Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of being frightened is often associated with fear, anxiety, and a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and protection. Throughout Scripture, instances of fear and being frightened are met with divine reassurance and calls to faith.
Old Testament Instances1.
Adam and Eve: The first instance of fear in the Bible occurs in
Genesis 3:10, where Adam says, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." This fear arises from disobedience and the awareness of sin, illustrating how separation from God leads to fear.
2.
Israelites at the Red Sea: In
Exodus 14:10, as Pharaoh approached, the Israelites were terrified and cried out to the LORD. Despite their fear, God delivered them, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. Moses reassures them in
Exodus 14:13, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today."
3.
Joshua's Leadership: As Joshua assumes leadership after Moses, God commands him in
Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." This highlights the importance of courage rooted in God's presence.
New Testament Instances1.
Disciples in the Storm: In
Mark 4:40, after calming the storm, Jesus asks His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" This incident underscores the call to trust in Jesus' authority over creation, even amidst life's tempests.
2.
Fear of Persecution: Jesus addresses the fear of persecution in
Matthew 10:28, saying, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Here, Jesus redirects fear from earthly threats to a reverent fear of God.
3.
Paul's Encouragement: In
2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." This verse emphasizes that fear is not from God, and believers are equipped with His Spirit to overcome it.
Divine ReassuranceThroughout Scripture, God consistently reassures His people not to be frightened.
Isaiah 41:10 offers comfort: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This promise of divine presence and support is a recurring theme.
Fear of the LordWhile being frightened is often portrayed negatively, the Bible distinguishes between worldly fear and the "fear of the LORD," which is the beginning of wisdom (
Proverbs 9:10). This reverential awe leads to obedience and trust in God, contrasting with the paralyzing fear that comes from a lack of faith.
ConclusionIn summary, the Bible addresses the human experience of being frightened by encouraging trust in God's power and presence. Believers are called to replace fear with faith, relying on God's promises and the assurance of His constant companionship.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp.) of Frighten.
Greek
4426. pturo -- to befrightened... to be
frightened. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: pturo Phonetic Spelling:
(ptoo'-ro) Short Definition: I frighten, terrify Definition: I frighten, terrify
...1630. ekphobos -- terrified
... 1630 (an adjective, derived from 1537 , "wholly ," intensifying 5401 , "fear") --
properly, whollyfrightened (literally of one's wits), ie with the outcome of...
5399. phobeo -- to put to flight, to terrify, frighten
... to terrify, frighten NASB Word Usage afraid (39), am afraid (2), awestruck (1),
fear (27), feared (5), fearful (2), fearing (6), fears (2),frightened (7), have...
2360. throeo -- to be troubled
... ie (, ). Word Origin from throos (a noise, tumult) Definition to be troubled
NASB Word Usage disturbed (1),frightened (2). trouble....
1719. emphobos -- terrible, in fear (used of godly fear)
... Word Origin from en and phobos Definition terrible, in fear (used of godly fear)
NASB Word Usagefrightened (2), much alarmed (1), terrified (2)....
Strong's Hebrew
3372a. yare -- to fear... root Definition to fear NASB Word Usage afraid (100), awesome (21), awesome acts
(1), awesome things (4), became afraid (1), became...
frightened (2), become
...1089. balah -- to be troubled
... to be troubled. Transliteration: balah Phonetic Spelling: (baw-lah') Short Definition:
frightened.... root Definition to be troubled NASB Word Usagefrightened (1)....
1204. baath -- to fall upon, startle, terrify
... root Definition to fall upon, startle, terrify NASB Word Usage frighten (1),frightened
(1), overwhelmed (1), overwhelms (1), terrified (3), terrify (7...
Library
God's Care Over Me
... The gentle horse on which the girls were riding becamefrightened, jumped
to one side, and both girls fell off into the mud. The...
Two Ways of Seeing
... great? Joshua and Caleb, however, were not to befrightened by the stories that
the others told.... giants. The two were not at allfrightened....
Augustin a Priest
... proud of him. It will be remembered what words he used to speak of this
youthful genius, whose precocityfrightened him. Little by...
Mr. ...
... "What did the boy and girl want with you, Diamond?" I asked. "They had seen a creature
thatfrightened them.".... "Yes, but they werefrightened at it."....
Jesus Calms the Tempest.
... apparently in great danger. The disciples werefrightened, but Jesus was
asleep and the storm did not disturb Him. As it grew worse...
Events During the War
... wife of our nearest neighbor on the east, who lived but a short distance from the
camp, thinking that they were planting a cannon, becamefrightened and came...
The Story of the Grapes from Canaan
... And the people, who had journeyed all the way through the wilderness to find this
very land, were sofrightened by the words of the ten spies that now, on the...
The Young Martyr
... FAINTER]. They threatened to duck him, for these wicked big boys had often
frightened little boys into robbing gardens for them....
Wellington and the Soldier
... He knows the danger, and yet he faces it." Another story is told of a soldier who
was making fun of a second who was badlyfrightened just before battle....
What to do with the Devil
... Do not befrightened at his roaring.... If you becomefrightened this way in spiritual
things, you may look upon it as only a childish habit....
Thesaurus
Frightened (38 Occurrences)...Frightened (38 Occurrences).
... Matthew 14:30 But when he felt the wind he grew
frightened,
and beginning to sink he cried out, "Master, save me." (WEY NAS).
...Fearful (73 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Full of fear, apprehension, or alarm; afraid;frightened. 2. (a.)
inclined to fear; easilyfrightened; without courage; timid....
Horror (51 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Job 18:20 Those who come after shall be astonished at his day, as
those who went before werefrightened.... Horror hasfrightened me....
Frighten (15 Occurrences)
Needy (83 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:4 He, fastening his eyes on him, and beingfrightened, said, "What is it,
Lord?" He said to him, "Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up...
Unseen (18 Occurrences)
... (WEY RSV). Hebrews 11:27 Through faith he left Egypt, not beingfrightened by the
king's anger; for he held on his course as seeing the unseen One....
Oppose (29 Occurrences)
... Philippians 1:28 and notfrightened in anything by the opposers, which is to them
a demonstration of destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God...
Opposers (3 Occurrences)
... Philippians 1:28 and notfrightened in anything by the opposers, which is to them
a demonstration of destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God; (DBY...
Learnt (12 Occurrences)
... left him. And the Tribune, too, wasfrightened when he learnt that Paul was
a Roman citizen, for he had had him bound. (WEY). Romans...
Grew (133 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV DBY RSV NIV). Matthew 14:30 But when he felt the wind he grewfrightened,
and beginning to sink he cried out, "Master, save me." (WEY)....
Resources
Why did Moses have to wear a veil? | GotQuestions.orgWho is Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy can't I stop sinning? Please help! | GotQuestions.orgFrightened: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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