King James Version

What Does Psalms 36:1 Mean?

Psalms 36:1 in the King James Version says “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Psalms 36:1 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

2

For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. until: Heb. to find his iniquity to hate

3

The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.

Read Psalms 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew structure is complex: 'transgression speaks to the wicked within his heart.' Sin personified delivers its message, convincing the wicked that God is irrelevant. The phrase 'no fear of God before his eyes' is quoted in Romans 3:18 as descriptive of universal human depravity. Fear of God is foundational to wisdom (Proverbs 9:10); its absence produces moral chaos where sin's voice replaces divine authority, making the wicked autonomous moral agents accountable to none.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written by David, this psalm contrasts the wicked's self-deception with God's faithfulness. The concept of 'fear of God' was central to covenant relationship, denoting reverence, awe, and obedient trust rather than mere terror.

Reflection Questions

  1. What voices compete with God's voice in your heart, and how do you discern them?
  2. How does the fear of God function as protection against sin's deceptions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
נְאֻֽם1 of 10

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

פֶּ֣שַׁע2 of 10

“The transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

לָ֭רָשָׁע3 of 10

“of the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

בְּקֶ֣רֶב4 of 10

“within”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

לִבִּ֑י5 of 10

“my heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֵֽין6 of 10
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

פַּ֥חַד7 of 10

“that there is no fear”

H6343

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים8 of 10

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְנֶ֣גֶד9 of 10
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

עֵינָֽיו׃10 of 10

“before his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 36:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 36:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 3:18Proverbs 16:6Psalms 112:1Matthew 12:33-34Psalms 143:12Psalms 18:1

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