Psalms 36:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, [that there is] no fear of God before his eyes.

To the chief Musician {H5329}, A Psalm of David {H1732} the servant {H5650} of the LORD {H3068}. The transgression {H6588} of the wicked {H7563} saith {H5002}{H8803)} within {H7130} my heart {H3820}, that there is no fear {H6343} of God {H430} before his eyes {H5869}.

For the leader. By David, the servant of ADONAI: Crime speaks to the wicked. I perceive this in my heart; before his eyes there is no fear of God.

An oracle is in my heart regarding the transgression of the wicked man: There is no fear of God before his eyes.

The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, There is no fear of God before his eyes.

Commentary

Psalms 36:1, penned by David, the "servant of the LORD," opens with a stark observation about the nature of the wicked. This verse immediately sets a profound contrast between the character of God, which the rest of the psalm extols, and the character of those who disregard Him. David's insight here is not based on mere speculation, but on the observable actions and attitudes of those who walk apart from God.

Context of Psalms 36:1

This verse serves as the powerful introduction to Psalm 36, a psalm attributed to King David. The superscription, "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD," indicates its intended use in public worship and highlights David's unique relationship with God. The psalm itself transitions from a sobering description of the wicked's character (verses 1-4) to a glorious celebration of God's steadfast love, righteousness, and faithfulness (verses 5-9), concluding with a prayer for the righteous (verses 10-12). Verse 1 lays the foundational premise for understanding the spiritual state of those who live without divine reverence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Root of Wickedness: The core message of this verse is that the ultimate source of all transgression and evil behavior is a fundamental lack of the "fear of God." This isn't merely about outward actions but an internal disposition.
  • Internal Revelation: David states, "The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart." This highlights his spiritual discernment; he doesn't need to be told by the wicked person, but their very actions and lifestyle "speak" to his heart, revealing their true spiritual condition.
  • Absence of Reverence: The phrase "no fear of God before his eyes" signifies a profound disregard for God's authority, presence, and moral law. It implies a life lived as if God does not exist, or as if His judgment is irrelevant.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated as "fear of God" is yir'at Elohim (יִרְאַת אֱלֹהִים). This "fear" is not primarily terror or dread, but a deep, reverential awe, respect, and submission to God's holiness and sovereignty. It is often linked in biblical wisdom literature with the beginning of true knowledge and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 9:10. The absence of this reverence leads to unrestrained transgression (פֶּשַׁע - pesha'), which denotes rebellion or a breaking of a covenant, not just a simple mistake.

Practical Application

Psalms 36:1 serves as a powerful reminder that our outward actions are often a reflection of our inward reverence for God. For believers, it's an invitation to regularly examine our hearts and ensure that the "fear of the LORD" guides our decisions and behavior. For those observing the world, it provides a spiritual lens through which to understand the motivations behind unrighteousness – a profound disconnect from the divine. Cultivating a genuine reverence for God is therefore essential for living a life of integrity and righteousness, contrasting sharply with the path of the wicked described here.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 3:18

    There is no fear of God before their eyes.

  • Proverbs 16:6

    ¶ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

  • Psalms 18:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

  • Proverbs 20:11

    ¶ Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work [be] pure, and whether [it be] right.

  • Revelation 1:1

    ¶ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John:

  • Psalms 90:1

    ¶ A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

  • Titus 1:1

    ¶ Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;