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    Fear

    יִרְאָה (Yirah) / φόβος (Phobos)

    Reverent awe before God; also natural human dread

    Hebrew
    Pronunciation: yir-AH / FO-bos
    Quick Answer

    Fear in the Bible carries two distinct meanings: the reverential awe and deep respect owed to God, and the natural human emotion of dread. The 'fear of the Lord' is the beginning of wisdom.

    "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." — Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Proverbs 9:10

    “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
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    Isaiah 41:10

    “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.”
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    2 Timothy 1:7

    “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
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    Two Kinds of Fear

    The Bible distinguishes between two types of fear. The first is 'yirah' — the reverential awe and holy respect that is owed to God. This fear is not about being terrified but about recognizing God's absolute majesty, power, and holiness. The second type is natural human fear or dread, which God repeatedly tells His people to overcome through trust in Him.

    The Fear of the Lord

    The 'fear of the LORD' is one of the most important concepts in the Old Testament. Proverbs presents it as the foundation of all wisdom and knowledge. This fear involves recognizing who God truly is — infinite in power, perfect in holiness, and absolute in authority — and responding with humble submission, obedience, and worship. It is the opposite of casual or flippant attitudes toward the Creator.

    Overcoming Human Fear

    While the Bible commands the fear of God, it simultaneously commands believers not to fear circumstances, enemies, or the future. The phrase 'fear not' appears over 80 times in Scripture. God's consistent message is clear: when you properly fear Him, you need not fear anything else. His presence, power, and promises are sufficient to overcome every earthly dread.

    Fear and Faith

    Fear and faith stand in tension throughout Scripture. Fear looks at circumstances and trembles; faith looks at God and trusts. Yet the Bible is remarkably honest about human fear — even great heroes like Moses, Elijah, and Peter experienced fear. The solution is never to deny fear but to redirect it toward the One who holds all things in His hands.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does 'fear of the Lord' mean?

    The fear of the Lord means having a deep, reverential awe and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority. It is not being terrified of God but recognizing His supreme majesty and responding with humble obedience, worship, and trust.

    How many times does the Bible say 'fear not'?

    The phrase 'fear not' or 'do not fear' appears over 80 times in the Bible, making it one of God's most repeated commands to His people. This frequency underscores how important it is for believers to trust God rather than live in anxiety.

    What is the Hebrew word for "Fear" in the Bible?

    יִרְאָה (Yirah) / φόβος (Phobos), pronounced "yir-AH / FO-bos." It means reverent awe before god; also natural human dread. It is the word behind "Fear" in both Testaments, for example in Proverbs 9:10.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Fear"?

    Proverbs 9:10 — "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (KJV). It also appears in Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7.

    Related Words

    Faith
    Hope
    Shalom

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    Word Meaning

    Fear (יִרְאָה (Yirah) / φόβος (Phobos))

    Reverent awe before God; also natural human dread

    Word Meaning

    Fear (Yirah) (יִרְאָה (yirah))

    Reverent awe — the trembling wonder and holy respect that constitutes true wisdom.

    Strong's

    Strong's H3374 — Fear (Yirah)

    יִרְאָה (yirah) • Reverent awe — the trembling wonder and holy respect that constitutes true wisdom.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Teeth Falling Out in a Dream (KJV)

    Loss of strength, spoken words, and unresolved fear.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Being Chased in a Dream (KJV)

    Fear, spiritual attack, or an area God is calling you to face.

    Q&A

    What Is the Meaning of Baptism?

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