Well, let's look at some of the many passages in the Bible and see if we can determine for ourselves what it means when the Bible says to "fear the Lord".
But, before we begin, you are probably wondering which Hebrew and
Well, let's look at some of the many passages in the Bible and see if we can determine for ourselves what it means when the Bible says to "fear the Lord".
But, before we begin, you are probably wondering which Hebrew and Greek words were actually used in these passages and what they meant.
And, since you may or may not have access to the 'word tools' for looking up these words, let me briefly summarize the words used for "fear" and their meanings.
In The Old Testament, the Hebrew words most frequently used for FEAR were Strong's numbers 3372 YARE (a verb), 3373 YARE (adjective), and 3374 YIRAH (a noun). Obviously these three words are closely related as you can tell by their number sequences and the actual words. The definitions of these 3 related words are, therefore, obviously similar.
According to the Nelson's Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament, YARE (3372) means "to be afraid, stand in awe, fear." This word, and it's'relatives', YARE and YIRAH, when speaking of the psychological reaction of fear can mean being afraid of someone or something. When these words are used to refer to a person of exalted position (such as God), these words connote "standing in awe". This "awe is not simple fear, but reverence, whereby an individual recognizes the power and position of the individual revered and renders him proper respect.... It may (also) imply submission to a proper ethical relationship to God"
Several other Hebrew words for "Fear" are also used in the Bible including ARATS (6206), GUWR (1481), and PACHAD (6242, 6243). These also have generally the same two types of meanings we just mentioned concerning YARE and YIRAH, so I won't give you those meanings. But, if you want to look them up, you may.
The GREEK words most frequently used for FEAR were the noun PHOBOS (5401) and the verb PHOBEO (5399). Again, since these words are obviously related, their definitions are similar so I will only give you one. You are smart students and can figure out the meaning of the other.
The definition of PHOBOS, the noun, according to the Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words by W.E. Vines is: "Phobos (5401) first had the meaning of 'flight', that which is caused by being scared; then, 'that which may cause flight;...". It can also mean "reverential fear of God, as a controlling motive of the life, in matters spiritual and moral, not a mere 'fear' of His power and righteous retribution, but a wholesome dread of displeasing Him, a 'fear' which banishes the terror that shrinks from His presence...and which influences the disposition and attitude of one whose circumstances are guided by trust in God,... the reverential 'fear' of God will inspire a constant carefulness in dealing with others in His fear...."
OK, now you have the 'big picture' of what the word FEAR means. Now let's look at some scriptures and see how these words were used and what these passages teach us about God and what our response to Him should be. Are we supposed to be terrified of Him and cower in His presence? Or are we to worship Him and hold Him in reverential awe? Well let's find out!
So, as we decide this, and, as you read the following scriptures, you guessed it, it is time for an assignment!
This is what you are to do. As you read the following passages,
circle every occurrence of the word FEAR. Think about what you are reading
and determine whether the use of the word, FEAR (AFRAID, FEARED, FEAREST, FEARETH,
FEARING, etc), in each passage is a "BE AFRAID" type of fear or
if it is referring to the "WORSHIP, BE IN REVERENCE AND AWE" type of
fear. When you have decided which usage is being used, write it in the
margin to the left of the verse. I will do the first 2 or 3 for you as an
example in the list below.
BE AFRAID.....Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.Gen 15:1
In this verse, I would circle the word "afraid" and write BE AFRAID in the left margin.
WORSHIP.............Abraham replied, "I said to myself, there is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife." Gen 20: