Psalms 36:1
The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֭רָשָׁע
of the wicked
H7563
לָ֭רָשָׁע
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 10
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
בְּקֶ֣רֶב
within
H7130
בְּקֶ֣רֶב
within
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
לִבִּ֑י
my heart
H3820
לִבִּ֑י
my heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 10
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
פַּ֥חַד
that there is no fear
H6343
פַּ֥חַד
that there is no fear
Strong's:
H6343
Word #:
7 of 10
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
of God
H430
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Historical Context
Written by David, this psalm contrasts the wicked's self-deception with God's faithfulness. The concept of 'fear of God' was central to covenant relationship, denoting reverence, awe, and obedient trust rather than mere terror.
Questions for Reflection
- What voices compete with God's voice in your heart, and how do you discern them?
- How does the fear of God function as protection against sin's deceptions?
Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew structure is complex: 'transgression speaks to the wicked within his heart.' Sin personified delivers its message, convincing the wicked that God is irrelevant. The phrase 'no fear of God before his eyes' is quoted in Romans 3:18 as descriptive of universal human depravity. Fear of God is foundational to wisdom (Proverbs 9:10); its absence produces moral chaos where sin's voice replaces divine authority, making the wicked autonomous moral agents accountable to none.