Literally, “seeks out,” that is, searches for. There is no spiritual desire or effort to know God (cf. ch. 1:28).

 From Ps. 14:2. In abridging the passage, Paul rightly expresses the negative sense implied in the original. The universal lack of understanding is due to the darkening and perversion of the intellect because of sin (Rom. 1:31). The things of God have become foolishness to unregenerate man (1 Cor. 2:14; cf. Eph. 4:18). The psalm from which Paul is quoting begins with the declaration, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Ps. 14:1).