Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, "Fearers" often refers to those who possess a reverent awe and respect for God, acknowledging His power, majesty, and holiness. This concept is deeply rooted in the Scriptures and is considered a fundamental aspect of a faithful relationship with God.
Old Testament ContextThe Hebrew word often translated as "fear" is "yirah," which encompasses both the idea of terror and reverence. In the Old Testament, the fear of the Lord is frequently associated with wisdom and obedience.
Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse highlights the foundational role that the fear of the Lord plays in acquiring true understanding and living a life aligned with God's will.
The fear of God is also linked to the covenant relationship between God and His people. In
Deuteronomy 10:12 , Moses instructs the Israelites, "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." Here, fear is intertwined with love, service, and obedience, indicating a holistic devotion to God.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of fearing God continues to be significant. The Greek word "phobos" is used, which can mean fear, dread, or reverence.
Acts 10:2 describes Cornelius as "a devout man who feared God with all his household." This fear is not merely an emotional response but a lifestyle characterized by piety and devotion.
The fear of God in the New Testament is often associated with the recognition of God's authority and the believer's accountability to Him. In
Philippians 2:12 , Paul exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." This fear is not about living in terror but rather maintaining a reverent awareness of God's presence and judgment.
Fearers of God in PracticeFearers of God are those who live in a state of reverence and awe, acknowledging God's sovereignty and aligning their lives with His commandments. This fear is not paralyzing but rather empowering, leading to a life of holiness and righteousness.
Psalm 112:1 declares, "Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments."
The fear of the Lord is also a source of comfort and security.
Psalm 34:7 assures, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them." This verse emphasizes the protective and providential care that God extends to those who revere Him.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of "Fearers" underscores a profound respect and reverence for God, which is foundational to a life of faith and obedience. It is a fear that draws believers closer to God, fostering wisdom, understanding, and a deep sense of security in His presence.
Library
Christian Behavior
... a knowledge of my heart?' The usages and feelings of every part of the human family
the rich and poor outward professors or openly profane Godfearers or God...
The Sheltering Wing
... that 'there is one event to the evil and the good,' and that, in epidemics or other
widespread disasters, we all, the good and the bad, God-fearers and God...
Judaism and Heathenism in Contact.
... The half-converts, "proselytes of the gate" [90] or "fearers of God," [91] who adopted
only the monotheism, the principal moral laws, and the Messianic hopes...
John Chapter xv. 14, 15
... For just as there are two kinds of fear, which produce two classes offearers; so
there are two kinds of service, which produce two classes of servants....
The Fifth vision "On Earth"
... Exodus 1:17-21). The "fearers of God" was a title specially given to
proselytes from the Gentiles (Acts 13:16, 26). The time will...
Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... What was uttered by Jephthah regarding a vow which was unlawful, must have been
employed by thefearers of God in reference to vows of which He approved,""I...
We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which...
... judging. I find the saints andfearers of God commended for speaking often
one to another, but not at all for speaking one of another....
Mongrel Religion
... but they cannot be quite so unkind to those whom they love, and so they yield to
the influences which surround them, and become in a measurefearers of God...
Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
... His prophets, destroying His ordinances, and building up idolatry, which did so
prevail that the prophet complained that of all the truefearers and worshipers...
The Author to the Reader.
... These humblefearers may expect a safe and noble outgate; when more strong-like
and more confident adventurers shall (being left to themselves, because...
Thesaurus
Fearers (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Fearers (1 Occurrence). Psalms 22:25 Of Thee my praise
'is' in the great assembly. My vows I complete before His
fearers. (YLT).
...Fearest (10 Occurrences)
Sarai (13 Occurrences)
... declared to be the (spiritual) daughters of Sarah, who like her are adorned in
"the hidden man of the heart," and who are "doers of good" and "fearers of no...
Sarah (38 Occurrences)
... declared to be the (spiritual) daughters of Sarah, who like her are adorned in
"the hidden man of the heart," and who are "doers of good" and "fearers of no...
Feared (134 Occurrences)
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