“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "fear of God" here isn't about being scared of punishment, but a deep reverence and awe that should keep us in line with God's character and will. This verse points out that when that awe is absent, there's nothing to prevent us from running wild with sin.
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building an undeniable case that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the power of sin. He's quoting extensively from the Old Testament to show this isn't just his opinion, but a consistent declaration from God's own Word throughout history. This verse, the culmination of those quotes, highlights the root of all the described sinfulness: a profound absence of reverence or regard for God that would restrain destructive behavior.
When we hear 'fear of God,' we might think of being scared. But the Bible means something much deeper and more profound than just being afraid of punishment.
The Bible uses the concept of 'fear of God' not just as a feeling of dread, but as a comprehensive reverence and awe that shapes our entire lives.
Awe, Not Just Alarm
This isn't about a cowering terror. It's a profound respect for God's character, authority, and holiness. Think of it as looking at something incredibly powerful and beautiful – you're filled with awe, and that feeling influences how you act.
The Restraint from Sin
When this true fear of God is present, it acts as a powerful internal restraint against wrongdoing. It's the understanding that God sees, God knows, and God is worthy of our utmost respect. This reverence naturally leads to a desire to live in a way that honors Him, keeping us from straying into sin.
A Practical Reality
Ultimately, the 'fear of God' is demonstrated in our actions. If we truly hold God in awe, it will be evident in how we live, how we treat others, and how we respond to His commands. It’s not just a private feeling; it’s a public orientation.
Paul is making a sweeping statement here, pulling from Old Testament evidence. He’s not just pointing fingers at a few bad apples; he’s describing a deep-seated human condition that affects everyone.
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Paul’s use of Old Testament Scripture in Romans 3 isn't just to prove a point about a few people; it's to establish a universal truth about human nature.
A Shared Condition
By quoting from various Psalms and Isaiah, Paul demonstrates that this lack of the fear of God isn't limited to the 'worst' of people or specific groups. It’s a pervasive characteristic of humanity when left to itself. This includes both Gentiles and, pointedly, the Jews who had the Law.
The Root of All Evil
This absence of reverence is presented as the root cause of all the other sinful behaviors Paul describes in this chapter – the deceitful tongues, the corrupt actions, the lack of justice. When God is not feared, when His authority and goodness aren't acknowledged, other destructive desires and actions fill the void.
A Plea for Mercy
Understanding this universal depravity, the condition of all humanity being estranged from God’s fear, isn't meant to leave us hopeless. Instead, it sets the stage for the incredible good news of God’s grace and the salvation He provides, which is needed by everyone.
Understand the original words
phobos tou Theou · Greek Noun
A reverential awe, respect, and submission toward God; a foundational posture of the heart that recognizes His holiness, authority, and sovereignty.
Paul masterfully weaves together Old Testament scripture, written across centuries, to demonstrate that the profound lack of reverence for God isn't a new problem but a deep-seated characteristic of humanity, affecting both Jews and Gentiles throughout history.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign and Psalm 36
King David composes Psalm 36, lamenting the wickedness of the ungodly who act without regard for God, setting the stage for this prophetic expression.
c. 700 BC
Isaiah's Prophecies
The prophet Isaiah denounces the pervasive sin and injustice in Israel, using vivid language that Paul later quotes to describe universal human depravity.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Jews to Babylon starkly illustrate the consequences of a people who had lost their fear of God and ignored His laws.
c. 50 BC - AD 50
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea is under Roman dominion, a period of political tension and spiritual compromise for many Jews, setting the context for Paul's letters.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, likely from Corinth, aiming to explain the gospel's power to save both Jews and Gentiles.
This is a direct quote Paul uses, stating 'There is no fear of God before their eyes,' highlighting that a lack of reverence for God is a root cause of sin and unrighteousness.
Romans 1:18-32This passage describes the Gentile world's rebellion against God, showing a similar theme of humanity's willful ignorance and rejection of God's truth, leading to unrighteous behavior.
Proverbs 14:27This verse equates the 'fear of the Lord' with a fountain of life, which abstains from the snares of death, directly contrasting the condition described in Romans 3:18 where its absence leads to destruction.
Jeremiah 2:13The prophet laments that his people have forsaken God, the fountain of living waters, for broken cisterns, illustrating a profound lack of fear and reverence for God that drives them to seek life in futile places.
barnesRomans 3:18: "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
There is no fear of God - Psalm 36:1 . The word "fear" here denotes "reverence, awe, veneration." There is no such regard or reverence for the character, authority, and honor of God as to restrain them from crime. Their conduct shows that they are not withheld from the commission of iniquity by any regard to the fear or favor of God. The only thing that will be effectual in restraining people from sin, will be a regard to the honor and L…
henryRomans 3:9-18: "What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;"
3:9-18 Here again is shown that all mankind are under the guilt of sin, as a burden; and under the government and dominion of sin, as enslaved to it, to work wickedness. This is made plain by several passages of Scripture from the Old Testament, which describe the corrupt and depraved state of all men, till grace restrain or change them. Great as ou…
The "fear of God" here isn't about being scared of punishment, but a deep reverence and awe that should keep us in line with God's character and will. This verse points out that when that awe is absent, there's nothing to prevent us from running wild with sin.
Paul is building an undeniable case that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the power of sin. He's quoting extensively from the Old Testament to show this isn't just his opinion, but a consistent declaration from God's own Word throughout history. This verse, the culmination of those quotes, highlights the root of all the described sinfulness: a profound absence of reverence or regard for God that would restrain destructive behavior.
Paul is building an undeniable case that everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, is under the power of sin. He's quoting extensively from the Old Testament to show this isn't just his opinion, but a consistent declaration from God's own Word throughout history. This verse, the culmination of those quotes, highlights the root of all the described sinfulness: a profound absence of reverence or regard for God that would restrain destructive behavior.
"“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”" — The "fear of God" here isn't about being scared of punishment, but a deep reverence and awe that should keep us in line with God's character and will. This verse points out that when that awe is ab…
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Last reviewed October 2026