Fear of the LORD — Meaning in the Bible
Reverent awe of God that leads to trust and obedience. Proverbs calls it the beginning of knowledge and wisdom.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
Biblical "fear" of God can include awe, reverence and respect; it is often paired with trust rather than terror.
What it means
After the Red Sea the people "feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD". Proverbs calls the fear of the LORD the beginning of knowledge. Exodus 14:31Proverbs 1:7Proverbs 9:10
The midwives in Egypt feared God and saved the baby boys. Ecclesiastes ends: fear God and keep his commandments. Exodus 1:17Ecclesiastes 12:13
Key passages
- Exodus 1:15–21 — The midwives fear God.
- Psalm 111:10 — The beginning of wisdom.
- Proverbs 1:7 — The beginning of knowledge.
- Ecclesiastes 12:13 — The conclusion.