What does fearing God entail?

Definition and Core Meaning

Fearing God involves reverential awe, profound respect, and obedient submission in recognition of divine holiness and authority. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that such fear is foundational to wisdom and genuine devotion. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,” (Proverbs 1:7). This concept unites respect for God’s power and a heartfelt desire to walk in His ways.

A Comprehensive Biblical Perspective

Throughout Scripture, fearing God centers on deep reverence for His sovereignty. In the Old Testament, the concept appears in passages that connect fear with obedience and covenant loyalty (see Deuteronomy 10:12). In the New Testament, it is upheld as a guide to holiness, encouraging believers to “work out [their] salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Rather than indicating terror alone, it connotes faithful devotion, moral living, and worship.

Reverence in the Old Testament

1. Obedience and Covenant: The people of Israel were commanded to fear God by honoring His statutes and keeping His Sabbaths (Leviticus 19:3). This fear reflected their covenant bond with Him.

2. Holiness of God: Encounters like Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6) instilled awe at divine purity. This event—confirmed in ancient manuscript findings such as those preserved among the Dead Sea Scrolls—shows that genuine “fear of the LORD” arises when confronted with His immeasurable holiness.

Reverence in the New Testament

1. Personal Devotion: Jesus exhorts, “Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). This highlights a sober acknowledgment of divine judgment.

2. Moral Conduct: The early church exemplified awe in Acts, where believers responded to God’s work with “fear” and godly living (Acts 2:43). Such reverence prompted ethical actions and unified worship.

Dimensions of Healthy Fear

1. Worship and Adoration: True fear of God includes earnest adoration, expressed in heartfelt praise. “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11) captures both fear and joy together.

2. Obedience and Love: Biblical fear does not exclude love. Rather, it refines love, ensuring that devotion is heartfelt. Elsewhere, Scripture reminds believers to keep God’s commandments out of love, evidence that reverent fear and loving devotion go hand in hand (1 John 5:3).

3. Humility and Dependence: Recognizing the Creator’s infinite majesty fosters humility. Archaeological evidence verifying biblical lands and narratives—from findings at sites like Jericho to preserved inscriptions referencing biblical figures—reinforces the historical trustworthiness of these lessons, encouraging humble acknowledgment of the One behind all life.

Practical Outworking

1. Ethical Living: Fearing God motivates honesty, purity, and compassion. Deuteronomy 10:20 calls Israel to “fear the LORD” and hold fast to Him, linking that fear to appropriate moral response.

2. Respect toward Others: Genuine reverence for God changes relationships, fostering kindness and fairness. Leviticus 25:17 commands believers not to wrong one another, linking that command to fearing God.

3. Wisdom and Discernment: Scripture associates the fear of God with wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This practical wisdom extends to life decisions, guiding believers to honor God rather than follow sinful impulses.

Misconceptions about Fear

1. Fear vs. Terror: Biblical fear does not reduce individuals to paralyzing dread. Rather, it moves them to worshipful submission and humble joy.

2. Legalism vs. Relationship: True fear of God is grounded in an intimate relationship with Him, not a cold, legalistic adherence to rules. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, fear conveys respect and nearness, not mere rule-keeping.

Historical and Archaeological Attestations

Evidence from ancient manuscripts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and early New Testament papyri, reflects remarkable agreement on texts about the fear of God. These sources, along with extensive manuscript documentation (over 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts alone), confirm the continuity and authenticity of messages urging reverence for God. Archaeological data—from sites confirming biblical locations to inscriptions referencing biblical figures—also underlines the credibility of Scripture. Such converging evidence further strengthens confidence that what the Bible teaches about fearing God can be trusted.

Conclusion

Fearing God encompasses awe, devotion, obedience, moral vigilance, and love. Credible manuscript evidence and historical findings confirm Scripture’s consistent call to honor the Creator wholeheartedly. While it involves an awareness of divine power, biblical fear also invites believers into reverential wonder, shaping a life marked by wisdom, worship, and daily faithfulness. Called to recognize God’s holiness and sovereignty, those who fear Him do so out of a profound awareness of His glorious majesty, which ultimately leads to abiding freedom and joy in His presence.