All word studies
Fear of the Lord in the Bible
The fear of the LORD is not terror but reverent awe — the trembling worship of a holy God that becomes the beginning of wisdom.
Greek & Hebrew words
Greek (New Testament)
Key KJV verses
All verses →Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”Read in context
Psalm 111:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.”Read in context
Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”Read in context
Hebrews 12:28
“Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”Read in context
Awe, not terror
Yirah (H3374) and phobos (G5401) span a spectrum from dread to worship. Believers are delivered from the spirit of bondage to fear (Romans 8:15) but enter a deeper reverent awe.
Beginning of wisdom
Proverbs roots all true wisdom in the fear of the LORD — knowing who God is reorders everything else (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10).
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to fear the Lord?
To stand in reverent awe of God's holiness, glory, and authority — trusting Him, hating evil, and walking humbly (Proverbs 8:13; Micah 6:8).
Is the fear of the Lord the same as being afraid of God?
No. Believers are sons, not slaves (Romans 8:15). The fear of the LORD is worshipful reverence, not cowering dread.