📖 How Many Times Is “Fear of the Lord” Mentioned?

The exact phrase “fear of the Lord” appears about 25–30 times in most Bible translations (Old and New Testament combined), depending on the translation you use (e.g., NKJV, NASB).  

In addition, the Bible uses many related phrases like “fear God,” “fear the LORD,” “fear Him,” “fear Him who can destroy body and soul,” etc. If you count all these, references to fearing God/LORD are found well over 100 times throughout Scripture in contexts that point to reverence, obedience, wisdom, and awe of God.  

⸻

📜 Key Bible Verses About the Fear of the Lord

Here are important verses where this concept is clearly taught:

Old Testament

1. Job 28:28 (ESV)

“And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’”  

2. Psalm 111:10 (ESV)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.”  

3. Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  

4. Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”  

5. Proverbs 14:27 (ESV)

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”  

6. Proverbs 19:23 (ESV)

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied.”  

7. Isaiah 33:6 (ESV)

“…the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.”  

8. Psalm 19:9 (ESV)

“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.”  

New Testament

9. Acts 9:31 (ESV)

“…walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.”  

10. Matthew 10:28 (ESV)

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”  

⸻

🧠 What Fear of the Lord Really Means

The Bible’s fear of the Lord is not about terror or fear like being scared of danger — rather it’s:

❤️ Awe and Reverence

It’s recognizing God’s holiness, power, righteousness, justice, and glory.

🔥 Respect That Leads to Obedience

It causes us to turn from sin, obey His commandments, and live in a way that honors Him.  

🧠 Beginning of Wisdom & Knowledge

Scripture repeatedly says that fearing the Lord is the starting point of true wisdom, understanding, and life (e.g., Proverbs and Psalms above).  

✨ Healthy Fear + Love

God is love — and in the New Testament we are told that perfect love casts out fear of punishment, but a right awe of God remains as respect and devotion (cf. 1 John 4:18).  

⸻

🙏 Why We Need the Fear of the Lord

⭐ It protects us from sin

Because we know God sees and judges all.

⭐ It brings wisdom and direction

Without fear of the Lord, our choices are foolish (Proverbs 1:7).  

⭐ It draws us closer to God

Walking in reverence helps deepen our relationship with Him.

⭐ It gives life and blessing

The fear of the Lord leads to life and satisfaction (Proverbs 19:23).  

⸻

🙏 Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father Jesus,

We praise You — You are holy, just, loving, and all-powerful. Thank You for revealing Yourself in Scripture and inviting us into a right and reverent relationship with You.

Lord, give us a holy fear of You — not a fear that paralyzes, but one that draws us closer, steers us from sin, and fills us with awe and reverence. Make us wise in Your ways, humble in our hearts, obedient in our walk, and strong in faith.

Help us to honor You in all we do, to love others as You love us, and to grow in wisdom each day. May the fear of the Lord be alive in our hearts — guiding, safeguarding, and transforming us into Your likeness.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior — Amen! 🙌

Mercy and Truth,

T