The ‘fear of God’ is a concept that encompasses a range of dynamic but interconnected meanings. The Hebrew root of the word fear literally means “flowing of the gut”—which applies to both fear and reverence. The word’s multiplicity of meaning reflects the tension of a God who is all-powerful and all-just, but also all-loving and all-good. This sense of awe encompasses a range of emotions such as wonder, amazement, gratitude, and worship. It encapsulates a profound appreciation for the magnificence and splendor of God. It is like encountering the sun, which bestows light upon the earth, yet requires cautious interaction (i.e., with sunscreen!) to prevent any potential harm.
According to some Jewish sages, the Hebrew word for fear—yirah—is related to the word for seeing—raah—due to similar spellings in Hebrew. This connection suggests that when one views life through the lens of the fear of God, that person is able to see wonder and awe in everything. In turn—everything becomes sacred. Thus, fear and trembling before the Lord is associated with inner awareness of the sanctity of life.
Many associate the fear of God with a negative connotation, as in fearing God’s judgment and punishment. However, in the story of Jesus, the totality of the fear of God is visible—encompassing both judgment and love. Christians draw near to God as the righteous judge in fear and trepidation. But they also arrive with full confidence of God’s love, as demonstrated by the cross. God is simultaneously a consuming fire and a loving counselor.
In the Hebrew Bible
In the Hebrew Bible, fear of the Lord is learned (cf. Psalm 34:11, 2 Kings 17:28). The Israelites were called to fear the Lord when they received the Law. Moses implored them, saying:
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?”
Deuteronomy 10:12-13, NKJV
Fear of the Lord is mentioned first—proving to be foundational requirement for properly serving God. It is contrasted with fear of humankind or fear of other gods. This is further evidence that part of our innate human makeup is to fear, or reverence, something or someone. God, over and over again, affirms that it is only through fear of Him, the one true God, that humanity can find life.
The wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible (Proverbs, Psalms, Job, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes) frequently emphasizes the importance of the fear of the Lord. The Scriptures state that this reverence is the foundation of wisdom and leads to a fulfilling life. Proverbs 9:10 explains, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (ESV). This verse highlights the connection between the fear of God and wisdom. The relationship between the two provides a gateway into into the divine nature of God. Wisdom obtained through the fear of the Lord allows us to know right from wrong, good from evil. It’s the very understanding that the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil purported to provide.
Ironically, the choice to eat from that tree revealed a fatal lack of fear of the Lord. By eating the fruit, both knowledge and wisdom were lost. Without the fear of the Lord, people may struggle all the more to turn away from evil and may remain in darkness.
For A Fulfilled Life
Additionally, the fear of the Lord is associated with God’s friendship and protection. Psalm 25:14 states, “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him” (ESV). Psalm 33:18 affirms that the Lord’s eye is upon those who fear Him and hope in His steadfast love. Those who reverence God receive His blessings and guidance.
Furthermore, the fear of the Lord is a source of life and longevity. When Moses gave the people God’s Law, he adjured them to heed God’s commandments; “so that you and your children and your children’s children may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long” (Deuteronomy 6:2 NRSVUE). By embracing the fear of God, individuals gain wisdom and understanding of the ways of the Lord and the world. This wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge, but a way of life rooted in the fear of God.
In the Face of Suffering
The book of Job ends with this declaration: “the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28 ESV). Job, who had faced immense trials and tribulations, recognized the importance of the fear of God. He understood that fear of the Lord is an indispensable aspect of the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life. Even in a life plagued with great suffering.
Isaiah painted the picture of a suffering servant, filled with the fear of the Lord and prophesying: “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 the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2-3 ESV). Jesus later embodied Isaiah’s prophetic description of the Suffering Servant, perfectly modeling the fear of God.
In Judaism
In Judaism, the concept of the fear of God is central to the mitzvot (commandments) and the observance of Halakha (Jewish law). Rabbi Moses Maimonides, in his famous work Mishneh Torah, outlined the 613 mitzvot found in the Torah. According to Maimonides, the fear of God is a fundamental component of the first commandment: “I am the Lord your God … you shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:2-3 ESV). The fear of God is a motivator for the observance of all the mitzvot and an essential ingredient for a meaningful relationship with God.
For Jewish mystics, the fear of God provides a way to experience the Divine presence in everyday life. King David wrote, “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8 ESV). Note the juxtaposition of reverence and fear involved in this verse. When you set the LORD before you, always, in reverence, you are not shaken by fear.
Some sages interpret this verse to mean that we should picture the Shekhinah glory (God’s visible presence) in front of us at all times. In Jewish tradition, meditative artwork called shiviti is designed to remind us that we continually stand in God’s presence. Shivitis are artistic renderings of the statement, “Know before whom you stand.” Sometimes, shivitis are performed orally, in the repetition of a particular verse of Scripture. These techniques instill within God’s people the sense that God’s glory fills the whole earth. Since each person is created in the image of God, each person on earth is a reminder of His presence
God’s presence.
In classical Jewish thought, the fear of God, or yirat HaShem, involves three distinct levels or types. The first level of fear is motivated by apprehension of consequences, or punishment, for sinful actions. This type of fear is driven by a desire for social acceptance and to avoid rejection. Such fear often leads people to value justice, not because it is inherently good, but because they fear social consequences . This first level of fear is deference to the Lord as an almighty king. It’s a kind of fear focused on punishment, or retribution, for disobedience.
The second level of fear is based on anxiety concerning the breaking of God’s law and the resulting punishment. Though there is more respect for the goodness of God’s commandments, there is also still a distinct sense of self-preservation. While some may have a genuine desire to honor God, the underlying motivation remains fear of God’s judgment. Now, God is just and does not tolerate wickedness. So those who practice evil have a genuine reason to be afraid. But this level of fear places undue emphasis on God as a judge—focused on fearing retribution for breaking the law.
The Chofetz Chaim, a book by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, warns that us that the fear of God’s punishment may deter us from sin in the short run. By it is insufficient for spiritual life, since it is based on an incomplete idea about God. Such fear sees God in terms of justice, but overlooks God as a compassionate Savior.
Awe of the Exalted
The third and highest level of fear involves a profound reverence for life. It is characterized by worshipful awareness, holy affection, and genuine communion with God’s Holy Spirit. This level of fear is linked with seeing and evidenced by a deep understanding of the presence of God in all things. It is sometimes called the “awe of the exalted.” Through it, we are able to behold God’s glory and majesty in everything. Often described as the fear of the Lord as father, it is a humble reverence that focuses on respect for God as a tender and caring dad. Love for good creates a spiritual antipathy toward evil. Conversely, hatred of evil is a way of fearing God as love draws us near to God.
Proverbs 8:13 affirms” “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil” (ESV). In this sense, fear is not the opposite of love, but a complementary emotion working in tandem with love. Fear of the Lord is not a negative emotion of dread or terror. Rather, it is a positive force helping us to understand and appreciate the greatness and majesty of God. As we respect Him, we draw closer to Him in adoration, devotion, and love.
In Christianity
Jesus taught that in order to see the Kingdom of God, humans need a spiritual rebirth (John 3:3). This new principle of life from God operates according to the law of the Spirit of life. Christians also understand awe is not an end in itself. Instead, awe is a means to wisdom; ultimately revealed in the sacrificial death of God’s Son. This act demonstrates God’s love for humanity and His rejection of evil and sin. In this way, the fear of God is not simply a feeling of awe, but a deep sense of respect and devotion. It inspires His followers to seek a deeper relationship with God and live according to His will.
Still, even for Christians, the fear of God is associated with judgment and punishment for sin. The New Testament teaches that God is a just and holy God who will judge the world in righteousness. The book of Hebrews exhorts its readers to “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV). The fear the author of Hebrews was speaking of is not a fear of punishment, but a healthy respect and reverence for the power and majesty of God. A picture of God’s righteousness and justice is a needed fire—that consumes evil and purifies good.
Grounded in Love
In Matthew 10:28, Jesus teaches “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (ESV). This warning highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and obedience. However, the fear of God is not meant to paralyze believers in terror. Instead, it should inspire them to live in accordance with God’s will and to share God’s love with others.
Despite its association with judgment and punishment, Christianity teaches that the fear of God is grounded in love. 1 John 4:18 explains “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love” (ESV). The fear of God is not a fear of punishment but a response to the love and grace of God. It is a recognition that God is the source of all life and goodness. In response, we are called to love God with reverent obedience.
Love for All Humanity
Jesus emphasized the importance of loving God and loving one’s neighbor as oneself, as the two greatest commandments (Mark 12:28-34). Jesus encouraged His followers to have a personal relationship with God as a loving Father, rather than as a scary, distant deity. He showed the breadth of God’s desire to be close to humanity by taking on human flesh. Jesus proved the lengths God will go to reconcile His relationship with people by dying on the cross.
The fear of God moves from reverence and awe to a deep sense of respect and devotion. In that movement, believers are inspired to seek a deeper relationship with God and live according to His will. This fear is rooted in the sacrificial death of God’s Son, which demonstrates God’s love for humanity and His rejection of evil. Therefore, the ultimate goal of the fear of God is to reveal the amazing love of God to humanity.
Conclusion
In Catholicism, the fear of God is linked to the sacrament of penance or reconciliation. This sacrament involves confessing one’s sins to a priest and receiving absolution. This allows the penitent believer reconciliation with God and the Church. It is also one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts enables a person to avoid doing wrong and motivates a person to do right instead. But the spiritual gift of fearing the Lord does much more. Fear of the Lord instills a sense of trust in God, wisdom in temperance, and grace in humility.
Fear of God is a complex and multifaceted concept that is present in both Judaism and Christianity. It encompasses a range of dynamic but interconnected meanings, including reverence, awe, wonder, love, and honor. Fear of God is not a fear of punishment but a healthy respect for the power and majesty of God. It is a way to cultivate a deep sense of awe and wonder in the face of the Divine mystery. In so doing, we gain wisdom and insight into the ways of God and the world.
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