The term "awe-stricken" refers to a profound sense of reverence, wonder, or fear, often in response to the divine presence or actions of God. This state of being is frequently depicted in the Bible as a natural human reaction to the majesty and holiness of God, His miraculous works, and His divine revelations.

Biblical Instances of Awe

1. Theophanies and Divine Encounters: Throughout Scripture, individuals who encounter God or His messengers often experience awe. For example, when Moses encounters God in the burning bush, he is instructed to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). This encounter leaves Moses in a state of reverence and fear, recognizing the holiness of God.

2. Miraculous Events: The miracles performed by Jesus during His earthly ministry often left onlookers awe-stricken. In the Gospel of Mark, after Jesus calms the storm, the disciples are filled with great fear and say to one another, "Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (Mark 4:41). Their reaction underscores the divine authority and power of Jesus, evoking a sense of awe.

3. Visions and Revelations: Prophets who receive visions from God often describe their experiences with language that conveys awe. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet sees the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the seraphim call out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). Isaiah's response is one of awe and humility, recognizing his own unworthiness in the presence of divine holiness.

4. Judgment and Deliverance: The awe of God is also evident in His acts of judgment and deliverance. The Israelites, after witnessing the parting of the Red Sea and their subsequent deliverance from the Egyptians, feared the LORD and believed in Him and His servant Moses (Exodus 14:31). This fear is not merely terror but a reverent acknowledgment of God's power and faithfulness.

Theological Significance

Awe is a fundamental aspect of the biblical understanding of the fear of the Lord. It is not simply fear in the sense of being afraid, but a deep respect and reverence for God's majesty and authority. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . This fear, or awe, is foundational to a proper relationship with God, leading to wisdom and understanding.

Awe in Worship

The response of being awe-stricken is integral to worship. The Psalms frequently call the faithful to worship the Lord with reverence and awe. Psalm 33:8 declares, "Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him" . Worship that is rooted in awe acknowledges God's greatness and our dependence on Him.

Conclusion

In summary, being awe-stricken is a biblically grounded response to the presence and works of God. It encompasses reverence, wonder, and a recognition of God's holiness and power. This response is essential for a proper understanding of the fear of the Lord and is central to the life of worship and faith.(a.) Awe-struck.

At the Jordan Cont.
... And Who is this, upon Whom, while John is but an awestricken beholder, the Spirit
of God descends in all completeness, a living organic unity, like a dove? ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 7-11 at the jordan 2.htm

Alone.
... The strain of spirit is so great that the life tether almost slips its hold.
And angels come, with awe stricken faces, to minister. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/alone.htm

A New Morning.
... To these awe-stricken women this angel being quietly said, "Do not be afraid. I
know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/a new morning.htm

Characteristics of the Twelve
... well-meaning absurdity as to prove itself, for who could have invented it?), he
ventured into the empty sepulcher while John stood awe-stricken at the portal ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 14-19 characteristics of the.htm

The Indwelling and Outgoing Works of God.
... storm has raged at sea, and the fate of the absent fishing-smacks that are expected
to return with the tide is uncertain, a fisherman's awe-stricken wife sits ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/iii the indwelling and outgoing.htm

Ministry
... they could not.". Jesus looked about Him upon the awe-stricken multitude,
the caviling scribes, the perplexed disciples. He read ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 47 ministry.htm

"To My Father, and Your Father"
... attraction. As He passed upward, the awe-stricken disciples looked with
straining eyes for the last glimpse of their ascending Lord. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 87 to my father.htm

Vision and SerVice
... he might not be seen' and we may add, 'with two he stood ready for service, by flight
whithersoever the King would send.' Such awe-stricken reverence, such ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/vision and service.htm

The New Nature
... Into this, no man may idly pry, and Science herself, when she has dared to look
within the veil, has turned back awestricken, from those "lower parts of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the new nature.htm

Healing and Service
... What a lovely, glad, awe-stricken meal that would be, to which they all sat down
in Simon's house, on that Sabbath night, as the sun was setting! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/healing and service.htm

Awe-stricken (1 Occurrence)
Awe-stricken. Awesome, Awe-stricken. Awestruck . Noah Webster's Dictionary
(a.) Awe-struck. Multi-Version Concordance Awe-stricken (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/awe-stricken.htm - 6k

Awesome (47 Occurrences)

/a/awesome.htm - 20k

Quietly (30 Occurrences)
... 5:15 and when they came to Jesus, they beheld the demoniac quietly seated, clothed
and of sane mind--the man who had had the legion; and they were awe-stricken...
/q/quietly.htm - 16k

Beheld (95 Occurrences)
... 5:15 and when they came to Jesus, they beheld the demoniac quietly seated, clothed
and of sane mind--the man who had had the legion; and they were awe-stricken...
/b/beheld.htm - 33k

Awestruck (1 Occurrence)

/a/awestruck.htm - 6k

Peter (181 Occurrences)
... The awe-stricken disciple cast himself at the feet of Jesus, crying, "Depart from
me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord" (Luke 5:8). Jesus addressed him with the ...
/p/peter.htm - 101k

Sane (2 Occurrences)
... 5:15 and when they came to Jesus, they beheld the demoniac quietly seated, clothed
and of sane mind--the man who had had the legion; and they were awe-stricken...
/s/sane.htm - 7k

Seated (252 Occurrences)
... 5:15 and when they came to Jesus, they beheld the demoniac quietly seated, clothed
and of sane mind--the man who had had the legion; and they were awe-stricken...
/s/seated.htm - 35k

Demoniac (7 Occurrences)
... 5:15 and when they came to Jesus, they beheld the demoniac quietly seated, clothed
and of sane mind--the man who had had the legion; and they were awe-stricken...
/d/demoniac.htm - 26k

What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org

How should a believer respond to the characteristics of God? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus