When we hear the phrase “fear of God,” it can be easy to misunderstand it. This fear is not about terror or anxiety—it’s about deep reverence, awe, and respect for who God is. It means recognizing His holiness, power, and authority while trusting in His love and justice. The fear of God draws us closer to Him, leading to wisdom, obedience, and a life aligned with His will.
In this post, we’ll look at 35 Bible verses about the fear of God that show how this reverence leads to life, blessing, and spiritual strength. Whether you’re trying to deepen your faith or understand God’s character more fully, these Scriptures will inspire and guide your journey.
1. Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Explanation: True wisdom starts with a reverent fear of God. Those who ignore Him reject the very foundation of understanding.
2. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
Explanation: Our ultimate purpose is to fear God and follow His ways. Everything else flows from that.
3. Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Explanation: Revering God opens the door to true wisdom and deep spiritual insight.
4. Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
Explanation: Fearing God isn’t just emotional—it leads to obedient living and understanding His will.
5. Job 28:28
And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
Explanation: A heart that fears God will naturally turn away from evil. This is the essence of wisdom.
6. Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
Explanation: Honoring God brings life, protection, and spiritual vitality.
7. Psalm 34:9
Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.
Explanation: God provides for those who revere Him. Fearing Him leads to a life of abundance and contentment.
8. Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Explanation: Godly fear brings peace and spiritual safety, even in a troubled world.
9. Psalm 25:14
The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
Explanation: God draws near to those who honor Him and shares His heart with them.
10. Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Explanation: Want stability and wisdom in uncertain times? It starts with fearing God.
11. Psalm 103:11
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.
Explanation: God’s love is especially rich toward those who honor Him with reverence.
12. Proverbs 10:27
The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
Explanation: Living in reverence to God brings blessings, including life itself.
13. Psalm 147:11
The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Explanation: God takes joy in those who both revere Him and trust in His love.
14. Deuteronomy 10:12
And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him…
Explanation: Fearing God means honoring Him through obedience and humble living.
15. Proverbs 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.
Explanation: Fearing God teaches humility, and from that, true honor comes.
16. Psalm 112:1
Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.
Explanation: Reverence and obedience go hand in hand—and bring joy and blessing.
17. Acts 9:31
Then the church… was strengthened; living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit…
Explanation: The early church grew strong by living in holy fear and being led by the Spirit.
18. Nehemiah 1:11
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer… who delight in revering your name.
Explanation: God listens closely to those who genuinely revere Him.
19. Exodus 20:20
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
Explanation: Fear of God isn’t terror—it helps keep us from sin by reminding us of His holiness.
20. Psalm 33:8
Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.
Explanation: God deserves reverence from all people everywhere. He is Lord of all.
21. Malachi 3:16
Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard.
Explanation: God notices when people honor Him and draws near to those conversations.
22. Luke 1:50
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
Explanation: Fearing God brings lasting mercy and favor for future generations.
23. Hebrews 12:28
Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Explanation: Worship must be done with reverence—acknowledging God’s greatness and holiness.
24. Psalm 128:1
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.
Explanation: Blessing follows those who both honor and obey God.
25. Proverbs 8:13
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Explanation: Fearing God naturally leads us to reject what He hates.
26. Psalm 145:19
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
Explanation: God responds to those who honor Him with both help and blessing.
27. Deuteronomy 6:24
The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper…
Explanation: Fearing God is linked to obedience and brings ongoing blessing.
28. Revelation 14:7
Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.
Explanation: Even in the end times, the call remains: honor God with reverence and awe.
29. Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Explanation: A sincere desire to fear God grows out of knowing and trusting His ways.
30. Jeremiah 32:40
I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.
Explanation: God places fear in our hearts not to push us away but to keep us close to Him.
31. 2 Chronicles 19:7
Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality.
Explanation: Leaders are especially called to fear God and act with integrity.
32. Acts 10:35
But accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
Explanation: Reverence for God crosses every boundary—it’s welcome in every heart that seeks Him.
33. Isaiah 11:2-3
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him… the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord—and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
Explanation: Even Jesus delighted in fearing God. It’s part of living in the Spirit.
34. 1 Samuel 12:24
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart…
Explanation: Fearing God means faithful service, rooted in gratitude for all He’s done.
35. Proverbs 2:5
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Explanation: The fear of the Lord and knowing Him go hand in hand. One leads to the other.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Fear of God with Joy
These Bible verses about the fear of God show us that it’s not about being scared—it’s about living in awe, honor, and reverence for our Creator. When we truly fear the Lord, we walk in wisdom, turn from sin, and experience deeper joy, peace, and purpose.
Now it’s your turn. Which verse spoke to you most? Have you experienced the blessings of walking in the fear of God? Share your reflections, favorite verses, or stories in the comments. Let’s grow together in reverence and faith.