Biblical Answer

What is the Fear of the Lord?

The fear of the Lord is a concept that is often misunderstood. In the Bible, the Hebrew word behind the concept has overtones of respect and awe, rather than fright and dread. To fear the Lord is to be overwhelmed with wonder before the greatness of God. It is a response of our entire being, not just an intellectual understanding. The fear of the Lord is a genuine reverence for God and his sovereignty, and is foundational to other important Christian characteristics.

The Fear of the Lord in Scripture

In the Old Testament, the concept of the fear of the Lord is often associated with wisdom literature, particularly in the book of Proverbs. The phrase "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7) highlights the importance of fearing God in order to gain wisdom and understanding. This concept is also echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Psalm 111:10, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the Lord is not just about being afraid of God, but about having a deep reverence and respect for his holiness and sovereignty.

Characteristics of the Fear of the Lord

A biblical understanding of the fear of the Lord includes several key characteristics. It involves a sense of awe and wonder before God's greatness, as well as a deep reverence and respect for his holiness and sovereignty. It is a response of the entire being, not just the intellect. The fear of the Lord is also closely tied to wisdom and knowledge, and is seen as the beginning of these things in the Bible. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is about recognizing God's love and justice, and living in response to that recognition. It is not just about being afraid of God, but about having a deep and abiding respect for him.