φοβέομαι

I fear, am terrified

Definition

The Greek verb φοβέομαι (phobeomai) primarily means 'to fear' or 'to be afraid,' expressing a range from simple apprehension to profound terror, as seen when the disciples feared the storm (Matthew 8:26). It also carries the positive sense of 'to reverence' or 'to show deep respect,' especially toward God, as Jesus instructs not to fear those who kill the body but to 'fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell' (Matthew 10:28). In some contexts, it denotes a reverential awe that is the proper response to divine revelation, such as the reaction to angelic appearances (Luke 1:30).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears frequently across the New Testament, especially in the Gospels and Acts, often in narratives involving miracles, divine encounters, or teachings on discipleship. It is used both for human fear of danger or authority (e.g., Herod fearing John the Baptist, Matthew 14:5) and for the reverential fear of God that is central to wisdom and faith (e.g., Acts 9:31). A key pattern is Jesus' command 'Do not be afraid' (μὴ φοβεῖσθε) to reassure his followers, as in Matthew 14:27.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root φοβ- (phob-), meaning 'flight' or 'panic,' it is related to the noun φόβος (phobos, G5401) meaning 'fear' or 'terror.' The verb form is middle/passive, often implying a personal, reflexive experience of fear. Its meaning expanded in biblical Greek to include the positive, worshipful aspect of fear toward the divine, distinguishing it from mere terror.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the dual biblical concept of fear: the sinful fear that leads to faithlessness and the holy fear that is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Understanding φοβέομαι enriches reading by clarifying when 'fear' in English Bibles refers to dread (to be avoided) or to reverential awe (to be cultivated), a distinction crucial in passages about fearing God (1 Peter 2:17) and overcoming fear through love (1 John 4:18).

In the Greco-Roman world, fear (phobos) was often seen as a negative, destabilizing emotion. However, within Jewish and early Christian thought, 'fear of the Lord' was a positive, covenantal concept denoting loyalty, respect, and obedience to God, shaping ethical living. This cultural background helps explain the word's nuanced use in the New Testament, where it bridges human emotion and divine relationship.

φοβέω (phobeō, G5399) — identical verb form; φόβος (phobos, G5401) — the noun form meaning 'fear' or 'terror'; τρέμω (tremō, G5141) — to tremble, often with physical shaking; δειλιάω (deiliaō, G1168) — to be cowardly, implying a lack of courage.

Word Details

Scripture References