What does the Bible say about fear?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers need not be ruled by fear, because the sovereign and faithful God is with them, cares for them, and has given them strength in Christ. Isaiah 41:10 and Joshua 1:9 call God’s people to courage on the basis of his presence and help. Though fear is a real human struggle, Psalms 34:4 and 56:3-4 model bringing it honestly to God and choosing trust in his word. In Christ, God gives not a spirit of fear but power, love, and self-control, as 2 Timothy 1:7 declares. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and prayerful dependence brings God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- 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.
- Psalms 34:4
I sought Yahweh, and he answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
- Joshua 1:9
Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.
- Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man proves to be a snare, But whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
- Psalms 23:1-6
[1] > Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [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. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. [6] Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in Yahweh's house forever.
- Psalms 56:3-4
[3] When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. [4] In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, don't be afraid, nor be scared of them: for Yahweh your God, he it is who does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- See COWARDICE
- Also see FEAR OF GOD, below REVERENCE REVERENCEGe 35:5 Exodus 18:21; Exodus 20:18-20; Leviticus 22:32; Deuteronomy 4:10; Deuteronomy 5:29; Deuteronomy 6:2; Deuteronomy 6:13; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 10:20; Deuteronomy 10:21; Deuteronomy 13:4; Deuteronomy 14:23
- CONSPICUOUS INSTANCES OF THOSE WHO FEARED
- Noah, in preparing the ark Hebrews 11:7
- Abraham, tested in the offering of his son Isaac Genesis 22:12
- Jacob, in the vision of the ladder, and the covenant of God Genesis 28:16; Genesis 28:17; Genesis 42:18
- The midwives of Egypt, in refusing to take the lives of the Hebrew children Exodus 1:17; Exodus 1:21
- The Egyptians, at the time of the plague of thunder and hail and fire Exodus 9:20
- The nine and one-half tribes of Israel west of the Jordan River Joshua 22:15-20
- Phinehas, in turning away the anger of God at the time of the plague Numbers 25:11
- Obadiah, in sheltering one-hundred prophets against the wrath of Jezebel 1 Kings 18:3; 1 Kings 18:4
- Jehoshaphat, in proclaiming a feast, when the land was about to be invaded by the armies of the Ammonites and Moabites 2 Chronicles 20:3
- Nehemiah, in his reform of the public administration Nehemiah 5:15
- Hanani, which qualified him to be ruler over Jerusalem Nehemiah 7:2
- Job, according to the testimony of Satan Job 1:8
- David Psalms 5:7; Psalms 119:38
- Hezekiah, in his treatment of the prophet Micah, who prophesied harm against Jerusalem Jeremiah 26:19
- Jonah, during the storm Jonah 1:9
- The Jews, in obeying the voice of the Lord Haggai 1:12
- Levi, in receiving the covenant of life and peace Haggai 1:5
- The women at the grave Matthew 28:8
- Cornelius, who revered God with all his house Acts 10:2
- See CONVICTION OF SIN
- See FAITH
- CULTIVATED Exodus 3:5; Exodus 19:12; Exodus 19:13; Hebrews 12:18-24
- GUILTY Job 5:20-25; Job 18:11; Proverbs 1:24-27; Proverbs 10:24; Daniel 5:6; James 2:19
- INSTANCES OF GUILTY FEAR
- Adam and Eve Genesis 3:8-13
- The guards at Jesus’ tomb Matthew 28:4
- Judas Matthew 27:3-5
- Demons James 2:19
- See CONVICTION, OF SIN
- A MOTIVE OF OBEDIENCE Leviticus 19:14; Leviticus 19:32; Leviticus 25:17; Leviticus 25:36; Leviticus 25:43; Numbers 32:15; Deuteronomy 6:13-15; Deuteronomy 7:4; Deuteronomy 8:5; Deuteronomy 8:6; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 10:13
- See PUNISHMENT, DESIGN OF, TO SECURE OBEDIENCE
- See REWARD, A MOTIVE FOR FAITHFULNESS
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