are good enough. But God’s standard is perfect, and by that standard no one is good. We must admit our own sinfulness and stop making excuses. This humility is the first step toward receiving God’s grace.

Because we cannot make ourselves righteous, we must depend fully on God. He alone can change our hearts and give us a new nature. When we trust in Christ, His righteousness is counted as ours. This does not make us proud; it makes us grateful. We also learn to be patient with others, remembering that we all need the same grace.

Reflection

This verse is a mirror that shows us our true condition. It removes all pride and self-reliance. Yet it does not leave us without hope. The same God who sees our sin also provides a remedy. He sent His Son to die for sinners. When we feel the weight of our failure, we can turn to Him and receive forgiveness. His grace is greater than our sin, and His power can make us new.