What Does the Bible Say About Fear — Meaning Explained

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.