You might be aware that the Bible talks a lot about “the fear of God” or “the fear of the Lord”. This is a topic that confuses many people, both Christians and non-Christians. (For example: What’s the difference between “fear” and “respect”? Are we supposed to be afraid of God, or judgment?)
So, what does “the fear of the Lord” mean? What does it mean in the Bible, and how can people today apply this to their lives?
In this article, we’re first going to 1) look at a number of verses talking about “the fear of the Lord”, and then 2) make some observations about those verses. Then, we’ll conclude by 3) figuring out some life principles based on what Scripture says.
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1) Verses on “the Fear of the Lord”
As we look through these verses, consider carefully what they say about “the fear of the Lord” (or fear in general). What themes are being highlighted? What strikes you as confusing or surprising? Take note of any verses or ideas that “jump out” to you in particular.
Old Testament
Deuteronomy 10:12
And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul…
Psalm 19:9
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
Psalm 25:14
The Lord confides in those who fear Him;
He makes His covenant known to them.
Psalm 33:8
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the people of the world revere Him.
Psalm 34:9
Fear the Lord, you His holy people,
for those who fear Him lack nothing.
Psalm 34:11
Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Psalm 86:11
Teach me Your way, Lord,
that I may rely on Your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear Your name.
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow His precepts have good understanding.
To Him belongs eternal praise.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
Proverbs 8:13
To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 14:26-27
Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for their children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
turning a person from the snares of death.
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the Lord leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.
Job 28:28
And He said to the human race,
“The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
and to shun evil is understanding.”
New Testament
Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Luke 1:50
His mercy extends to those who fear Him,
from generation to generation.
Romans 8:15
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence [or fear] for God.
Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
2) Observations from the above verses
The above verses represent only a portion of the verses in the Bible touching on this topic. And yet, there’s already a lot that we could discuss in the previous verses.
So, let me just throw out some notable observations. The “fear of the Lord”:
- Involves allegiance to the Lord. (Deut 10:12, Psalm 86:11, 2 Cor 7:1, Phil 2:12-13)
- Has a moral component; it’s linked with “hating evil” and brings about holiness. (Psalm 19:9, Psalm 34:9, Prov 3:7, Prov 8:13, Ecc 12:13, 2 Cor 7:1)
- Is pleasing to God, and He responds to it with relationship. (Psalm 25:14)
- Is a divine command for all people in all cultures in all times. (Psalm 33:8, Ecc 12:13, Job 28:28, Luke 1:50)
- Brings about blessing for those who fear God. (Psalm 34:9, Prov 14:26-27, Prov 19:23)
- Brings about wisdom, or right understanding. (Psalm 111:10, Prov 1:7, Prov 3:7, Prov 9:10, Job 28:28)
- Brings about courage, and takes people away from fear of worldly threats/circumstances. (Prov 14:26-27, Matt 10:28, Ro 8:15, 1 John 4:18)
- Is something that can be taught or learned. (Psalm 34:11, Psalm 86:11)
- Allows people to receive mercy rather than judgment for their sins. (Prov 14:26-27, Luke 1:50, Ro 8:15, Phil 2:12-13, 1 John 4:18)
3) Application: So for us today: What does it mean to “fear the Lord”, and how do we live that out?
We’ve seen a number of separate meanings and ideas tied into “the fear of the Lord” in the Bible, but I think there are a few unifying concepts that tie together into something simple and understandable.
In brief: I believe “the fear of the Lord” in both the Old Testament and New Testament refers to proper reverence for God, and thus a person who “fears the Lord” lives life from a place of seeking right relationship with God, pursuing Him and shunning sin.
“The fear of the Lord” sees being in right relationship with God as ultimately valuable, and so sin is shunned, and closeness to God is prioritized. In other words, “the fear of the Lord” will cause you to fear anything that would damage you being in right relationship with God.
With this in mind, a right understanding of “the fear of the Lord” will cause you to run TOWARDS God, and not away from Him, when you sin. It will allow you to rightly prioritize being with God in all that you do.
I think this line of thinking is what the writer of Hebrews is getting at:
Hebrews 4: 14-16: Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Do you see it? Because of the work of Jesus Christ we can come towards God “with confidence”, because we know that Christ has paved the way for sinful mankind to be in right relationship with God.
Thus, there remains a need for Christians to have “the fear of the Lord”. Sin still takes a Christian out of right relationship with God. But, there is a constant offer of grace through faith to come to Jesus in repentance. And Christians can do that “with confidence.” So, Christians respond to their own sin “in the fear of the Lord” by running to God in repentance.
Which is why there is “no fear in love” (1 Jo 4:18). We have nothing to be afraid of, because we trust in His grace for us.
How about you? Do you lack confidence to come towards God in repentance? Do you have a lingering fear that you need to clean yourself up so that God will like/love you?
Or, do you have a casual relationship with God? Is God one of the priorities of your life, but not really set apart? Is being in right relationship with God something you undervalue?
I think both of these ways of living are misunderstanding and misapplying “the fear of the Lord”.
So: If you aren’t rightly living out a Christian “fear of the Lord”, what needs to change in your heart, your life, and your priorities? What do you need to do today to walk rightly with God?
He genuinely cares for you. Come to Him.
(This topic connects to a lot of different New Testament ideas. I will add additional article links on related topics here in the future as they get published.)
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