You may have heard the phrase “fear of the Lord” in the Bible or at church—and maybe it left you confused or even uncomfortable. What does fear of the Lord mean? Are we supposed to be scared of God? Or is there something deeper and more life-giving behind this ancient phrase?
If you've ever felt uneasy with this idea, you're not alone. At first glance, it can sound intimidating—like a command to be afraid of the very God who’s supposed to love us. But what if this “fear” is actually a doorway to relationship, clarity, and peace with God?
Where does the phrase “fear of the Lord” come from?
The phrase “fear of the Lord” appears throughout the Bible, especially in the book of Proverbs, Psalms, and Isaiah. It’s not a throwaway line—it’s a central idea in the way God invites us to relate to him.
Take a look at these examples:
- “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7
- “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.” Psalm 111:10
- “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7
The Bible uses the word “fear” in different ways. Sometimes it really does mean terror or dread. But when it talks about the biblical fear of the Lord, it points to something richer—something rooted in reverence, awe, and love. When we understand it the way Scripture intends, we discover something beautiful: a kind of fear that draws us closer, not one that pushes us away.
It’s not about being afraid of God
If you grew up with a fear-based view of God, this idea might feel triggering. Maybe you’ve pictured him as harsh, distant, or quick to punish. That kind of fear can feel more like a weight than a gift.
But that’s not what the fear of the Lord really means.
God doesn’t want us to live in terror of him. He wants us to stand in awe of his power, but also of his goodness, mercy, and love.
“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear” 1 John 4:18
This kind of fear isn’t about being scared. It’s about being humbled by how big God is—and how much he still cares for us.
Romans 8:15 puts it plainly: “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.” That’s what God wants for you. Not a relationship built on fear, but one grounded in love and trust.
So what does "fear of the Lord” mean?
Think about standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon. You’re not scared it will hurt you. But you’re deeply aware of its size and power. You’re small, and it’s massive—and something about that makes you quiet. It makes you think. It invites you to pay attention.
That’s what fearing God is like.
The fear of the Lord is a posture of awe, reverence, and submission. It’s knowing that God is infinitely greater than we are and choosing to honor him because of it.
It’s not fear that makes you run away. It’s wonder that draws you in. It’s recognizing his holiness, his justice, and his love, and letting that shape the way you live.
The true meaning of fear of the Lord is rooted in relationship, not rules. It’s a deep respect that moves us to trust him more, not less.
Why it matters for your life today.
Maybe you're wondering, “Why does this matter for me right now?”
Because this kind of reverence changes everything.
Proverbs 9:10 says, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.” In other words, the more we stand in awe of who God is, the more clearly we see how to live. It leads to humility, wisdom, and a deeper connection with him.
When we live with a fear of the Lord, we stop putting ourselves at the center of the story.
We start seeing life through a different lens—one that leads to better decisions, healthier relationships, and a stronger sense of purpose.
And instead of feeling like a burden, it becomes something beautiful. It’s not about keeping God happy. It’s about walking closely with him because we know how worthy he is.
What if I’ve struggled with fear of God?
If the idea of fearing God has ever made you feel guilty, you’re not alone. Many of us have wrestled with this.
It’s worth saying again: God doesn’t want you to live in fear of his wrath. He wants you to live in awe of his grace. God is holy and just. But he is also kind and merciful, and he wants to be close to you.
Jesus taught us to approach God as our loving Father, not as a harsh dictator. In Matthew 6:9, he begins the Lord’s Prayer with, “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.” That sentence holds both closeness and reverence. He invites us into intimacy and respect.
And in Hebrews 4:16, we’re told we can “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy.” Fear of the Lord doesn’t mean staying far away. It means coming closer with the right heart.
Fear that frees, not fear that binds.
So, what does fear of the Lord mean? It means living in awe of who God is and letting that awe shape the way you think, speak, and live. It’s not fear that chains you up. It’s reverence that sets you free.
This kind of fear doesn’t shrink your view of God. It enlarges it. And when you see him for who he truly is, you’re not pushed away—you’re drawn closer.
God isn’t inviting you to be afraid of him. He’s inviting you to know him, trust him, and walk with him in humility and wonder. And that kind of fear? It’s not just the beginning of wisdom. It’s the beginning of a deeper, richer life with him.
-----
The idea of God being a loving, merciful God might be new to you. Here are some more Bible verses that show us God’s true character—and how it might be different than you think.
-----
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!