Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a profound internal dialogue: "Transgression" itself is personified, speaking directly to the wicked person's heart. It's not just that the wicked lack fear of God; it's that this absence of fear has become a powerful, internal voice convincing them there's no danger in their actions.
Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm opens with the psalmist observing the inner workings of a wicked person, who has become so hardened that their own sin speaks to them, silencing any fear of God. This leads into a description of such individuals who deceive themselves, their iniquity becoming obvious and hateful to others while they remain oblivious or unrepentant. The psalmist then contrasts this with God's steadfast love and justice.
Ever feel like a voice inside is pushing you toward wrong choices? The Bible says this isn't just your imagination.
The verse personifies 'transgression' or sin, giving it a voice. It's not just an external force, but an internal counselor for the wicked. This inner dialogue convinces them that they can act without consequence.
The Heart of the Matter
What does it truly mean to 'fear God'? And what happens when that fear is gone?
The verse starkly contrasts the wicked's mindset with the healthy reverence due to God. The absence of 'fear of God' isn't just a lack of dread, but a profound disregard for His presence and authority.
What 'Fear of God' Isn't and Is
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Understand the original words
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.
chalaq · Hebrew Verb
To use insincere praise or deceptive speech to manipulate or mislead others, or to maintain a false self-image. Biblically, it often involves self-deception and pride.
avon · Hebrew Noun
Perversity, moral depravity, or twisting of the right. It refers to the internal corruption of the heart that leads to sinful deeds and a distortion of justice.
This passage directly quotes Psalm 36:1, highlighting the complete absence of the fear of God in fallen humanity according to Paul's description of unrighteousness.
Jeremiah 8:12This verse echoes the theme of misplaced boldness and lack of shame in sin, directly referencing the 'fear of the Lord' as absent, paralleling the Psalmist's observation.
Proverbs 1:7This proverb states that 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,' directly contrasting with Psalm 36:1's depiction of those who have cast off all fear of God and thus lack true understanding.
Luke 18:4The parable of the unjust judge illustrates a similar disregard for God's authority and judgment, showing someone who 'neither feared God nor regarded man,' mirroring the state described in Psalm 36:1.
Romans 6:12-13This passage warns believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies, implying that yielding to sin means not presenting the body to God, a state reflecting the 'no fear of God' attitude seen in Psalm 36:1.
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;…
This verse reveals a profound internal dialogue: "Transgression" itself is personified, speaking directly to the wicked person's heart. It's not just that the wicked lack fear of God; it's that this absence of fear has become a powerful, internal voice convincing them there's no danger in their actions.
The psalm opens with the psalmist observing the inner workings of a wicked person, who has become so hardened that their own sin speaks to them, silencing any fear of God. This leads into a description of such individuals who deceive themselves, their iniquity becoming obvious and hateful to others while they remain oblivious or unrepentant. The psalmist then contrasts this with God's steadfast love and justice.
The psalm opens with the psalmist observing the inner workings of a wicked person, who has become so hardened that their own sin speaks to them, silencing any fear of God. This leads into a description of such individuals who deceive themselves, their iniquity becoming obvious and hateful to others while they remain oblivious or unrepentant. The psalmist then contrasts this with God's steadfast love and justice.
"Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated." — This verse reveals a profound internal dialogue: "Transgression" itself is personified, speaking directly to the wicked person's heart. It's not just that the wicked lack fear of God; it's that thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026