Does Fear Equal Reverence?

[Once4all]

It is my belief that the commonly heard "fear really means reverence" is a myth of Christianity, meant to soften (or hide) the truth.

The Greek word is phobeō / phobos (where we get "phobia") and it means to be alarmed or frightened. That is the word used in all of these verses:

(Luke 18:2 NASB) saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear (phobeō ) God and did not respect man.

(Luke 23:40 NASB) But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear (phobeō ) God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

(Acts 13:16 NASB) Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear (phobeō ) God, listen:

(Romans 3:18 NASB) "THERE IS NO FEAR (phobos) OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES."

(2 Corinthians 7:1 NASB) Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear (phobos) of God.

(1 Peter 2:17 NASB) Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear (phobeō ) God, honor the king.

(Revelation 14:7 NASB) and he said with a loud voice, "Fear (phobeō ) God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters."

(Revelation 19:5 NASB) And a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear (phobeō ) Him, the small and the great."

STRONG

G5399
φοβέω
phobeō
fob-eh'-o
From G5401; to frighten, that is, (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy to be in awe of, that is, revere: - be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.

Notice above that the meaning provided as awe or reverence is by analogy. None of the above verses are an analogy. It is special pleading to say that this one word in the sentence is meant in an analogous way.

G5401
φόβος
phobos
fob'-os
From a primary φέβομαι phebomai (to be put in fear); alarm or fright: - be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror.

[didymus]

Believe it or not, I just have a question.

Is there no reverence in fear, as you have ably defined fear?

[Morris]

I do agree that the saying "fear really means reverence" is too weak of a meaning for the fear described here. From the Strong's notes I believe that this fear is the result of an awareness; being continually alert to the majesty and character of God. This does include being in awe of Him, in my opinion.

Here's an example of what I am saying,
"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." Ex 20:20.

The fear was not to come from the "the thunder and lightning", "the trumpet and", "the mountain in smoke", it was to "be with you" as in a constant awareness of God's character, a character which is both love and judgment.

Remember that people were told, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ." (Eph 6:5). That "fear" is Strong's #5401 and sounds even harsher that the fear (#5399)we are to have of God. I don't believe this is saying we should be trembling in our boots before our 'masters'.

We are to have fear of God, just as we are to have love for God. Both this fear and this love are to be perpetual, in that they are not in reaction to things around us, but instead, are in existence because we know the character of God. As it says in 2 Cor 5:11, "Since, then, we know [#1492 being aware, having perceived] what it is to fear [#5401] the Lord".

I'll leave it at this,
"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, ... then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." Prov 2:1,5

[Once4all]

The Hebrew and Greek words that are translated "fear" have definitions. The primary definition is that of afraid, frightened, terrified, etc. Sometimes it can mean "reverence."

I see and hear pastors, preachers, other Christians today teach people that "when you read the word 'fear' in the Bible and it is referring to fearing God, it really means 'revere.'

I see that kind of statement as being very similar to the futurist who sees "soon" and thinks "two thousand years."

Just because a word has a minor, occasional meaning is no license to assume that it always has that minor meaning.

There are several examples in the Old Testament where the translators chose to translate the Hebrew word yârê' as either "fear" or "revere," showing an awareness of its different meanings. Some examples:

(Deuteronomy 6:13 NASB) "You shall fear only the LORD your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name.

(1 Samuel 12:24 NASB) "Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

(Psalms 25:14 NASB) The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.

... YET ...

(Leviticus 19:30 NASB) 'You shall keep My sabbaths and revere My sanctuary; I am the LORD.... See More

(Nehemiah 1:11 NASB) "O Lord, I beseech You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion before this man." Now I was the cupbearer to the king.

(Psalms 135:20 NASB) O house of Levi, bless the LORD; You who revere the LORD, bless the LORD.

[mellontes]

Mar 23, 2010 19:50:54 GMT -5 Once4all said:

I see that kind of statement as being very similar to the futurist who sees "soon" and thinks "two thousand years."

Hi Bev,

You finally made me do it! I have used similar expressions to your quoted portion many, many times. So, tonight (rather this morning), I looked up the word "soon," and in every occurrence (24 verses) it has nothing to do with the Parousia event or any other event futurists would consider to be 2,000 years into the future...Of course, I temper this with the fact that I only consulted the KJV...

I am curious though; if anyone can find a reference to the word "soon" that has not been added by the translators (italic text for instance), I would greatly appreciate knowing its reference and its Greek word and Strong's number (if available).

I apologize for going off topic (again).

Blessings...