There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.

PSALMS 53:5KJV
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Psalms 53:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 53:5 mean?

Psalms 53:5 describes a moment when enemies are suddenly struck with overwhelming fear, even though there is no real danger present, because God has acted against them and scattered their remains, bringing them shame and rejection. The verse highlights how God’s power can bring defeat and disgrace to those who oppose His people, even when outward circumstances seem safe.

In this psalm, the speaker is reflecting on the fate of those who set themselves against God’s people. The verse paints a vivid picture of panic and defeat, where God’s intervention causes confusion and terror among the enemies. The mention of scattered bones and shame emphasizes that their downfall is complete and public, showing that God’s judgment is decisive and not easily reversed.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 53:5

  • "Great fear" (פַּחַד, pachad): This word means a sudden, overwhelming terror. The verse uses it to show that the enemies are struck by a fear that is out of proportion to the situation, suggesting a supernatural cause.
  • "Scattered" (פָּזַר, pazar): This verb means to disperse or scatter. Here, it describes God spreading out the bones of the enemies, a sign of total defeat and dishonor in ancient times.
  • "Bones" (עֶצֶם, etzem): In the ancient context, unburied bones symbolized shame and a lack of honor after death. The image underlines the completeness of the enemies’ defeat.
  • "Shame" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word means to be put to shame or disgraced. The verse connects the enemies’ shame directly to God’s rejection, making their defeat not just physical but also social and spiritual.

Why Psalms 53:5 matters

  • Psalms 53:5 clarifies that the fear experienced by the enemies is not due to any visible threat but comes from God’s direct action, highlighting the reality of divine intervention.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s judgment brings both physical defeat and public disgrace, reinforcing the seriousness of opposing God’s people.
  • This verse ties into the larger theme of Psalms 53, which contrasts the foolishness of those who reject God with the security of those who trust in Him, showing that ultimate safety or ruin depends on one’s relationship to God.

Where else these words appear

“scattered” Hebrew H6340 · used in 10 verses

  • Esther 3:8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
  • Psalms 141:7 Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.
  • Jeremiah 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

“fear” Hebrew H6342 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:
  • Psalms 119:161 SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
  • Isaiah 44:11 Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.

“great” Hebrew H6343 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
  • Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

“despised” Hebrew H3988 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 26:15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:
  • Job 30:1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
  • Isaiah 41:9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.