Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just saying the wicked don't fear God; it reveals that "transgression" itself, like a dark counsel, speaks to them in their hearts. This inner voice whispers the lie that God's judgment isn't real or present, blinding them to His authority and allowing their sin to flourish unchecked.
Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is reflecting on the deeply ingrained corruption of wicked people, observing how their very sinfulness seems to speak within them, convincing them there's no divine judgment to fear. He contrasts their inner rebellion with God's abundant mercy, highlighting the danger of living without acknowledging God's authority. The psalm then transitions into a prayer for continued divine guidance and protection against those who actively oppose righteousness.
Have you ever felt an inner pull toward something you know is wrong? For the wicked, this isn't just a fleeting thought; it's a voice that shapes their entire reality.
This verse personifies 'transgression' (or rebellion, apostasy) as speaking within the heart of the wicked person. It's not an external force, but an internal dialogue where sin itself becomes the counselor. This 'voice' whispers lies, convincing the wicked that their actions have no divine consequence. The original language suggests this voice is like an oracle, a solemn, authoritative utterance that dictates their path. This isn't merely about outward actions, but the deep-seated attitude that fuels them.
What does it truly mean to have 'no fear of God'? It's more than just a lack of respect; it's a profound blindness to divine reality.
The phrase 'no fear of God' in this context doesn't just mean a lack of reverence. The original word often implies 'terror' or a profound dread inspired by God's presence and judgment. For the wicked, this terror is completely absent. Their eyes are not opened to God's majesty or His righteous judgment. This blindness allows them to pursue sin without restraint, as if God were not present or did not care. It's a state where the divine reality is so utterly ignored that it has no restraining influence on their lives.
Understand the original words
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pesha' · Hebrew Noun
A deviation from or rebellion against God’s law. It represents an active revolt against divine authority and moral standards, resulting in estrangement from God.
rasha' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A general term for those who oppose God and His moral order. It describes individuals who are fundamentally out of alignment with God’s will and lack spiritual discernment.
pachad · Hebrew Noun
A reverential awe, respect, and submission to the character and authority of God. It is the beginning of wisdom and the foundational posture of one who rightly relates to the Creator.
This passage directly quotes Psalm 36:1, summing up the condition of fallen humanity as having no fear of God.
Romans 1:28-32This section describes people who, because they did not see fit to acknowledge God or fear him, were given over to all sorts of wickedness, mirroring the 'no fear of God' described in the Psalm.
Proverbs 1:7This verse states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, while fools despise wisdom and instruction, showing the consequence of having no fear of God.
Jeremiah 2:26This verse uses a strong image of shame, comparing the wicked to thieves when they are found out, highlighting the complete absence of fear or shame before God.
Luke 18:2Jesus tells the parable of the unjust judge, who 'neither feared God nor regarded man,' illustrating the practical meaning of having no fear of God.
calvinPsalms 36:1-4: "<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."
- Ungodliness saith to the wicked in the midst of my heart, There is no fear of God before his eyes. 2. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. [1] 3. The words of his mouth are iniquity [2] and deceit; he hath left off to understand that he may do good. 4. He meditates [or devises] iniqu…
cambridgePsalms 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."
1 . As the Psalmist reflects on the conduct of the wicked man, it becomes clear to him that practical atheism is the guiding principle of his life. So the reading of the Massoretic Text, followed in the A.V., may be explained. But it is unnatural to regard transgression as uttering its oracle in the Psalmist’s heart;…
The verse isn't just saying the wicked don't fear God; it reveals that "transgression" itself, like a dark counsel, speaks to them in their hearts. This inner voice whispers the lie that God's judgment isn't real or present, blinding them to His authority and allowing their sin to flourish unchecked.
David is reflecting on the deeply ingrained corruption of wicked people, observing how their very sinfulness seems to speak within them, convincing them there's no divine judgment to fear. He contrasts their inner rebellion with God's abundant mercy, highlighting the danger of living without acknowledging God's authority. The psalm then transitions into a prayer for continued divine guidance and protection against those who actively oppose righteousness.
David is reflecting on the deeply ingrained corruption of wicked people, observing how their very sinfulness seems to speak within them, convincing them there's no divine judgment to fear. He contrasts their inner rebellion with God's abundant mercy, highlighting the danger of living without acknowledging God's authority. The psalm then transitions into a prayer for continued divine guidance and protection against those who actively oppose righteousness.
"Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes." — The verse isn't just saying the wicked don't fear God; it reveals that "transgression" itself, like a dark counsel, speaks to them in their hearts. This inner voice whispers the lie that God's ju…
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Last reviewed October 2026