Dictionary Definitions
Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Because of grace being part of the New Testament, some overlook the fact the fear of the Lord is actually part of it. Our opening passage states the churches walked in the fear of the Lord. Moreover, Isaiah prophesied Jesus would walk in the Spirit of fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:2-3 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD.
“Does that mean we are supposed to be afraid of God?” Good question. We’ll get to that in a moment. First, lets examine the textbook definition of the word, fear, then see how Scripture brings clarity in the way it is applied.
The Hebrew word is YIR’ÂH (Strong’s Concordance number 3374), which means to fear, or to reverence. Reverence is a holy fear toward God. It can also mean fear, as in terror. For example, “Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he (Jonah) fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them” (Jonah 1:10).
It can refer to the fear of God, man, things, and situations. It also takes the meaning of reverence toward God. Its usage depends on the biblical context in which it is found.
The Greek word for fear is PHOBOS (Strong’s Concordance number 5401), which comes from a primary verb that means to put in fear, or flee from. Meaning alarm, or fright. It is rendered as, “be afraid” (as well as be exceedingly afraid), “fear”, and “terror.”
It can mean fear, terror, reverence, respect, or honor. Likewise, it may indicate astonishment, or amazement. In a moral sense, it refers to reverence, respect and honor. “The fear of God,” or “The fear of the Lord” is a deep and reverential sense of accountability to God, or the Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, there is the wholesome dread of displeasing Him, or perhaps, missing Him. Intensively, it does mean fear, and trembling. Again, it’s all about context.
Should We Be Afraid of God?
How one fears God depends on his or her relationship. Let’s begin with this: if you walk in the fear of the Lord, you will not be afraid of Him. The fear of the Lord is predicated on a healthy relationship with Him, and deep reverence for Him.
1 John 4:17-19 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world. 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. We love Him, because He first loved us.
For those who were terrorized by parents, especially fathers, this concept might seem foreign. God is The Loving Father Who loved us first, which means our relationship with Him is based on love. If He wanted us to be afraid of Him, and live in terror, we would never know, nor experience love. He is Love! Your ability to love Him is proof He loves you.
We obey Him because we love Him. We are not trying to earn His love. He made us His children: not slaves to fear.
Romans 8:14-16 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
Remember, ABBA, means Daddy. We reverence ABBA, Father! Those who don’t know God would definitely be afraid of Him. But then, they don’t have a relationship with Him -yet. The Good News is they don’t have to live in bondage to fear. That’s where we come in. We can share our reason for our hope and peace.
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.
