Romans 3:18 meaning

Paul now shifts the quote to Psalm 36:1. Psalm 36:1-4 describes the makeup of a wicked person; wickedness begins by not fearing God. Speaking of the wicked, this psalm says "There is no fear of God before their eyes (v 18)." The Greek word translated fear in this psalm is "phobos," which is the root of our English word "phobia." It originally meant flight, as in the Greek poet Homer's characters fleeing in fear. "Phobos" is usually translated fear but is also translated "awe," "reverence," and "intimidation."

When we fear another person it might come from a number of motives or attitudes. We might have great respect for a person we fear, or we might loathe them. But in any case, the underlying concern that leads to fear is connected to an action the person we fear can take—an action that we wish to avoid.

For someone we love and respect, fear might take the form of desiring not to generate disappointment. We might be desperate to live up to the expectation of a parent we adore. For a person with great wisdom, we might fear not following his advice, realizing that shame might come if we don't.

When we do not fear God, it means we are not concerned with what God thinks. We are also not concerned about following His advice and direction. We give it no value, and only value our own opinions. These attitudes toward God are at the very heart of wickedness.