Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the concept of being "fearful" is often addressed in the context of faith, trust in God, and the human response to divine presence or circumstances. The term "fearful" can denote both a reverent awe of God and a lack of faith or courage in the face of challenges.Fear of the Lord The Bible frequently speaks of the "fear of the Lord" as a positive and necessary attitude for believers. This type of fear is not about being afraid of God in a negative sense but rather having a deep respect, reverence, and awe for His majesty and holiness. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is foundational for a life of wisdom and righteousness, guiding believers to live in accordance with God's will. Fear in the Face of Challenges Conversely, the Bible also addresses the human tendency to be fearful in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties. This type of fear is often depicted as a lack of trust in God's power and provision. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently admonishes His disciples to have faith rather than fear. In Matthew 8:26, during the storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asks, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" before calming the storm, demonstrating His authority over nature and encouraging trust in His divine power. Fear and Faith The relationship between fear and faith is a recurring theme in Scripture. In Isaiah 41:10, God reassures His people, saying, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This promise highlights the assurance that God's presence and support are available to those who trust in Him, providing a remedy for fear. Fear of Judgment The Bible also speaks of a fear related to judgment and the consequences of sin. In Revelation 21:8, the "fearful" or "cowardly" are listed among those who will face the second death, indicating that a persistent state of fearfulness, particularly in the context of denying faith or failing to stand firm in the truth, is incompatible with the life of a believer. This serves as a warning to remain steadfast and courageous in one's faith. Encouragement to Overcome Fear Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to overcome fear through reliance on God's promises and presence. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." This verse underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to live boldly and confidently. Conclusion The biblical perspective on fear encompasses both a reverent awe of God and a call to trust Him in all circumstances. While fear can be a natural human response, Scripture consistently encourages believers to replace fear with faith, relying on God's strength and promises to navigate life's challenges. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Full of fear, apprehension, or alarm; afraid; frightened.2. (a.) inclined to fear; easily frightened; without courage; timid. 3. (a.) Indicating, or caused by, fear. 4. (a.) Inspiring fear or awe; exciting apprehension or terror; terrible; frightful; dreadful. Greek 5398. phoberos -- fearful ... fearful. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: phoberos Phonetic Spelling: (fob-er-os') Short Definition: fearful, dreadful Definition: fearful, dreadful ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5398.htm - 6k 1169. deilos -- cowardly, fearful 1174. deisidaimonesteros -- very fearful of gods, religious ... 1168. deiliao -- to be cowardly 5400. phobetron -- a (cause of) terror 1630. ekphobos -- terrified 5401. phobos -- panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror 5399. phobeo -- to put to flight, to terrify, frighten 1170. deina -- a certain one Strong's Hebrew 3373. yare -- afraid, fearful... yare. 3374 . afraid, fearful. Transliteration: yare Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-ray') Short Definition: afraid. Word Origin the same as yare, qv. afraid, fearful ... /hebrew/3373.htm - 5k 3372a. yare -- to fear 4116. mahar -- to hasten 7480. Reelayah -- companion of Zerubbabel 6184. arits -- awe-inspiring, terror-striking 3016. yagor -- fearing 3376. Yiriyyah -- "Yah sees," an Israelite of Jeremiah's time 4172. mora -- a fear, terror 2730. chared -- trembling 3372. yare' -- to fear Library Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. And He Said unto Them, Why are Ye ... Great is the Power of Memory, a Fearful Thing... Petilianus Said: "Paul Also, the Apostle, Whilst He was Suffering ... Hebrews x. 26, 27 The Peace-Bringer in the Natural World Christ or Satan. On Repentance and Remission of Sins, and Concerning the Adversary. Of the Lord's Crossing the Lake on that Occasion on which He Slept ... For I Will Now Return, after a Sort of Digression, to the Point I ... The Stichera of the Last Kiss. Thesaurus Fearful (73 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Fearful (73 Occurrences). ... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? ... /f/fearful.htm - 28k Feareth (36 Occurrences) Floods (37 Occurrences) Fearfully (4 Occurrences) Terrible (90 Occurrences) Terrifying (10 Occurrences) Dreadful (23 Occurrences) Blackness (13 Occurrences) Awesome (47 Occurrences) Trembling (72 Occurrences) Resources Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about cowardice or being a coward? | GotQuestions.org What is the key to not being afraid according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Fearful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fearful (73 Occurrences)Matthew 8:26 Mark 4:40 Mark 10:32 Luke 8:25 Luke 21:11 John 14:27 1 Timothy 5:20 Hebrews 10:27 Hebrews 10:31 Hebrews 12:21 Revelation 16:21 Revelation 21:8 Genesis 28:17 Exodus 15:11 Exodus 34:10 Leviticus 26:36 Deuteronomy 1:19 Deuteronomy 7:21 Deuteronomy 10:17 Deuteronomy 10:21 Deuteronomy 20:8 Deuteronomy 28:58 Deuteronomy 32:24 Judges 7:3 Judges 13:6 2 Samuel 7:23 1 Chronicles 16:25 1 Chronicles 17:21 Nehemiah 1:5 Nehemiah 4:14 Nehemiah 9:32 Job 15:21 Job 32:6 Job 37:22 Psalms 45:4 Psalms 47:2 Psalms 65:5 Psalms 66:3 Psalms 66:5 Psalms 68:35 Psalms 76:7 Psalms 76:11 Psalms 76:12 Psalms 89:7 Psalms 96:4 Psalms 99:3 Psalms 106:22 Psalms 111:9 Psalms 139:14 Psalms 145:6 Isaiah 8:12 Isaiah 8:22 Isaiah 18:2 Isaiah 18:7 Isaiah 21:1 Isaiah 29:23 Isaiah 35:4 Isaiah 57:11 Isaiah 64:3 Jeremiah 51:46 Ezekiel 1:18 Ezekiel 1:22 Daniel 4:5 Daniel 7:7 Daniel 7:19 Daniel 8:24 Daniel 9:4 Joel 2:11 Joel 2:31 Micah 7:17 Habakkuk 1:7 Zephaniah 2:11 Malachi 4:5 Subtopics Related Terms |