Biblical Answer

The Bible says "do not fear" a total of 107 times in the Old Testament and 42 times in the New Testament, for a total of 149 times. This is a significant number of occurrences, indicating that the concept of fear is a central theme in Scripture. The fear referred to in these passages is not just a negative emotion, but rather a deep respect and reverence for God's power and judgment.

In many of these passages, the Bible is urging people to fear God, not to be afraid of Him. This is evident in passages such as Deuteronomy 10:12, where it says "fear the Lord your God, serve him only." The fear of the Lord is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, and it involves a deep sense of awe and reverence for God's greatness and power. This fear is not a source of dread or anxiety, but rather a source of motivation to live a life that is pleasing to God.

The Bible's repeated emphasis on "do not fear" is a reminder that God is always with us, and that we have nothing to fear when we are in His presence. In Matthew 10:26-31, Jesus reminds his disciples that they should not be afraid of those who can kill the body, but rather fear the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell. This passage emphasizes the importance of having a right perspective on fear, and reminds us that our ultimate fear should be of God's judgment, rather than the judgment of others. Ultimately, the Bible's message of "do not fear" is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to live a life that is characterized by faith and confidence in His goodness and love.