φόβος

fear, terror, reverence

Definition

The Greek word φόβος (phobos) carries a range of meanings in the New Testament, primarily centered on the concept of fear. Its most basic sense is fear, terror, or alarm in the face of a perceived threat, as seen when the disciples are terrified during the storm at sea (Mark 4:41) or when the guards at Jesus's tomb tremble with fear (Matthew 28:4). It can also refer to the object or cause of that fear. Importantly, φόβος is frequently used in a positive, reverential sense, meaning profound respect or awe directed toward God or divine authority, such as the 'fear of the Lord' that comes upon people after a miracle (Luke 1:65, 5:26).

Biblical Usage

Φόβος is used 44 times across the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation. In narrative passages like the Gospels and Acts, it often describes the immediate, startling fear experienced by people witnessing miracles or divine appearances (e.g., Luke 1:12, 2:9). In the epistles, especially Paul's writings, it is more commonly used for the reverential 'fear of the Lord' that should characterize the Christian life (e.g., 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 5:21) and for the respectful fear one should have toward governing authorities (Romans 13:7).

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb φέβομαι (phebomai), meaning 'to flee in terror' or 'to be put to flight.' This root connects the concept of fear directly to the reaction of fleeing. The noun φόβος thus encompasses both the internal feeling of dread and the external cause that provokes it. Its meaning developed in biblical Greek to include the positive, worshipful aspect of reverential awe.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the dual biblical response to God: a rightful terror at His holiness and power, and a worshipful reverence that leads to obedience. Understanding this range enriches reading, clarifying that 'the fear of the Lord' (e.g., Acts 9:31) is not about being scared of God but about holding Him in the highest awe and respect, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). It relates directly to doctrines of God's character, human response to the divine, and ethical living.

In the Greco-Roman world, φόβος was a common term for fear, including the fear of deities, which often involved superstitious dread of their capricious power. The New Testament transforms this concept, particularly in the 'fear of the Lord,' shifting it from a fear of arbitrary punishment to a reverent awe based on a relationship with a known, holy, and loving God. This was a distinct development from general cultural usage.

δέος (deos, G1167) — a more classical term for awe or dread, less common in the NT. τρόμος (tromos, G5156) — trembling or quaking, often physical terror accompanying φόβος (e.g., Philippians 2:12). εὐλάβεια (eulabeia, G2124) — cautious reverence or piety, a more specific type of reverent fear (Hebrews 5:7).

Word Details

Scripture References