King James Version
What Does Psalms 36:1 Mean?
“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.”
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.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(1) **The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart . . .**—The literal rendering of the present Hebrew text is, *An utterance of sin to the wicked within my heart. *The common phrase rendered in our version, “Thus saith Jehovah,” is here imitated, “Thus saith sin.” “To the wicked” cannot, as some explain, mean “concerning the wicked.” The only possible meaning of the text as it stands is therefore, “Thus saith sin to (me) the wicked man in my heart.” But there can be no question that the psalmist wrote “in *his *heart,” since ail the ancient versions, with the exception of the Chaldee Paraphrase, followed this reading, and some MSS. still show it. This gives us a very fine sense. Sin is personified as the evil counsellor or prompter sitting in the heart of the wicked to suggest evil thoughts: *Sin in the wicked man’s heart is his oracle. *Conscience is on the wrong side.
**There is no fear . . .**—This is not the suggestion of sin just mentioned, but an explanation of the condition into which the wicked man has sunk. Impiety and irreverence have so corrupted his nature, that sin has become his oracle.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge