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What does the Bible say about the fear of God?

Answered in 30 sources

The Bible teaches that there are two types of fear towards God: a holy fear that is respectful and an unhealthy, cringing fear created by sin.

The fear of God is often portrayed in Scripture as a complex emotion reflecting both reverence and dread. Healthy fear respects God's holiness and leads to obedience, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.' Meanwhile, the unhealthy, cringing fear that keeps us at a distance from God arises from our sinful nature and the belief that God is a harsh judge. This fear drives humanity away from communion with God, as illustrated in the examples of Adam hiding from God after his sin in Genesis 3:10. It is important for Christians to cultivate a healthy fear of God that leads to awe and worship, rather than a fear that drives them away from His presence.
Scripture References: Proverbs 1:7, Genesis 3:10, Romans 3:18, John 20:28, Daniel 4:34-35, Isaiah 66:2, Hebrews 12:29, Job 23:15, Isaiah 29:13, Psalm 50:21, Malachi 3:16-17, Proverbs 9:10, Romans 8:15, Psalm 65:4, Psalm 19:9, Proverbs 20:2, Matthew 10:28, Hebrews 12:28, Malachi 3:16, Proverbs 28:14, Jeremiah 32:40, Exodus 20:20, Malachi 3:16-18, Isaiah 6:5, Psalm 96:4, Hebrews 12:28-29, Isaiah 8:13-14, Psalm 111:10, Hebrews 5:7, Joshua 24:14-15, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, Micah 6:8, Luke 12:4-5, Psalm 36:1-2, Psalm 103:13, Exodus 3:6, Exodus 33:20

Sermons (22)

God Incarnate, the End of Fear!
C. H. Spurgeon · Mar 10, 2017
Have You Ever Been Afraid of God
John Chapman · Dec 9, 2017
Blessed Fear
Don Bell · Jul 26, 2024
The fear of God
Greg Elmquist · Feb 18, 2019
I Fear God
Todd Nibert · Jun 4, 2023
The Fear of a King
Chris Cunningham · Jun 23, 2024
The Fear of God
Bill McDaniel · Jan 3, 2016
Blessed Fear
Don Bell · Jan 13, 2016
Happy Fear
Marvin Stalnaker · Mar 5, 2023
An Altar of Earth & Stone
Paul Mahan · Feb 25, 2024
A most blessed blessed fear
Don Bell · Nov 17, 2021
Signs and Wonders
Don Fortner · Jul 30, 2017
What is the fear of God
Greg Elmquist · Apr 11, 2018
After The Commandments
Tim James · Jul 26, 2023
A God to be feared
Greg Elmquist · Nov 8, 2017
Warnings & Promises To Disciples
Paul Mahan · Sep 20, 2020
No Fear of God
Mike McInnis · Feb 24, 2019
Why is it?
A. W. Pink · Oct 30, 2025
Afraid to look on God
Clay Curtis · Jan 21, 2017
The necessity of fearing God
C. H. Spurgeon · Oct 8, 2025
If we set before us two people
Charles Simeon · Feb 29, 2024
If The Lord Were Pleased To Kill Us
Joe Galuszek · Mar 21, 2021

Articles (8)

No Fear Of God
Tommy Robbins · Feb 21, 2022
No Fear of God
Henry Mahan · Jan 3, 2025
Why Is It?
Arthur W. Pink · Aug 30, 2021
Sermon VII. - Mat. XVII. 5
Thomas Manton · Dec 25, 2021
No Fear!
J.C. Philpot · Apr 8, 2021
Jeremiah 32:40
J.C. Philpot · May 18, 2016
Where is the Fear of God Today?
Scott Richardson · Jul 10, 2019
Fearful Things
Philip Henry · Jun 15, 2008
Joshua

Joshua

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