Biblical Answer

The phrase "do not fear" is used throughout the Bible to convey a message of reassurance and comfort to God's people. This phrase is often associated with the concept of the fear of the Lord, which is described as the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7). In this context, fear is not about being afraid of God, but rather about being overwhelmed with a sense of awe and reverence for His greatness.

The Bible says "do not fear" numerous times, often in response to situations where God's people are facing threats or challenges. For example, in Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, and 18, Moses encourages the Israelites not to fear as they face the challenges of entering the Promised Land. Similarly, in Isaiah 41:10, 13, 14, and 31:4, God promises to be with His people and to protect them from harm, saying "do not fear" or "fear not." This phrase is also used in many other passages, such as Jeremiah 1:8, 17:7-8, and Matthew 10:26-31.

In total, the Bible says "do not fear" at least 102 times, although the exact number may be higher depending on how one counts the different translations and variations of the phrase. This repeated emphasis on "do not fear" is a reminder that God is always with His people and that they have nothing to fear when they trust in Him. As Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear" (Matthew 6:25). Instead, we are encouraged to trust in God's provision and care for us, and to live in the knowledge that He is our rock and our salvation.