What Does “Fear of the Lord” Mean?

Many believers feel confused by this phrase. Scripture says “fear of the Lord” is good—yet it also tells believers not to live in fear. So what does the Bible actually mean?

In Scripture, “fear of the Lord” most often means reverent awe—a deep seriousness about God’s holiness, goodness, authority, and truth. It is not meant to be a constant state of panic or dread.

Anchor text: fear as reverence that leads to wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs 9:10

Biblical fear here is not psychological torment. It is the beginning of wisdom because it restores reality: God is God, we are not, and His ways are good and true. This kind of “fear” produces humility, teachability, and a willingness to repent.

What “fear of the Lord” does (and does not) do

It does:

• Move you toward God with reverence and honesty
• Strengthen your conscience (you care about what is right)
• Restrain evil by reminding you that choices matter
• Produce worship, gratitude, and careful obedience

It does not:

• Keep you in constant dread of punishment
• Teach you that God teaches by terror
• Replace love with anxiety
• Make you afraid to come to God when you fail

Fear that harms is not the goal of the gospel

Some people have been trained to relate to God primarily through threat: “If you mess up, you’re done.” Scripture does not describe that as spiritual maturity.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear… fear has to do with punishment.”

1 John 4:18

John is not saying God is casual about sin. He is saying that the believer’s relationship with God is not meant to be controlled by punishment-centered fear. As love grows, that kind of fear decreases.

But didn’t Jesus say to fear?

Jesus did warn people soberly about God’s authority and judgment. His intent was not to trap tender consciences in dread, but to keep people from treating God lightly—especially while fearing human opinion more than God.

“Do not fear those who kill the body… fear him who has authority…”

Luke 12:4–5 (summary)

In context, Jesus redirects misplaced fear. He is saying, “Do not let people control you.” The fear of the Lord is moral clarity: God matters most. Truth matters. Eternity matters.

A simple way to understand it

One moves you toward God with humility. The other pushes you away from God with anxiety. Scripture calls believers toward the first and away from the second.

What to do if fear is dominating your faith

If “fear of the Lord” has come to mean constant dread for you, begin with one gentle reset: return to Jesus. The gospel calls you to repentance and obedience, but also to confidence in God’s goodness.

Ask: Am I responding to God with reverence—or reacting with panic? Reverence leads to confession and trust. Panic leads to hiding and despair.