Fear of God

The fear of God in Scripture denotes a profound reverent awe and respect for the Lord's majesty, power, and holiness, distinct from mere terror. This theme emerges prominently in events such as the Israelites' encounter at Mount Sinai, where God's presence inspired both dread and covenant loyalty, underscoring why it matters as the starting point for wisdom and moral living. Passages like Proverbs 9:10 and Ecclesiastes 12:13 highlight its significance, portraying it as essential for knowledge, obedience, and avoiding evil. In the New Testament, it continues to shape discipleship by fostering humility and trust in God's redemptive authority.

0:00

Auto Play

Details

Category: Theology

Video from BibleProject

Holiness

God's holiness is both beautiful and dangerous. Understanding it transforms how we relate to God.

BibleProject is the author and owner of this content. To find more BibleProject resources, visit bibleproject.com. Bible Navigator is not affiliated with BibleProject.

Key Chapters

Proverbs 1 The Beginning of Knowledge 3 min read Proverbs declares that all true understanding starts with reverent awe before Go... Matthew 10 The Twelve Apostles Sent Out 6 min read Jesus redirects fear from human threats to God alone - the one who holds eternal... Psalms 19 The Heavens Declare God's Glory 2 min read David describes the fear of God as pure and permanent - unlike human fears that ... Philippians 2 The Humility of Christ 4 min read Paul balances assurance with reverence - salvation is secure yet demands serious... Ecclesiastes 12 Remember Your Creator 3 min read Solomon's conclusion after exploring all of life's pursuits - reverent obedience...

Key Passages

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge

Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs declares that all true understanding starts with reverent awe before God - without this foundation, human knowledge is ultimately directionless.

T⁷he fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Fear Him who can destroy both soul and body

Matthew 10:28-31

Jesus redirects fear from human threats to God alone - the one who holds eternal destiny deserves greater reverence than any earthly power.

A²⁸nd fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. ³⁰ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever

Psalms 19:9-11

David describes the fear of God as pure and permanent - unlike human fears that corrupt and fade, holy reverence purifies and endures.

T⁹he fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹ Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling

Philippians 2:12-13

Paul balances assurance with reverence - salvation is secure yet demands serious, awe-filled engagement because God Himself is at work within us.

W¹²herefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

¹³ For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Fear God and keep His commandments

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Solomon's conclusion after exploring all of life's pursuits - reverent obedience to God is the whole duty of humanity, the one thing that truly matters.

L¹³et us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

¹⁴ For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.