What Does It Mean to Fear God — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

The fear of the Lord is a central biblical concept. Proverbs 9:10 declares, 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.' Proverbs 1:7 adds, 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.' This fear is not cowering dread but profound reverence — recognizing who God is and responding appropriately. It produces holiness: 'The fear of the LORD is to hate evil' (Proverbs 8:13). It brings blessing: 'In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge' (Proverbs 14:26). It motivates evangelism: 'Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men' (2 Corinthians 5:11). The early church 'walked in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost' (Acts 9:31) — fear and comfort coexist. Moses told Israel, 'Fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart' (Deuteronomy 10:12). Fearing God liberates from fearing man: 'Fear not them which kill the body... but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell' (Matthew 10:28).

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages