Romans 3:18

This verse, Romans 3:18 in the King James Version, concludes a powerful passage where the Apostle Paul compiles various Old Testament scriptures to demonstrate the universal sinfulness of humanity. It highlights a core issue underlying human rebellion against God.

Context

Romans chapter 3 is pivotal in Paul's letter, laying the groundwork for his explanation of justification by faith. After establishing that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin (Romans 1:18 - 3:9), Paul quotes from Psalms and Isaiah (Romans 3:10-18) to paint a collective picture of human depravity. Verse 18, specifically drawing from Psalm 36:1, serves as a concluding summary statement explaining *why* people behave sinfully: the fundamental lack of reverence and awe towards God.

Key Themes

• Absence of the Fear of God: The central theme is the lack of "fear of God." In biblical terms, this "fear" (Greek: phobos) is not merely terror, but a profound sense of awe, reverence, respect, and submission to God's authority and holiness. Its absence means people live as if God doesn't exist or as if His commands and judgment are irrelevant.
• Root of Sin: Paul presents this lack of reverence as a foundational cause for sinful behavior. When God's presence, power, and impending judgment are not held in awe, there is no intrinsic motivation to obey His laws or live righteously.
• Universal Condition: This verse, within the broader passage of Romans 3:10-18, emphasizes that this condition of lacking the fear of God is widespread among humanity in its natural state.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fear of God" translates the Greek phobos theou. While phobos can mean dread or terror, in the context of relating to God, it often signifies a deep, respectful awe and reverence that motivates obedience and righteous living. The verse states this is "not before their eyes," suggesting it is not a guiding principle or a present reality in their awareness or motivation.

Related Scriptures

This verse powerfully summarizes the human condition described earlier in this chapter. It links directly to the idea that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God because the fundamental relationship of reverent awe is broken. The concept of the "fear of the Lord" is also presented positively elsewhere in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, contrasting sharply with the state described here.

Practical Application

Romans 3:18 challenges us to examine the place of God in our own lives. Is the "fear of God"—that is, a healthy reverence and awe for His holiness, power, and love—a reality "before our eyes"? Cultivating this reverence is crucial for spiritual growth, leading us away from sin and towards obedience and trust. It reminds us that true morality stems not just from external rules, but from an internal posture of respect and awe towards our Creator and Judge.