What the Bible says
What does the Bible say about fear?
God often tells his people “Fear not,” grounding their courage in his presence: “fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). Scripture also teaches a right fear of the Lord, a reverent awe that is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), and Jesus says to fear God rather than those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul (Matthew 10:28).
Key Bible verses about fear
- Isaiah 41:10
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them, for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
- Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
- Psalm 27:1
By David. The LORD is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
- Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
- Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
- 2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- Hebrews 13:6
So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
- Romans 8:15
For you didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
- 1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.
- Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- Matthew 10:28
Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
Scripture: World English Bible (public domain). Short quotations in the introduction are from the ESV. Read each passage in its chapter for the full context.
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