Why are Psalms 14 and 53 nearly identical?

Answer

Psalm 14 and Psalm 53 are almost identical. Only a slight change of thought near the end of each psalm sets them apart. Why did the Bible include two psalms that are so similar? A careful examination of Psalms 14 and 53 provides some insight into this matter.

Though subtle, three distinctions can be observed in these two psalms. Firstly, each has a different title. Psalm 14 begins, “For the director of music. Of David.” In contrast, the title of Psalm 53 is “For the director of music. According to mahalath. A maskil of David.” While both psalms share similar lyrics, they appear to have been associated with different tunes.

Secondly, there is a clear difference towards the end of each psalm. Psalm 14:5–6 states, “But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, / for God is present in the company of the righteous. / You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, / but the Lord is their refuge.” In contrast, Psalm 53:5 says, “But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, / where there was nothing to dread. / God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; / you put them to shame, for God despised them.” What is the difference? Psalm 14 emphasizes God’s deliverance of the righteous, while Psalm 53 focuses more on God’s defeat of the wicked. It is possible that one of the songs is a modification of the earlier song, and the change in lyrics commemorates a specific event.

The third difference between the two psalms concerns the use of God’s name. Psalm 14 uses “the Lord” (Yahweh) in verses 2, 4, 6, and 7. Psalm 53 uses “God” (Elohim) in all seven instances where God is mentioned.

Psalms 14 and 53 share very similar content, but they were likely quite different musically. In today’s culture, singers often produce “remakes” of older songs that may have slight lyrical differences and feature entirely new musical arrangements. This was likely the case with these two psalms. Themusical differences would have been in sound and not words, and we only see the similarities. However, those originally singing these two psalms would have likely sung them very differently.

The theme in both psalms is the salvation of God. Both psalms end with these words: “Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! / When the Lord restores his people, / let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!” (Psalm 14:7; cf: 53:6).