Romans 3 18

Romans 3:18 kjv

There is no fear of God before their eyes.

Romans 3:18 nkjv

"There is no fear of God before their eyes."

Romans 3:18 niv

"There is no fear of God before their eyes."

Romans 3:18 esv

"There is no fear of God before their eyes."

Romans 3:18 nlt

"They have no fear of God at all."

Romans 3 verses

Romans 3 18 Meaning

Romans 3:18 signifies humanity's fundamental and universal lack of reverence, awe, and submission toward God. This absence of the "fear of God" – a deep respect and acknowledgement of His holiness, justice, and authority – before their inner perception ("eyes") is presented as the foundational cause of all ungodly behavior and moral corruption detailed in the preceding verses. It illustrates a practical indifference to God's presence, commands, and future judgment, resulting in unrestrained sin.

Romans 3 18 Context

Romans 3:18 is the concluding verse of Paul's extended catena of Old Testament quotations in Romans 3:10-18, meticulously compiled to demonstrate the universal sinfulness and moral bankruptcy of humanity, both Jews and Gentiles alike. Having already argued extensively that neither Jewish Law nor Gentile conscience leads to righteousness (Rom 2), Paul uses these scriptural passages as irrefutable evidence for the depravity he asserts. This particular verse, drawn directly from Psalm 36:1, functions as a summation and the root explanation for all the preceding moral failures listed, such as speech marked by deceit, cursing, and violence. Historically, Paul is addressing a mixed congregation in Rome, challenging any assumption of inherent righteousness based on national or religious identity, thereby establishing the crucial theological groundwork for the introduction of justification by faith in Christ.

Romans 3 18 Word analysis

• There is no (οὐκ ἔστιν - ouk estin): A strong, emphatic negative declaration. It asserts a complete absence or negation. This is not a partial or occasional lack, but a foundational, pervasive emptiness.
• fear (φόβος - phobos): While phobos can mean terror or fright, in this theological context, especially when applied to God, it primarily signifies awe, profound reverence, respect, and obedient submission. It denotes recognizing God's immense power, holiness, justice, and sovereign authority, which naturally leads to humility and careful adherence to His will. The absence of this phobos indicates a spiritual deadness to divine reality.
• of God (θεοῦ - theou): Refers to the One True God, the Creator and Sovereign Judge. This clarifies the object of reverence. The verse emphasizes that it is God Himself who is not properly acknowledged or feared.
• before their eyes (πρὸ ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν - pro ophthalmōn autōn):
  • before (pro): Literally means "in front of." It signifies something directly present, visible, or considered.
  • their eyes (ophthalmōn autōn): Refers to spiritual perception, internal awareness, and moral focus, not merely physical sight. The "eyes" here represent the inner understanding and the governing faculty of the individual's will and conscience. The absence of the fear of God "before their eyes" means it is not a guiding principle, not a consideration in their decision-making, and not an ever-present reality that influences their actions and thoughts.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "There is no fear of God": This phrase pinpoints the root cause of humanity's sinfulness. It's a foundational spiritual problem—an utter disregard for the holy God, leading to unchecked moral decline.
  • "before their eyes": This emphasizes the practical and active nature of this deficiency. The lack of fear of God is not an abstract concept but manifests as an inability or unwillingness to perceive God's truth, holiness, and coming judgment, directly influencing everyday thoughts, words, and deeds. It highlights a blindness to the consequences of unrighteousness and the reality of God's presence.

Romans 3 18 Bonus section

This verse serves as a climactic statement for the Old Testament passages cited, which systematically demonstrate humanity's spiritual alienation from God. The "fear of God" in biblical thought is not just cowering, but a profound awe that encompasses love, respect, and obedience, stemming from an understanding of His character. Its absence, as highlighted here, reveals a rebellious, self-centered heart. This stands in stark contrast to figures like Joseph (Gen 39:9) or Abraham (Gen 22:12), whose actions were shaped by their fear of God, signifying their covenant relationship. This deep-seated lack of awe toward God underscores why self-effort through Law-keeping is insufficient for righteousness, creating a theological bridge to the gospel's necessity.

Romans 3 18 Commentary

Romans 3:18 concludes Paul's devastating portrayal of humanity's innate sinfulness, pointing to the foundational spiritual illness: a complete absence of the fear of God. This is not mere intellectual ignorance, but a profound spiritual disregard for the Most High. Without reverence for God constantly before one's spiritual perception, there are no internal boundaries or external moral compasses, leading inevitably to the pervasive corruption of speech and action described in the preceding verses. It demonstrates that unrighteousness is rooted in a disregard for God's holiness, His commands, and His impending judgment. This verse underlines humanity's desperate need for a divine intervention for justification, which Paul will elaborate on as justification by faith in Christ. A practical understanding of this verse helps believers appreciate that true righteousness flows from a heart that reverences God. For example, understanding that cheating on a test or speaking falsely flows from a lack of conscious reverence for God's truth and His all-seeing eye.