Bible Verses About Fear — The Complete KJV Guide
Bible verses about fear, courage, and 'fear not' in the KJV
Find courage in KJV Bible verses about fear. Scripture on trusting God, overcoming anxiety, and the 'fear not' promises throughout the Bible.
"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)
Fear is a natural human response, but God repeatedly calls us to 'fear not.' The Bible contains over 365 references to not being afraid—one for every day. These verses remind us that God's presence overcomes every fear and His perfect love casts out all anxiety.
Bible verses about fear, courage, and 'fear not' in the KJV
'Fear not' is everywhere
Some count 365 occurrences of 'fear not' (or its variants) in the KJV Bible — one for every day of the year. Whether the count is exact or symbolic, the point stands: God repeatedly meets His people in their fear and tells them not to be afraid, because He is with them.
Two kinds of fear
Scripture distinguishes between the fear that paralyses (which Christ casts out) and the fear of the Lord — a reverent awe that is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Mature faith doesn't eliminate every emotion of fear; it rightly orders them, so that we fear God most and therefore fear lesser things less.
How to use this page
Below: the most-quoted KJV fear verses, today's verse, a short prayer for courage, and links to anxiety, peace, courage, and trust resources. If you're up at 3am with a racing mind, scroll to Isaiah 41:10.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
— Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
'Create in me a clean heart' addresses the inner conditions where fear festers. A God-renewed heart is inhospitable to chronic fear.
Most-searched fear verses
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; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? 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.
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.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Psalm 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
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Devotionals & commentary
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Stories, parables & teachings
David and Goliath
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Joshua Stops the Sun
Joshua 10:1–15 • courage
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Daniel in the Lions' Den
Daniel 6 • Faithfulness Under Persecution
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The Parable of the Talents
Matthew 25:21 • Stewardship & Responsibility
Words, places & holidays
Fear (יִרְאָה (Yirah) / φόβος (Phobos))
Reverent awe before God; also natural human dread
Peace (εἰρήνη (eirēnē))
Wholeness, harmony, and tranquility — the inner calm that comes from God.
Trust (Batach) (בָּטַח (batach))
To lean on with full weight — confident reliance on God's character and promises.
Fear (Yirah) (יִרְאָה (yirah))
Reverent awe — the trembling wonder and holy respect that constitutes true wisdom.
Peace (Eirēnē) (εἰρήνη (eirēnē))
Wholeness and harmony — the state of well-being that comes from reconciliation with God.
Smyrna in the Bible
The suffering church that received no rebuke — only encouragement to be faithful
10 Scriptures About Fear
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; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."Read in context
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."Read in context
Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? 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."Read in context
Psalm 23:4
"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."Read in context
1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."Read in context
Psalm 27:1
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"Read in context
Romans 8:15
"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."Read in context
Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."Read in context
Isaiah 43:1
"But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."Read in context
Reading Plans for Fear
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What Does the Bible Say About Fear?
The Bible addresses fear more than almost any other human emotion. The phrase 'fear not' or its equivalent appears over 365 times in Scripture — one for every day of the year. God consistently reassures His people that they need not be afraid because He is with them. Isaiah 41:10 captures this beautifully: 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.' The Bible distinguishes between unhealthy fear (anxiety about circumstances, fear of man, dread of the future) and healthy fear (the fear of the Lord, which is reverence and awe). While the world gives us many reasons to be afraid, God's Word gives us greater reasons to trust.
God's Antidote to Fear
The Bible's antidote to fear is not willpower but the presence and love of God. 1 John 4:18 declares, 'There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.' When we grasp the depth of God's love for us — that nothing can separate us from it (Romans 8:38-39), that He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28), that He holds our future in His hands (Jeremiah 29:11) — fear loses its grip. God also gives us the Holy Spirit as a source of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is overcome not by ignoring danger but by choosing to trust the One who is greater than any threat.
Practical Ways to Overcome Fear with Faith
Overcoming fear requires intentional spiritual practices. Memorize 'fear not' verses and recite them when anxiety strikes. Pray honestly, telling God exactly what you are afraid of — He can handle your raw emotions. Worship, because praise shifts your focus from the problem to God's power. Remember past victories — times when God came through for you. Stay in community with other believers who can encourage your faith. Limit exposure to fear-inducing media and replace it with God's Word. Take one step of obedience at a time, trusting God with the outcome. Fear may never fully disappear, but it can be continually overcome by faith.
A Prayer for Fear
Lord, I bring my fears before You today. You know every worry that keeps me awake and every anxiety that grips my heart. I choose to trust You above my fears. You are bigger than any threat, stronger than any enemy, and closer than any danger. Fill me with Your perfect love that casts out all fear. Replace my dread with faith, my worry with worship, and my anxiety with Your peace. I will not be afraid, for You are with me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fear in the Bible
What is the best Bible verse about overcoming fear?
Isaiah 41:10 is one of the most powerful: '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.' 2 Timothy 1:7 and Psalm 56:3 are also frequently quoted for overcoming fear.
How many times does the Bible say 'fear not'?
The exact count varies by translation, but the phrase 'fear not' and its equivalents (do not be afraid, be not afraid, etc.) appear over 365 times in the Bible. This frequency shows how important it is to God that His people live in faith rather than fear.
What is the difference between fear and the fear of the Lord?
Unhealthy fear is anxiety, dread, or terror about circumstances, people, or the future. The 'fear of the Lord' is something entirely different — it is reverent awe, deep respect, and holy wonder before God. Proverbs 9:10 says this kind of fear is 'the beginning of wisdom.' The fear of the Lord actually casts out all other fears because when God is the biggest reality in your life, everything else shrinks in comparison.
Does God understand when I'm afraid?
Absolutely. The Bible shows many heroes of faith who experienced fear: Moses, Gideon, Elijah, David, and even Jesus in Gethsemane. God does not condemn us for feeling afraid — He meets us in our fear with compassion and strength. Psalm 34:4 says, 'I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.'
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By Bible Sundays Editorial Team · Reviewed August 27, 2026 · How we source
All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version. You are welcome to quote or link to this page — please credit Bible Sundays.
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