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 36:1KJV
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Psalms 36:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 36:1 mean?

Psalms 36:1 says that David, reflecting in his own heart, sees that the wicked act as if God does not matter to them—they have no fear or respect for God guiding their actions. The verse suggests that this lack of reverence for God is at the root of their wrongdoing.

David, described here as the servant of the LORD, is speaking to God about what he observes in people who do evil. He notes that their “transgression” comes from an inner attitude: they do not have the “fear of God” before their eyes, meaning they do not recognize God’s authority or care about what God thinks. This sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which contrasts the ways of the wicked with God’s steadfast love.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 36:1

  • פֶּשַׁע (pesha‘, “transgression”): This word refers to open rebellion or willful wrongdoing, not just a mistake. It highlights that the wicked are knowingly choosing to go against what is right.
  • רָשָׁע (rasha‘, “wicked”): This term points to someone who is morally corrupt or hostile to God’s ways, not just someone who occasionally slips up.
  • פַּחַד (pachad, “fear”): This is a word for fear that includes awe or deep respect. The verse is not just talking about being scared, but about lacking any sense of God’s greatness or authority.
  • אֱלֹהִים (’Elohim, “God”): The use of this general name for God, rather than the personal name, may emphasize God’s role as judge and ruler over all people, not just Israel.

Why Psalms 36:1 matters

  • Psalms 36:1 clarifies that wrongdoing is not just about actions but about an inner attitude—specifically, ignoring or dismissing God’s authority.
  • The verse helps explain why some people persist in harmful behavior: it starts with a lack of respect or awe for God, not just ignorance or weakness.
  • This opening sets up the rest of the psalm, which draws a sharp contrast between the self-centeredness of the wicked and the faithful love and justice of God.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H6343 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
  • Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 22:1 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
  • Psalms 61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

“transgression” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
  • Lamentations 1:14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.