Topical Encyclopedia
The term "God-fearing" is used to describe individuals who possess a deep reverence and respect for God, characterized by a life of obedience, worship, and devotion. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is considered a fundamental aspect of a faithful believer's life.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the fear of the Lord is often associated with wisdom and understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse highlights the foundational role that reverence for God plays in acquiring true wisdom. The fear of the Lord is not merely an emotion but a profound respect that leads to righteous living.
The Hebrew word for fear, "yirah," encompasses both awe and reverence. This is evident in the lives of figures such as Abraham, who demonstrated his fear of God through obedience (
Genesis 22:12), and Job, who is described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (
Job 1:1).
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of being God-fearing continues to be significant.
Acts 10:2 describes Cornelius as "a devout man who feared God with all his household." This fear of God is linked to his piety and generosity, indicating that a God-fearing person is one who actively seeks to live out their faith through actions.
The Greek term "phobos," used in the New Testament, also conveys a sense of reverence and awe. The Apostle Paul, in
2 Corinthians 7:1 , exhorts believers to "perfect holiness in the fear of God," suggesting that the fear of God is integral to spiritual growth and sanctification.
Characteristics of a God-fearing Person1.
Obedience to God's Commands: A God-fearing individual is committed to following God's laws and commandments.
Deuteronomy 6:2 emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord to keep His statutes and commandments.
2.
Worship and Reverence: Worship is a natural expression of the fear of God.
Psalm 96:9 calls believers to "worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth."
3.
Moral Integrity: God-fearing people are characterized by their moral integrity and uprightness.
Proverbs 14:2 states, "He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the devious in his ways despises Him."
4.
Trust in God: A God-fearing person places their trust in God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness.
Psalm 115:11 encourages, "You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield."
5.
Humility: The fear of God fosters humility, as individuals recognize their dependence on Him.
Isaiah 66:2 declares, "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word."
Theological SignificanceThe fear of God is not a paralyzing dread but a profound respect that leads to a life of holiness and devotion. It is a recognition of God's majesty, power, and authority, prompting believers to live in a manner that honors Him. The God-fearing life is marked by a deep commitment to God's will, resulting in blessings and favor, as seen in
Psalm 128:1 : "Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways."
In summary, being God-fearing is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting a heart that is aligned with God's purposes and a life that seeks to glorify Him in all things.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Having a reverential and loving feeling towards God; religious.
Greek
2318. theosebes --God-fearing...God-
fearing. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: theosebes Phonetic Spelling:
(theh-os-eb-ace') Short Definition: devout, pious Definition: devout, pious
...2126. eulabes -- cautious
... Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-lab-ace') Short Definition: cautious, pious Definition:
(lit: handling well, hence) cautious, circumspect; hence:God-fearing, pious....
2152. eusebes -- pious
... pious. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: eusebes Phonetic Spelling:
(yoo-seb-ace') Short Definition: pious,God-fearing Definition: pious,God-fearing...
2316. theos -- God, a god
... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition God, a god NASB Word Usage divinely
(1), God (1267), god (6), God's (27),God-fearing (1), godly (2), godly* (1...
4576. sebo -- to worship
... Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to worship NASB Word Usage devout (1),
God-fearing (3), worship (4), worshiper (2). devout, religious....
2317. theosebeia -- fear of God
... piety. Cognate: 2317 -- properly,God-fearing (veneration); godly respect,
reverence (used only in 1 Tim 2:10). See 2318 (). Word...
Library
AGod-Fearing Jew, Therefore, Nicodemus by Name, Stood up in the...
... Part I."The Acts of Pilate. Second Greek Form. Chapter 5. AGod-fearing
Jew, therefore, Nicodemus by name, stood up in the midst?...
Even Pious andGod-Fearing Men Resist Grace.
... A Treatise on nature and grace, against pelagius; Chapter 58 [L.]"Even
Pious andGod-Fearing Men Resist Grace. Observe also what...
Then He Summoned Nicodemus and the TwelveGod-Fearing Jews...
... Part I."The Acts of Pilate. Second Greek Form. Chapter 9. Then he summoned
Nicodemus and the twelveGod-fearing Jews? Then he...
Hezekiah, the Praying King
... the crown of Judah. How much there is in a ruler's having aGod-fearing
man for a counselor and an associate! With what familiar...
The Gospel of Nicodemus.
... Chapter 5. AGod-fearing Jew, therefore, Nicodemus by name, stood up in the midst?...
Chapter 9. Then he summoned Nicodemus and the twelveGod-fearing Jews?...
Pilate Says to Jesus: Hearest Thou what These Testify against Thee...
... To these the Jews who were there present,God-fearing men, answered and said: We
say that his birth is not from sin; for we know that Joseph received into...
The Blessing and the Curse.
... righteousness. Be righteous men, and just, andGod-fearing, if you wish
to keep this land, you, and your children after you. And...
Letter Xl. St. Ambrose Begs Theodosius to Listen to Him, as He...
... He points out that Theodosius thoughGod-fearing may be led astray, and points out...
5. I know that you areGodfearing, merciful, gentle, and calm, having the...
Example.
... Do you want them to beGod-fearing, pious, consistent Christians?... What an
encouragement this is to you parents to leadGod-fearing lives!...
False Civilization
... Be that as it may, he laid his command upon his tribe, and his command was obeyed.
Of the after-history of these simpleGod-fearing folk we know very little....
Thesaurus
God-fearing (24 Occurrences)God-
fearing. God'dess,
God-
fearing. God-given . Noah Webster's Dictionary
... Multi-Version Concordance
God-
fearing (24 Occurrences).
...Fearing (107 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem of the name of Symeon, an upright and
God-fearing man, who was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy...
Cornelius (10 Occurrences)
... 2. His Character: He is described as devout andGod-fearing, ie at least, one of
those men so numerous in that effete age of decadent heathenism who...
Upright (392 Occurrences)
... Luke 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem of the name of Symeon, an upright and
God-fearing man, who was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy...
Gentiles (150 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:43 Now when the meeting was ended, a number of the Jews and of theGod-fearing
Gentiles who had become Jews, went after Paul and Barnabas: who put...
Understands (16 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 57:1 The upright man goes to his death, and no one gives a thought to it;
andgod-fearing men are taken away, and no one is troubled by it; for the...
Obeys (17 Occurrences)
... John 9:31 We know that God does not listen to bad people, but that if any one
is aGod-fearing man and obeys Him, to him He listens. (WEY)....
Offered (320 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Acts 10:2 He was religious andGod-fearing--and so
was every member of his household. He was also liberal in...
Jewish (49 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:22 Their reply was, "Cornelius, a Captain, an upright andGod-fearing man,
of whom the whole Jewish nation speaks well, has been divinely instructed by...
Liberal (11 Occurrences)
... GH Gerberding. Multi-Version Concordance Liberal (11 Occurrences). Acts 10:2 He
was religious andGod-fearing--and so was every member of his household....
Resources
How does fearing God add length to a person's life (Proverbs 10:27)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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