Psalms 14:2
Psalms 14:2 in Multiple Translations
The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.
The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
Jehovah looked down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there were any that did understand, That did seek after God.
The Lord was looking down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who had wisdom, searching after God.
The Lord watches from heaven to see whether anyone understands—if there's anyone who wants to come to God.
The Lord looked downe from heauen vpon the children of men, to see if there were any that would vnderstand, and seeke God.
Jehovah from the heavens Hath looked on the sons of men, To see if there is a wise one — seeking God.
The LORD looked down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who understood, who sought after God.
The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
He that walketh without blemish, and worketh justice:
Yahweh looks down from heaven and sees humans; he looks to see if anyone is very wise, with the result that he desires to know God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 14:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 14:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְֽהוָ֗ה
מִ/שָּׁמַיִם֮
הִשְׁקִ֪יף
עַֽל
בְּנֵי
אָ֫דָ֥ם
לִ֭/רְאוֹת
הֲ/יֵ֣שׁ
מַשְׂכִּ֑יל
דֹּ֝רֵשׁ
אֶת
אֱלֹהִֽים
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/שָּׁמַיִם֮
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Prep | N-mp
הִשְׁקִ֪יף
shâqaph
H8259
to look
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אָ֫דָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
לִ֭/רְאוֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הֲ/יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part | Part
מַשְׂכִּ֑יל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
V-Hiphil
דֹּ֝רֵשׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 14:2
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/שָּׁמַיִם֮
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
הִשְׁקִ֪יף
shâqaph
H8259
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To look means to gaze or peep out, like looking out a window. It can also mean to overlook or gaze down, as in Psalm 14 where God looks down on humanity to see their ways.
Definition: 1) to overlook, look down or out, overhang, look out and down 1a) (Niphal) to lean over (and look), look down 1b) (Hiphil) to look down, look down upon
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: appear, look (down, forth, out). See also: Genesis 18:16; 2 Kings 9:30; Psalms 14:2.
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָ֫דָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
לִ֭/רְאוֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הֲ/יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
מַשְׂכִּ֑יל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
V-Hiphil
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
דֹּ֝רֵשׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 14:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 14:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 14:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 14:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 14:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 14:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 14:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 14:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 14:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 14:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 14:2
- Sermons on Psalms 14:2
Context — The Fool Says There Is No God
1The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good.
2The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.
3All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. 4Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 3:11 | There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. |
| 2 | Psalms 33:13–14 | The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From His dwelling place He gazes on all who inhabit the earth. |
| 3 | Hebrews 11:6 | And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. |
| 4 | Psalms 102:19–20 | For He looked down from the heights of His sanctuary; the LORD gazed out from heaven to earth to hear a prisoner’s groaning, to release those condemned to death, |
| 5 | Genesis 6:12 | And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 19:3 | However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.” |
| 7 | Matthew 13:15 | For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ |
| 8 | Daniel 12:10 | Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand. |
| 9 | Psalms 82:5 | They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. |
| 10 | Isaiah 63:15 | Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation. Where are Your zeal and might? Your yearning and compassion for me are restrained. |
Psalms 14:2 Summary
[Psalms 14:2 tells us that God is looking down from heaven to see if anyone understands and seeks Him. This means that God is paying attention to what we do and think, and He wants us to know and love Him. Just like a parent watching over their child, God is watching over us, wanting us to come to Him and have a relationship with Him (as seen in Jeremiah 29:13). By seeking God and understanding His ways, we can experience His love and presence in our lives, just as it is promised in John 14:23.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to look down from heaven upon the sons of men?
This phrase means that God is actively observing humanity to see if anyone is seeking Him, as stated in Psalms 14:2, and it reminds us of His omniscience, as seen in Proverbs 15:3, where it says, 'The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, watching the wicked and the good.'
Does this verse imply that God is searching for people who already understand and seek Him?
According to Psalms 14:2, God is looking to see if any understand or seek Him, indicating that He is searching for those who are willing to know and follow Him, much like in Jeremiah 29:13, where it says, 'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'
How does this verse relate to the concept of humanity's sinful nature?
The context of Psalms 14:2, surrounded by verses that describe humanity's corruption and vile acts, suggests that God's observation is also a judgment, highlighting the need for salvation, as mentioned in Romans 3:23, which states that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.'
What is the significance of God seeking those who understand and seek Him?
The significance lies in God's desire for a personal relationship with humanity, as seen in Psalms 14:2, and this is reinforced by Jesus' words in John 14:23, where He says, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'seek God' in my own life, and how can I demonstrate this pursuit?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's character and ways, as described in Psalms 14:2?
- In what ways can I show that I am truly seeking God, and not just going through the motions of religious practice?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'turning away' from God, and how can I realign my heart with His will?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 14:2
The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men,.... As he did when all flesh had corrupted its way, and before he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly, Genesis 6:12.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 14:2
The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 14:2
The Lord looked down from heaven, to search out the truth. God knoweth all things without any inquiry; but this is a figure called anthropopathia, whereby Scripture oft speaks of God after the manner of men. Upon the children of men; upon the whole body of the Israelitish nation, and upon the generality of mankind under heaven; for he speaks of all except his people, and the righteous ones, who are here opposed to these, ,5. That did understand, and seek God; that did truly know God, to wit, so as to love, and fear, and trust, and obey him, (for all these are frequently signified in Scripture by this expression of knowing God) and that did diligently seek him, i.e. study his mind and will, that they might do it, and seek his grace and favour.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 14:2
Psalms 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God.Ver. 2. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men] As opposed to the children of God, so some take it, as Genesis 4:26; Genesis 6:2. As a judge he looketh down, he vieweth, he taketh cognizance, ere he proceedeth to sentence. Thus he dealt with the old world, with Sodom, with Egypt, &c., to teach us not to be too hasty. No more haste than good speed, saith one. The celestial spheres, the higher they are in situation the slower in their proper motion; and the supreme judge of all useth much forbearance. And that did understand and seek God] These only are they whom God looketh after; not the rich, but the righteous. And because knowledge is the ground of all goodness, as folly is of wickedness, Psalms 14:1, therefore is it here said, "any that did understand and seek God." Lo, these are these precious ones whom God regarded; such as are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, Romans 15:14. "The Father seeketh such to worship him," John 4:23.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 14:2
(2) Looked down.—Literally, bent forward to look as from a window. (Comp. Son 6:10.) Did understand.—Better, any man of understanding, in contrast with “fool,” in Psalms 14:1, and certainly meaning one who regulates his conduct on the conviction of the existence of a holy and just God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 14:2
Verse 2. The Lord looked down from heaven] Words spoken after the manner of men. From this glorious eminence God is represented as looking down upon the habitable globe, to see if there were any that did understand that there was a Supreme Being, the governor and judge of men; and, in consequence, seek God for his mercy, support, and defence.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 14:2
2. For a while Jehovah as it were overlooked the growing corruption. At length He ‘looked down’ (Psalms 33:13-14). So in the yet simpler language of the Pentateuch He is said to have ‘come down to see’ the wickedness of Babel and Sodom (Genesis 11:5; Genesis 18:21; and note the use of ‘look down’ in the latter narrative though in a different connexion, Psalms 18:16). Are not these typical examples of human corruption in the Psalmist’s mind? ‘Jehovah looked down … to see if there were any that did understand (or deal wisely, R.V. marg., for the verb often denotes right action as well as right purpose), that did seek God.’ Cp. Psalms 9:10. The use of God, not Jehovah, is significant. It is of mankind in general, not of Israel, that the Psalmist is speaking. God made Himself known through the voice of conscience, and in the works of creation, but men would not follow the light of conscience, or read the book of nature. See Acts 14:17; Acts 17:27; Romans 1:19 ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 14:2
The Lord looked down from heaven - The original word here - שׁקף shâqaph - conveys the idea of “bending forward,” and hence, of an intense and anxious looking, as we bend forward when we wish to
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 14:2
2, 3. The Lord looked down… to see—An anthropomorphism, simply denoting that he made special judicial inquiry; that is, that he took accurate judicial knowledge of men’s acts, such as we arrive at
Sermons on Psalms 14:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Q+a Toronto Blessing by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker, Benny, emphasizes the importance of being slow to speak negatively about any child of God. He encourages speaking out against extremism without mention |
|
Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of seeking God and making a decision for Christ, warning about the consequences of delaying repentance and the reality of judgment. It shares pow |
|
Prayer by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. They highlight the need for the church to awaken and recognize the power of prayer. The s |
|
Power of Prayer by K.P. Yohannan | In this video, KP Johanin encourages believers to prioritize prayer and seeking God's face in the midst of societal and economic crises. He shares a powerful testimony of a prayer |
|
|
On Eagles' Wings Pt 155 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and seeking God. He refers to Psalm 14:2, where it is stated that the Lord looks down from heaven to see if |
|
The Angel in Amsterdam by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches about the divine mission's committee meeting of the Godhead, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit seek the right person to do their will and build their |
|
The Scripture View of the Present State of Man by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about the sinful state of man as depicted in the Scriptures, emphasizing the necessity of divine illumination and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understan |