Psalms 36:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 36:1, attributed to David, the "servant of the LORD," opens with a stark and profound observation concerning the nature of the wicked: their transgression reveals an internal disposition utterly devoid of the "fear of God." This verse immediately establishes a foundational contrast between the self-serving rebellion of humanity apart from God and the glorious, steadfast love and righteousness of God, which the remainder of the psalm extols. David’s insight is not mere conjecture but a discerning perception of the underlying spiritual condition manifested in the actions and attitudes of those who disregard divine authority and presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 36:1 serves as the powerful and sobering introduction to a psalm attributed to King David, designated for the "chief Musician," indicating its liturgical purpose. The psalm is structured to present a dramatic contrast: verses 1-4 vividly describe the character and actions of the wicked, rooted in their lack of reverence for God. This dark portrayal then gives way to a magnificent celebration of God's boundless steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice in verses 5-9. The psalm concludes with a prayer for the righteous and a plea for divine protection from the wicked in verses 10-12. Thus, verse 1 lays the essential groundwork for understanding the spiritual chasm between human depravity and divine perfection, setting the stage for the psalm's profound theological affirmations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David, identified as "the servant of the LORD," occupies a unique position in Israel's history, embodying both kingship and prophetic insight. This title underscores his special relationship with God, distinguishing him from the wicked described. In ancient Israel, the "fear of God" was not primarily terror but a deep, reverential awe, respect, and submission to God's holiness and sovereignty, understood as the very [beginning of wisdom and knowledge](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). A lack of this fear implied a profound disregard for the covenant, God's moral law, and His ultimate authority, leading to unrestrained transgression. The societal structure of ancient Israel was predicated on covenant loyalty and the recognition of God's omnipresence and judgment, making the absence of the fear of God a grave indictment against an individual's character and their standing within the community.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme introduced in Psalms 36:1 is the **root of wickedness**: the fundamental absence of the "fear of God." This lack of reverence is presented as the internal disposition that fuels all outward transgression. David's statement, "The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart," introduces the theme of **spiritual discernment**; he perceives the wicked's true spiritual state not through their confession but through their actions, which "speak" volumes about their internal condition. This highlights the **contrast between outward behavior and inward reality**. The verse also implicitly introduces the theme of **divine judgment and justice**, as the subsequent verses will extol God's righteousness, which stands in stark opposition to the wicked's disregard for Him. This deep-seated irreverence leads to a life lived as if God does not exist or as if His moral law is irrelevant, a concept echoed in other wisdom literature like [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Call of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Transgression (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** From H6588, this term denotes a revolt, rebellion, or trespass. It signifies a deliberate and defiant act against God's authority and moral law, indicating a conscious turning away from what is right rather than a mere mistake.
* **Saith (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum'_):** From H5002, this word refers to an oracle or a divine utterance, meaning "hath said" or "saith." In this context, it personifies "transgression" as speaking a profound truth to David's heart, revealing the underlying spiritual reality of the wicked.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_):** From H6343, this term refers to a sudden alarm, dread, or terror, but also by implication, the object feared. In the phrase "fear of God," it conveys a deep, reverential awe and profound respect for God's holiness and sovereignty, which leads to humble submission and obedience, rather than mere terror. Its absence is the core issue identified.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David the servant of the LORD."**: This superscription provides critical information regarding the psalm's authorship, its intended use in public worship (addressed to the "chief Musician"), and the identity of the author, David, uniquely designated as "the servant of the LORD." This title elevates David's spiritual authority and sets him apart from the "wicked" he describes.
* **"The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart,"**: David here expresses a profound spiritual insight. It is not that the wicked person confesses their lack of fear, but rather that their very "transgression" – their rebellious actions and lifestyle – speaks a clear message to David's discerning spirit. He perceives the underlying truth about their character, that their sin is not accidental but flows from a deeper, internal source.
* **"[that there is] no fear of God before his eyes."**: This clause reveals the core issue. The wicked's actions are a direct manifestation of their fundamental disregard for God. To have "no fear of God before his eyes" means they live as if God is irrelevant, absent, or inconsequential. They do not acknowledge His presence, His authority, or His impending judgment, leading to a life lived without moral restraint or accountability to a higher power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 36:1 employs several powerful literary devices. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart." Here, "transgression" is given the human quality of speech, implying that sin itself reveals its true nature and underlying cause to the discerning observer. This personification elevates the concept of sin from mere action to an active, revealing force. There is also an implicit **contrast** established from the outset: the "servant of the LORD" (David), who presumably fears God, is juxtaposed with "the wicked," who explicitly do not. This sets up the central tension of the psalm. Furthermore, the phrase "no fear of God before his eyes" uses **merism** or **synecdoche** by focusing on the "eyes" to represent the entirety of the wicked person's perception and orientation. It implies a complete and utter lack of reverence, not just a partial oversight, highlighting the profound spiritual blindness that characterizes the wicked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration in Psalms 36:1, that the root of all wickedness is the absence of the fear of God, is a foundational theological truth woven throughout biblical wisdom literature and prophetic teaching. It posits that human rebellion is not merely a failure of moral conduct but a deeper spiritual malady—a fundamental disregard for the Creator and His rightful authority. This lack of reverence leads to a self-centered existence where one's own desires and perceived benefits dictate actions, rather than divine commands or the well-being of others. The "fear of God" is presented as the essential guardrail for human behavior, the starting point for true wisdom, and the wellspring of righteousness. Without it, humanity is prone to unrestrained transgression, leading to moral decay and spiritual blindness.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "Job 28:28 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom")
* [Romans 3:18](/romans/3-18 "Romans 3:18 - There is no fear of God before their eyes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 36:1 offers a penetrating diagnosis of the human heart, revealing that our outward actions are often a direct reflection of our inward reverence (or lack thereof) for God. For believers, this verse serves as a powerful invitation to self-examination: Do we truly live with the "fear of the LORD" before our eyes, allowing His holiness and sovereignty to shape our decisions, words, and attitudes? Or do we, at times, succumb to a practical atheism, living as if God's presence and judgment are irrelevant? Cultivating a genuine reverence for God is not about cowering in terror, but about embracing a deep, worshipful awe that leads to humble obedience and a desire to honor Him in all things. For those observing the world, this verse provides a spiritual lens through which to understand the motivations behind injustice, selfishness, and moral decay – a profound disconnect from the divine, a life lived without accountability to the ultimate authority. Our greatest need, therefore, is not merely moral reform, but a renewed and profound "fear of God" that transforms our hearts and guides our steps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways does a lack of "fear of God" manifest in personal behavior or societal trends today?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper, more reverential "fear of the LORD" in our own lives?**
* **What specific actions or attitudes in your own life might indicate a diminished sense of God's presence or authority?**

### FAQ
**What does "the transgression of the wicked saith within my heart" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase highlights David's profound spiritual discernment. It doesn't mean the wicked person literally speaks to David's heart. Instead, David, as a "servant of the LORD," is so attuned to God's ways that he can perceive the true nature and underlying motivation of the wicked by observing their actions. Their "transgression" (their rebellious behavior) is so clear and consistent that it "speaks" a message to David's spirit, revealing the ultimate cause of their behavior: a fundamental lack of reverence for God. It's an insightful observation that sin is not random but flows from a specific internal disposition, a heart that does not acknowledge God's authority or presence, as further elaborated in [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3 "Romans 3 - No One Is Righteous").

**Is "fear of God" about being terrified of Him?**

Answer: No, in the biblical context, especially in wisdom literature, "fear of God" (Hebrew: _yir'at Elohim_) primarily signifies a deep, reverential awe, profound respect, and humble submission to God's holiness, sovereignty, and moral authority. It is the recognition of God's rightful place as Creator and Judge, leading to a desire to obey and honor Him. While it includes an awareness of His power and justice, it is distinct from paralyzing terror. Instead, it is the foundation of true wisdom and knowledge, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"), and leads to life, blessing, and protection, as described in [Psalms 112:1](/psalms/112-1 "Psalms 112:1 - Blessed is the one who fears the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 36:1 lays bare the core problem of humanity: the absence of the "fear of God" as the root of all transgression. This diagnosis finds its ultimate solution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, is indeed characterized by a profound disregard for God's authority, leading to a life of rebellion and self-centeredness, as vividly described in [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3 "Romans 3 - No One Is Righteous"). However, Christ, as the perfect "servant of the LORD" (cf. [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Servant of the Lord")), perfectly embodied the fear of God, living a life of complete obedience and reverence to the Father. His atoning sacrifice on the cross addresses the "transgression of the wicked," taking upon Himself the penalty for humanity's rebellion and lack of fear ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through faith in Him, believers are not only forgiven but are also given a new heart and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables them to walk in God's statutes and put His fear in their hearts ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, what was utterly lacking in the wicked is now graciously imparted to those who are in Christ, allowing them to live a life characterized by true reverence and obedience, fulfilling the very purpose for which humanity was created ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Fear God and Keep His Commandments")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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;