The English word Fear or a form of fear is used in the KJV Bible over 500 times, with 18 different words in the Hebrew language being translated as fear. Clearly this is an important topic, so what does the Bible mean when it talks about fear?

First, what does the English language define fear as?

Let’s go back to the New American heritage dictionary that we have been using, fear is ascribed the following definitions:

1: a feeling of alarm or disquiet caused by the expectation of danger, pain, disaster, or the like. Terror; dread; apprehension.

2: an instance or manifestation of such a feeling.

3: a state or condition of alarm or dread.

4: extreme reverence or awe.

5: A ground for dread or apprehension.

Or also: to be in awe of; revere.

What about the 18 Hebrew words?

In every instance where God is speaking with His people and mentions fear in regards to their view of Him, the proper word would be reverence or awe, not a sense of terror or dread.

Fear, in regards to God, is not about being scared, terrified, afraid or worried, stressed or in dread of Him or His actions, but that rather we should stand in awe of Him.

Is there a place for fear? Absolutely; those who do not have a relationship with God may feel fear, but fear is not for the believer. Fear was not for the children of Israel, even those who struggled with doubt and sin, fear was for those who stood at war with God’s people, and even then it was a fear, a dread of the Israelites.

Fear of eternal damnation can lead us to seek a way out, fear of punishment, but even this fear is not fear or dread of God, but a fear of the consequences of one’s own actions and lifestyle choices.

Fear, can lead us to seek a way to avoid what we are afraid of, we should never fear God, but fear a life lived outside of or away from God, if we are to have fear let it rather be of a fear of the consequences of sin, a fear or being an enemy of God and what that will look like, but again fear has no place for the believer.

Perfect love casts out fear

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18