Fear

Across the canon

In the King James text (716 verses)

Every verse where Scripture speaks of fear, gathered by word. Quoted below: a spread across the whole canon, Old Testament and New — never more than two from any one book. The complete list is one click beneath them.

1. Genesis 3:10

   And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

   ›Commentary on Genesis 3:102 voices

   “I was afraid, because I was naked - See the immediate consequences of sin. 1. Shame, because of the ingratitude marked in the rebellion, and because that in aiming to be like God they were now sunk into a state of the greatest wretchedness. 2. Fear, because they saw they had been deceived by Satan, and were exposed to that death and punishment from which he had promised them an exemption. How worthy is it of remark that this cause continues to produce the very same effects!

   “And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden,.... The voice of thy Word, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan: this was not the true cause of his hiding himself; he had heard his voice in the garden before, when it did not strike him with terror, but gave him pleasure: and I was afraid, because I was naked.

   Everything gathered on Genesis 3:10→

   Verse page →Original language →

2. Judges 4:18

   And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle.

   ›Commentary on Judges 4:181 voice

   “Jael went out to meet Sisera - He preferred the woman’s tent because of secrecy; for, according to the etiquette of the eastern countries, no person ever intrudes into the apartments of the women. And in every dwelling the women have a separate apartment.

   Everything gathered on Judges 4:18→

   Verse page →Original language →

3. 1 Chronicles 10:4

   Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

   Verse page →Original language →

4. Proverbs 1:7

   The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

   ›Commentary on Proverbs 1:72 voices

   “It is also the beginning of good discipline, as it is written: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7); for those who fear the Lord turn away from error and direct their ways to the path of virtue. For unless someone fears God, they cannot renounce sin.

   “The beginning of wisdom is found in the temper of reverence and awe. The fear of the finite in the presence of the Infinite, of the sinful in the presence of the Holy (compare Job 42:5-6), this for the Israelite was the starting-point of all true wisdom. In the Book of Job 28:28 it appears as an oracle accompanied by the noblest poetry. In Psa 111:10 it comes as the choral close of a temple hymn. Here it is the watchword of a true ethical education. This fear has no torment, and is compatible with child-like love.

   Everything gathered on Proverbs 1:7→

   Verse page →Original language →

5. Ezekiel 1:18

   As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.

   ›Commentary on Ezekiel 1:182 voices

   “Three, however, are indicated both in the animals and in the wheels, when they stood, when they walked, when they were lifted up, which both the animals and the wheels did in common. For neither could animals that were standing walk on wheels, nor could animals walking on the ground lift themselves on wheels, but of those actions, one was rest, one was motion, and elevation.

   “As for their rings - The strakes which form the rim or periphery. They were dreadful - They were exceedingly great in their diameter, so that it was tremendous to look from the part that touched the ground to that which was opposite above. Were full of eyes - Does not this refer to the appearance of nails keeping on the spokes, or strakes or bands upon the rim?

   Everything gathered on Ezekiel 1:18→

   Verse page →Original language →

6. Micah 4:4

   But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.

   ›Commentary on Micah 4:42 voices

   “They - The redeemed of the Lord, redeemed from Babylonish captivity, the type of a greater redemption by Christ. Shall sit - That is, they shall enjoy peace, security and plenty. This was more fully made good in the gospel-days.

   “Under his vine and under his fig tree - A proverbial expression, indicative of perfect peace, security, and rural comfort. See on Isa 2:1 (note). This verse is an addition to the prophecy as it stands in Isaiah. See Clarke on Mic 4:1 (note).

   Everything gathered on Micah 4:4→

   Verse page →Original language →

7. Malachi 1:6

   A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

   ›Commentary on Malachi 1:62 voices

   “Be obedient to your bishop and obey him as your spiritual father. Sons love and slaves fear. "If I am a father," he says, "where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear?" In your case one man combines in himself many titles to your respect. He is at once monk, bishop and uncle. But the bishops also should know themselves to be priests, not lords. Let them render to the clergy the honor that is their due that the clergy may offer to them the respect which belongs to bishops.

   “O priests - Had undutifulness been found among the ignorant people, it might have been a little excusable. But you, O priests, whose business is to know me, have like Eli's sons despised me yourselves, and made others do so too.

   Everything gathered on Malachi 1:6→

   Verse page →Original language →

8. Matthew 1:20

   But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

   ›Commentary on Matthew 1:202 voices

   “In this word appeared is conveyed the power of Him that did appear, allowing Himself to be seen where and how He pleases. (in Luc. ii. 5.) Be not troubled that he calls her his wife; for she is not herein robbed of her virginity, but her wedlock is witnessed to, and the celebration of her marriage is declared.

   “For the one and the same Spirit of God, who proclaimed by the prophets what and of what sort the advent of the Lord should be, did by these elders give a just interpretation of what had been truly prophesied; and He did Himself, by the apostles, announce that the fulness of the times of the adoption had arrived, that the kingdom of heaven had drawn nigh, and that He was dwelling within those that believe on Him who was born Emmanuel of the Virgin.

   Everything gathered on Matthew 1:20→

   Verse page →Original language →

9. Romans 3:18

   There is no fear of God before their eyes.

   ›Commentary on Romans 3:182 voices

   “After these things is added: “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” If there be anyone who always thinks upon the fear of God, who inquires what pleases him and what displeases him, of such a one it is said that the fear of God is before his eyes. But he ought to be skilled and diligently instructed from the law of the Lord, lest perhaps he fear there with fear where fear will not be necessary.

   “There is no fear of God before their eyes - This completes their bad character; they are downright atheists, at least practically such. They fear not God’s judgments, although his eye is upon them in their evil ways. There is not one article of what is charged against the Jews and Gentiles here that may not be found justified by the histories of both, in the most ample manner. And what was true of them in those primitive times is true of them still.

   Everything gathered on Romans 3:18→

   Verse page →Original language →

10. Philippians 1:14

    And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

    ›Commentary on Philippians 1:141 voice

    “Waxing confident - Finding the effect produced by the public defense which the apostle made, they were greatly encouraged, and the more boldly and openly proclaimed the doctrine of Christ crucified. The word - The doctrine of Christ; several excellent MSS. and versions add, some Θεου, others Κυριου, the word of God, or the word of the Lord. This is a respectable reading, and is probably genuine.

    Everything gathered on Philippians 1:14→

    Verse page →Original language →

11. Hebrews 2:15

    And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

    ›Commentary on Hebrews 2:152 voices

    “And deliver them, as many as through fear of death were all their lifetime, till then, subject to bondage - Every man who fears death is subject to bondage; is in a slavish, uncomfortable state. And every man fears death, more or less, who knows not Christ: death is unwelcome to him, if he knows what death is.

    “And deliver them - Not all of them “in fact,” though the way is open for all. This deliverance relates: (1) To the dread of death. He came to free them from that. (2) From death itself - that is, ultimately to bring them to a world where death shall be unknown.

    Everything gathered on Hebrews 2:15→

    Verse page →Original language →

12. Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

    ›Commentary on Revelation 1:171 voice

    “And I fell at his feet as dead - Human nature not being able to sustain so glorious an appearance. Thus was he prepared (like Daniel of old, whom he peculiarly resembles) for receiving so weighty a prophecy. A great sinking of nature usually precedes a large communication of heavenly things.

    Everything gathered on Revelation 1:17→

    Verse page →Original language →

Words searched, at word start, across the King James text: fear… · afraid… · terror… · dread…

Lives that met it (7)

Curated character profiles whose own account speaks of fear.

• AbrahamFather of Faith · PatriarchalAbraham, originally Abram, was called by God to leave his homeland for an unknown land. His faith in God's impossible promises made him the father of all who believe, and through his seed all nations would be blessed.
• JacobIsrael, Prince with God · PatriarchalJacob was a supplanter transformed by grace into Israel, prince with God. His twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel, and despite his deceptions, God chose him to carry the covenant promises.
• BarnabasSon of Encouragement · New TestamentBarnabas, a Levite from Cyprus originally named Joseph, sold his property to support the early church, vouched for the newly converted Saul when others feared him, and became Paul's missionary partner before their eventual, sharp disagreement over John Mark.
• GideonMighty Warrior · JudgesGideon was a reluctant judge who defeated Midian with only 300 men, demonstrating that victory comes from God alone, not from human strength.
• Zedekiah20th and Last King of Judah · Divided KingdomThe last king of Judah, installed by Nebuchadnezzar, who repeatedly consulted Jeremiah but lacked the courage to obey him. He rebelled against Babylon, watched his sons killed before him, was blinded, and was taken to Babylon in chains as Jerusalem and the Temple burned.
• Herod the GreatKing of Judea · New TestamentThe Idumean king appointed by Rome who rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem on a grand scale, and who tried to kill the infant Jesus by ordering the slaughter of the boys of Bethlehem, the first ruler to move against the Messiah.
• ThomasThe Apostle Who Doubted, Then Believed · New TestamentThomas, also called Didymus, is remembered for doubting the other apostles' report of the resurrection until he saw and touched the risen Christ himself, then offering one of Scripture's clearest confessions: 'My Lord and my God.'