Romans 3:18

18 the dread of God is not before their eyes.

Romans 3:18 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 3:18

There is no fear of God before their eyes.
] The place referred to is ( Psalms 36:1 ) , by the "fear of God", is not meant a fear of God's wrath, of hell and damnation; nor a fearful distrust of his presence, power, providence, and grace; much less an hypocritical fear; but a reverential affection for God, and which is peculiar to the children of God, which springs from a sense of divine goodness, is attended with holiness of heart and life, is consistent with faith, even full assurance of it, and with spiritual joy in its highest degree; it stands opposed to pride and haughtiness, and is a blessing of the covenant of grace: now this is not to be found in unregenerate men, for this springs from grace, and not nature, and is only implanted in the heart in conversion; it appears from the whole life and conversation of unconverted men, that the fear of God is not in their hearts, nor before their eyes.

Romans 3:18 In-Context

16 Sorrow and cursedness be in the ways of them, [+Contrition, or defouling together, and infelicity/unhappiness, be in the ways of them,]
17 and they knew not the way of peace;
18 the dread of God is not before their eyes.
19 And we know [Forsooth we know], that whatever things the law speaketh, it speaketh to them that be in the law, that each mouth be stopped, and each world be made subject to God.
20 For of the works of the law each flesh shall not be justified before him; for by the law there is knowing of sin [for by the law is knowing of sin].
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.