Romans 3:18 – “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is the final statement in a series of quotes Paul uses in Romans 3 to show the depth of human sinfulness. He is making the case that, apart from God, people are completely lost in their sin. This particular statement comes from Psalm 36:1 and describes a fundamental problem: people do not fear God.

To “fear God” in the Bible does not mean being terrified of Him like someone afraid of a cruel dictator. Instead, it means having deep respect, reverence, and awe for Him. It means acknowledging His authority, holiness, and justice. But this verse tells us that sinful people reject that fear. They live as though God does not exist or as though He does not matter. This leads them to live however they want, without concern for His judgment.

This lack of reverence is not just an individual issue—it is a societal problem. When people stop fearing God, moral decay follows. Sin becomes normal, evil is justified, and people drift further away from the truth.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to both Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome, explaining that all people, regardless of their background, are guilty of sin before God. The Jews had received the Law and the Prophets, yet many still failed to live in obedience to God. The Gentiles, on the other hand, had no direct revelation from God but were still accountable for their rejection of Him.

The phrase Paul quotes from Psalm 36:1 was originally written by David, describing how wicked people live without regard for God. In both David’s time and Paul’s time, there were people who disregarded God’s authority, which resulted in moral corruption. The same pattern is seen throughout history—whenever societies abandon their fear of God, chaos follows.

Theological Implications

Romans 3:18 highlights a key truth: the root of sin is a lack of reverence for God. When people do not fear God, they set themselves up as their own authority, deciding what is right and wrong based on their own desires.

This verse also reinforces the doctrine of total depravity—meaning that sin affects every part of human nature. Sin is not just about outward actions; it starts in the heart. A person who does not fear God has no internal restraint against evil.

Additionally, this verse underscores the necessity of God’s grace. If left to themselves, people will not seek God or live in obedience to Him. It is only through His intervention—through His Word, His Spirit, and ultimately, through Jesus Christ—that people can be brought to true reverence for Him.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of Psalm 36:1 is intentional. In that psalm, David describes how wicked people deceive themselves into thinking that God does not see or care about their actions. By including this verse in his argument, Paul is emphasizing that sin is not just about doing bad things—it is about an attitude of rebellion against God.

The phrase “before their eyes” suggests that people have deliberately ignored God. It is not that He is hidden or unknowable, but rather that they have chosen to turn away from Him. This echoes what Paul wrote earlier in Romans 1:18-21, where he explains that people suppress the truth about God in their hearts.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 36:1 – “I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Paul quotes this to emphasize his point.)
• Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Fear of God is the foundation of wisdom.)
• Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Reverence for God leads to obedience.)
• Romans 1:21 – “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (People reject God even though He has revealed Himself.)
• Luke 12:5 – “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” (Jesus Himself affirms the importance of fearing God.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a warning about the dangers of losing reverence for God. We live in a world where many people act as though God does not exist or does not matter. They make their own rules, reject His authority, and redefine morality to fit their desires.

As Christians, we must resist this mindset. We are called to live with a deep reverence for God, acknowledging His holiness, obeying His commands, and trusting in His wisdom. This means we do not live like the rest of the world, but instead, we honor God in our thoughts, words, and actions.

At the same time, this verse should stir our hearts for those who are lost. People who do not fear God are not just making bad choices—they are spiritually blind. Instead of looking down on them, we should have compassion and seek to share the truth of Christ with them.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, this verse might seem like it only describes judgment, but it actually reveals God’s love. A loving God does not ignore sin—He warns people about its consequences and calls them to repentance.

God does not force anyone to fear Him. Instead, He invites people into a relationship with Him. When we truly know God—His love, His justice, His mercy—we will naturally develop a reverent fear of Him. This is not a fear of punishment, but a fear of dishonoring the One who loves us so deeply.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of what it means to fear God. Though He was fully God, He lived in complete obedience to the Father, showing perfect reverence for Him.

• Hebrews 5:7 – “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” (Jesus feared God in a way that led to complete obedience.)
• John 8:29 – “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” (Jesus lived with perfect reverence for the Father.)
• Philippians 2:8 – “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Jesus’ obedience to the Father shows us what true fear of God looks like.)

Through Jesus, we learn that true fear of God is not about terror but about trust, submission, and worship. And because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can be restored to a right relationship with God, where we fear Him rightly and love Him fully.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to have a proper fear of God?
2. How does society today reflect the truth of Romans 3:18?
3. Are there areas in your life where you have been living without reverence for God?
4. How does having a right fear of God affect the way you make decisions?
5. How can you help others develop a reverent fear of God while still showing them His love?

This verse is a sobering reminder of the reality of sin, but it also points us to the hope found in Christ. A life without the fear of God leads to destruction, but a life lived in reverence for Him leads to wisdom, peace, and eternal joy.