What does it mean to fear God?
The Bible says to fear God, but it also says God is love. So are we supposed to be scared of Him?
Fearing God means having deep awe, reverence and respect for Him: taking Him seriously as the holy, all-powerful God He is, and living in a way that honors Him. It is not the terror of a child afraid of being hurt. It is the reverence of a child who loves their father too much to dishonor him. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). When you fear God rightly, you stop fearing everything else, because you know who is really in charge.
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The midwives feared God more than Pharaoh
Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the world, ordered two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every baby boy born to the Hebrews. “The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live” (Exodus 1:15–17). God blessed them and gave them families of their own (Exodus 1:20–21). Because they feared God, they weren’t afraid of a king.
What the fear of God looks like
Awe at His greatness and holiness (Isaiah 6:1–5). Hating evil (Proverbs 8:13). Obeying Him even when no one is watching. Humility. Worship that is serious and joyful at the same time.
Fear and love together
For believers, the fear of God is not dread of punishment: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). Jesus took the punishment. What remains is wonder and reverence for a God this great who loves us this much.
What it does for you
It brings wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), protection (Psalm 34:7), confidence (Proverbs 14:26) and life (Proverbs 14:27). “Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
What the Bible says
- 01
The beginning of wisdom.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 - 02
The midwives.
“Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live. So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.” So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.”
Exodus 1:15–21 - 03
Good understanding.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!”
Psalm 111:10 - 04
Fear Him, not men.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Matthew 10:28 - 05
Perfect love.
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.”
1 John 4:18 - 06
The whole duty of man.
“When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Read Isaiah 6:1–8 slowly. Then spend five minutes in silence, thinking about how holy God is and how much He loves you.
Common questions
Should Christians be afraid of God?
Not afraid of being rejected, if you belong to Jesus. But we take Him seriously, with awe and reverence.
Is fearing God the same as respecting Him?
It includes respect, but it’s deeper: wonder at His holiness and power.
Why does Jesus say to fear God?
Because He alone holds eternal life and death (Matthew 10:28). Fearing Him rightly frees you from fearing people.
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