To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

PSALMS 14:1KJV
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Psalms 14:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 14:1 mean?

Psalms 14:1 describes how a person who denies God's existence is called a "fool" and is seen as morally corrupt, doing actions that are detestable and lacking in goodness. The verse emphasizes that, from the psalmist David’s perspective, no one consistently does what is truly good apart from God.

David is speaking to the chief musician, likely for public worship, reflecting on the state of humanity. The verse paints a picture of people who, in their hearts, reject God (not just with words but in their inner thoughts), leading to corrupt and harmful behavior. This sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which continues to explore the consequences of turning away from God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 14:1

  • "fool" (נָבָל, nabal): This word often means more than just someone lacking intelligence; it points to a person who is morally and spiritually insensitive or stubborn, especially in denying God.
  • "corrupt" (שָׁחַת, shachath): This term suggests being spoiled or ruined, not just in a physical sense but in character and actions, highlighting deep moral decay.
  • "abominable" (תָּעַב, taʿav): This word means to do things that are detestable or disgusting, especially in a moral or religious sense, showing the seriousness of the wrongdoing.
  • "good" (טוֹב, tov): This is the common Hebrew word for what is truly good or beneficial, not just outwardly but in a deeper, genuine sense.

Why Psalms 14:1 matters

  • Psalms 14:1 clarifies that the biblical idea of "foolishness" is about moral and spiritual choices, not just lack of intelligence.
  • The verse emphasizes that denying God is connected, in this psalm, to a pattern of corrupt and harmful actions, not just a private belief.
  • This verse introduces a theme found throughout the psalm and other parts of the Bible: the universal need for God, since everyone falls short of true goodness on their own.

Where else these words appear

“fool” Hebrew H5036 · used in 18 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?
  • Job 30:8 They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

“abominable” Hebrew H8581 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 7:26 Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.
  • Job 19:19 All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.
  • Psalms 119:163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

“works” Hebrew H5949 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 22:14 And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid:
  • Psalms 78:11 And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.
  • Ezekiel 20:43 And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 31:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
  • Psalms 61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.