What Is the ‘Fear of the Lord’?

If we are not careful, it can be easy to misrepresent God. So often we hear people proclaim that God is a God of anger and wrath, a God who demands that we fear Him. While God does absolutely and ultimately demand that all will eventually honor and reverence Him, we need to be able to grasp what He requires of humanity now. The Bible, if carefully understood, supplies these answers. By examining what “fear of the Lord” looks like first in the Old Testament and then in the New, we can receive a clear picture of what He demands. What does this picture show us? It reveals His power, His authority and His overwhelming benevolence.

The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding the fear of the Lord. The Hebrew words for fear carry both negative and positive meanings ranging from terror to deep reverence. Israel’s experience was often physical and immediate, while Christians today apply these principles spiritually. This distinction helps us to appreciate why “fear” in Scripture can sometimes sound intimidating yet ultimately points toward a relationship grounded in respect and devotion.