What Does the Bible Say About Fear?
What Does the Bible Say About Fear? The Bible distinguishes between godly fear (reverence for God) and sinful fear (anxiety and dread), commanding believers to trust God rather than give in to fear.
Key verse: Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
The Bible distinguishes between godly fear (reverence for God) and sinful fear (anxiety and dread), commanding believers to trust God rather than give in to fear.
The Bible distinguishes between godly fear (reverence for God) and sinful fear (anxiety and dread), commanding believers to trust God rather than give in to fear.
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." — Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
The phrase 'fear not' appears over 100 times in the Bible, making it one of God's most repeated commands. Scripture distinguishes between two types of fear. The fear of the Lord — reverence, awe, and respect for God — is called 'the beginning of wisdom' (Proverbs 9:10) and is always encouraged. But fearfulness, anxiety, and dread of circumstances are addressed as enemies of faith. God told Joshua, 'Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest' (Joshua 1:9). Isaiah 41:10 reassures, 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee.' In the New Testament, Paul writes that 'God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind' (2 Timothy 1:7). John adds that 'perfect love casteth out fear' (1 John 4:18). The antidote to fear is not willpower but trust in God's character, presence, and promises.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Fear & Worry?
Biblical encouragement for overcoming fear, anxiety, and worry through trust in God.
Key Scripture References
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety and Worry?
The Bible acknowledges anxiety as real but commands believers to cast their cares on God, trusting His sovereign provision.
What Is Faith?
Faith is confident trust in God and His promises — believing what He has said even when circumstances seem impossible.
Does God Answer Prayer?
Yes — the Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people, though not always in the way or timing we expect.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Isaiah. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Isaiah on day 185 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Fear?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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