There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights a chilling irony: the enemies, who had no fear of God or conscience in their schemes, are suddenly struck with overwhelming terror where there's no outward threat. This sudden panic isn't just a psychological breakdown; it's God actively scattering the very strength and structure of those who threatened His people, leading to their utter shame.
There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in Psalm 53, which is a rephrasing of Psalm 14. Both psalms describe the pervasive wickedness and foolishness of humanity, particularly those who deny God and oppress His people. Psalm 53 focuses on the terror and utter destruction that befalls those who stand against God and His followers, contrasting their unfounded fear with the ultimate triumph of God’s people.
Ever felt panicked about something that wasn't actually a threat? This verse describes a moment where the enemies of God are overcome with fear, even though there's no real danger to them. It’s a divine twist!
This verse paints a picture of enemies who are supposed to be strong and secure, yet they collapse in terror. The phrase 'where there is no terror' is key. It suggests a fear that is misplaced, perhaps even supernatural, striking them when they feel most confident.
This isn't a fear born from a genuine threat, but a psychological and spiritual unraveling. They thought they were invincible, but God intervenes not by sending an opposing army, but by causing internal panic and disarray. It’s a powerful reminder that true security comes from God, not from self-confidence or might.
The imagery here is stark and powerful: 'God scatters the bones.' It’s not just a defeat; it’s an utter annihilation of those who stand against God's people.
This verse vividly describes the ultimate fate of those who actively oppose God and His people. The scattering of bones signifies complete destruction and dispersal, leaving no trace of their strength or presence.
It's important to see that this isn't just a human victory. The psalmist attributes the defeat directly to God's action: 'For God hath scattered...' This underscores God's sovereignty and His active role in bringing about the downfall of His enemies. Their strength, symbolized by their bones, is broken and scattered, leaving them shamed and utterly defeated because God Himself has rejected them.
Understand the original words
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pachad · Hebrew Noun
An intense, overwhelming experience of fear or dread. In a theological context, it often refers to the terror felt by the wicked when God intervenes in judgment.
ma'as · Hebrew Verb
To cast off, despise, or treat as having no value. When used of God, it signifies that He has rejected those who persisted in rebellion, withdrawing His favor and presence from them.
Psalm 53 is a powerful echo of Psalm 14, with key verses altered, likely to commemorate a specific historical deliverance. The reference to God scattering the bones of besiegers, who felt no fear but ended in panic, strongly suggests an allusion to the miraculous defeat of Sennacherib's army that threatened Jerusalem around 701 BC.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Dominance
The Neo-Assyrian Empire was a dominant world power, known for its military might and brutal campaigns against neighboring kingdoms, including Israel and Judah.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah, conquering many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem, but ultimately failed to capture the capital.
c. 701 BC
Miraculous Destruction of Assyrian Army
According to biblical accounts, a sudden divine intervention caused a massive loss of life in the Assyrian army surrounding Jerusalem, leading to their swift retreat.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon began deporting Judean elites and skilled workers to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Babylonian forces destroyed Jerusalem and its sacred Temple, leading to a further, larger exile of the Judean population.
This passage offers a very similar description of God's judgment on the wicked, highlighting their fear and scattering, though the specific wording in Psalm 53:5 is a notable variation intended to emphasize a particular historical deliverance.
Isaiah 37:36This passage directly recounts the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem, providing a powerful historical example of God scattering the bones of those who encamp against His people, as described in Psalm 53:5.
Jeremiah 50:17This prophecy describes the scattering and destruction of Babylon, likening them to moths and declaring that their bones would be scattered, echoing the imagery of divine judgment found in Psalm 53:5.
Ezekiel 39:17-20This passage vividly describes the aftermath of God's judgment on Gog and his armies, calling for birds and beasts to consume their flesh and scatter their bones, a graphic parallel to the judgment depicted in Psalm 53:5.
gillPsalms 53:5: "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."
There were they in great, fear, where no fear was,.... Before; neither of God nor man, nor any dread of punishment, but the utmost security, Revelation 18:7 ; also See Gill on Psalm 14:5 ; for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee; either against Christ, or against his church a…
poolePsalms 53:5: "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."
Where no fear was, i.e. where there was no great nor sufficient cause of fear. See Leviticus 26:36 Deu 28:65 Job 15:21 Proverbs 28:1 . They who designed to secure themselves from all fear and danger by their contempt of God, and by the persecution of good men, and by other wicked courses, were by those…
The verse highlights a chilling irony: the enemies, who had no fear of God or conscience in their schemes, are suddenly struck with overwhelming terror where there's no outward threat. This sudden panic isn't just a psychological breakdown; it's God actively scattering the very strength and structure of those who threatened His people, leading to their utter shame.
This verse appears in Psalm 53, which is a rephrasing of Psalm 14. Both psalms describe the pervasive wickedness and foolishness of humanity, particularly those who deny God and oppress His people. Psalm 53 focuses on the terror and utter destruction that befalls those who stand against God and His followers, contrasting their unfounded fear with the ultimate triumph of God’s people.
This verse appears in Psalm 53, which is a rephrasing of Psalm 14. Both psalms describe the pervasive wickedness and foolishness of humanity, particularly those who deny God and oppress His people. Psalm 53 focuses on the terror and utter destruction that befalls those who stand against God and His followers, contrasting their unfounded fear with the ultimate triumph of God’s people.
"There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them." — The verse highlights a chilling irony: the enemies, who had no fear of God or conscience in their schemes, are suddenly struck with overwhelming terror where there's no outward threat. This sudden pa…
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Last reviewed October 2026