There is no fear of God before their eyes.

ROMANS 3:18KJV
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Romans 3:18 (KJV)

What does Romans 3:18 mean?

Romans 3:18 describes people who do not have any reverence or respect for God, saying, "There is no fear of God before their eyes." This means that God is not in their thoughts or priorities, and they live without concern for what God thinks or commands.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, explaining how both Jews and Gentiles are under sin. In this verse, Paul is quoting from the Old Testament to show that a lack of respect for God is at the root of human wrongdoing. The verse sums up the attitude of people who ignore God’s authority in their lives.

The Greek behind Romans 3:18

  • φόβος (phobos, G5401): This word means "fear," but in this context, it is often understood as deep reverence or awe, not just being afraid. Paul is highlighting that these people lack even the basic respect or acknowledgment that God deserves.
  • ἐνώπιον (enōpion, G561): This word is translated as "before" and carries the sense of being in someone's presence. The phrase "before their eyes" suggests that God is not even a consideration in how they see the world or make decisions.

Why Romans 3:18 matters

  • Romans 3:18 makes clear that the problem Paul is describing is not just about actions, but about a heart attitude—a disregard for God Himself.
  • This verse ties together Paul's argument that all people, regardless of background, fall short because they do not honor God as they should.
  • Understanding the phrase "no fear of God" helps clarify that Paul is not talking about terror, but about a lack of respect and acknowledgment of God's rightful place in life.

Where else these words appear

“before” Greek G561 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
  • Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

“fear” Greek G5401 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 14:26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
  • Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
  • Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

“eyes” Greek G3788 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Luke 6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
  • Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.