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33 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Bible Verses About Fear

What does the Bible say about fear?

Again and again God tells His people "fear not," and the reason is always the same: He is with them. Isaiah 41:10 promises His help, 2 Timothy 1:7 says God has not given us a spirit of fear, and 1 John 4:18 says perfect love casts out fear. The good "fear of the Lord" is reverent awe.

  1. "Fear not, for I am with you"
  2. When I am afraid, I will trust in God
  3. Jesus says, "Be not afraid"

Bible verses about fear: "Fear not, for I am with you"

The verses people reach for most when they are afraid.

6 verses

Isaiah 41:10

KJV
King James Version

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 41:10

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God is with me, so I need not be afraid: He will strengthen me, help me, and hold me up through whatever I face.

First spoken: God spoke this to Israel: "But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend" (Isaiah 41:8). The nations around were afraid and making idols (41:5-7), and God promised that Israel's enemies "shall be as nothing" (41:11-12) as He brought His people back from exile.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: This was first a promise to Israel, God's chosen servant, as He brought them home from exile. It shows that God keeps His word and stands by His people, but it was not spoken as a promise that every reader will be kept from fear, harm or hardship.

2 Timothy 1:7

KJV
King James Version

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Timothy 1:7

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise against anxiety and fear in general: fear is not from God, and believers can claim peace and a sound mind.

First spoken: Paul writes to Timothy, who was timid, from prison near the end of his life. Verse 8 follows at once: "Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner," and share in suffering for the gospel.

The early Christians: Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian both read the verse with verse 8. For Clement it is about not fearing death and not being ashamed to confess Christ. Tertullian says it means we suffer for Christ with power from love of God and a sound mind.

“For God has not given us a spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but a spirit of power and love and a sound mind. So then, he writes to Timothy, "Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner.” Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata

“For he had said before: "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. For we suffer with power from love toward God, and with a sound mind, when we suffer for our blamelessness.” Tertullian, Scorpiace

The difference: Today the verse is mostly used to claim freedom from everyday fear and worry. The early writers tie it to verse 8: it is courage to confess Christ and suffer for Him, not to be ashamed or afraid of death. (GotQuestions also notes the "fear" is timidity, which is close to their reading.)

Joshua 1:9

KJV
King James Version

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Joshua 1:9

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God is with me wherever I go, so I can face any challenge with courage, and many read it as a promise that He will give me success.

First spoken: God spoke this to Joshua after Moses died, as he was about to lead Israel across the Jordan into Canaan (Joshua 1:1-2). The verses just before tie the courage to obedience: "be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law... turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" (1:7-8).

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: This was first a promise to Joshua, for the job of leading Israel into the land, and it was tied to keeping all of God's law (verses 7-8). It shows God stands by those He sends, but it is not a promise that every reader will succeed at whatever they take on.

Deuteronomy 31:6

KJV
King James Version

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Deuteronomy 31:6

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as a promise that God is with me and will never leave me, so I can be strong and courageous in whatever I face.

First spoken: Moses spoke these words to Israel (and then to Joshua, 31:7-8) just before he died and they crossed the Jordan to fight for the land. It was a promise to that nation at a particular moment.

The early Christians: Chrysostom, preaching on Hebrews 13:5 where the New Testament repeats this promise, says it covers money and everything else, and that it comes right after the command to live without covetousness.

“That is, we should desire only what is necessary and indispensable. What then, you say, if we do not even have a supply of these? This is not possible. Indeed, it is not. For He has said, and He does not lie, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Hebrews

Where they agree: Both say God will not leave His people. The early Christians read it as a promise for Christians that goes with contentment and freedom from greed, and it was first said to Israel entering the land.

Isaiah 41:13

KJV
King James Version

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 41:13

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God holds my hand and will help me with whatever I face, so I need not fear.

First spoken: God speaks through Isaiah to Israel, called "Jacob, My servant" (41:8-9), frightened by powerful nations around them. The promise is first for Israel.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library explains this verse. It was first spoken to Israel in exile, as God's pledge to His chosen servant nation.

Isaiah 43:1

KJV
King James Version

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But now, this is what the LORD says— He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 43:1

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise: God has called me by name, I belong to Him, and I need not fear.

First spoken: God speaks to Jacob/Israel, whom He created, formed and redeemed from Egypt and will redeem again from exile (43:1-3, "when you pass through the waters").

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library comments on it. It was first God's word to the nation of Israel about being redeemed and brought home.

Bible verses about fear: When I am afraid, I will trust in God

Prayers from the Psalms for frightened hearts.

6 verses

Psalms 56:3-4

KJV
King James Version

3What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 56:3-4

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a model for facing fear and anxiety: choose to trust God and fear nothing a person can do to you.

First spoken: The heading says David wrote it when the Philistines seized him in Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15). He is surrounded by enemies who twist his words (Psalm 56:5-6) and still says he will trust God.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No early writer in our library explains it. It was first David's prayer as a captive in enemy hands, and believers since have taken it as a pattern for trusting God when afraid.

Psalms 34:4

KJV
King James Version

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 34:4

Psalms 27:1

KJV
King James Version

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread?

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 27:1

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a promise of courage and protection: with God on my side I need not fear anything or anyone.

First spoken: David wrote it while enemies and false witnesses pressed on him (Psalm 27:2-3, 12). He asks for one thing: to live in the Lord's house and see His beauty (27:4), and ends by telling us to wait on the Lord (27:14).

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No early writer in our library explains the verse as a promise of safety. Origen quotes it to show that God, the true light, enlightens the soul; it was first David's trust in the Lord while his enemies pressed on him.

Psalms 23:4

KJV
King James Version

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

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Psalms 118:6

KJV
King James Version

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 118:6

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise that because God is on my side I need not fear people or any threat, since He will protect me.

First spoken: A thanksgiving psalm of Israel after the Lord rescued the writer from enemies. Hebrews 13:6 quotes it to comfort Christians who were losing property and being mistreated.

The early Christians: Cyprian (in a book urging Christians to be ready for martyrdom) quotes it as Psalm 117 to say persecutors are not to be feared because the Lord is greater, yet he says our hope lies in the fight itself, since by it the righteous win the reward.

“And even more strongly, the Holy Spirit teaches and shows that the army of the devil is not to be feared, and that, if the enemy should declare war against us, our hope consists rather in that war itself; and that by that conflict the righteous attain the reward of the divine dwelling and eternal salvation.” Cyprian, Treatises (Exhortation to Martyrdom)

The difference: Today it is read as a promise that God keeps us from harm. Cyprian read it as a call to face suffering without fear, trusting God's help while being ready to lose everything for Christ, because that is how the faithful gain their reward.

Psalms 91:4-5

KJV
King James Version

4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

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Bible verses about fear: Jesus says, "Be not afraid"

Words of Jesus to fearful people.

6 verses

John 14:27

KJV
King James Version

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 14:27

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise of inner calm: Jesus gives a peace that the world cannot, so a believer need not be anxious or afraid.

First spoken: Said at the Last Supper, just before His arrest, to the eleven disciples who were troubled that He was leaving (14:1, 14:28-29).

The early Christians: Cyprian quotes it to call Christians to live in peace and unity with one another, and says Christ's gifts are promised through keeping that peace. Chrysostom says it is a peace with Christ that the world's troubles cannot harm, a peace in which the disciples are at peace with one another.

“Among His divine commands and saving teachings, when the Lord was very near His passion, He added this one, saying, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you," John 14:27. He gave this to us as an inheritance. He promised all the gifts and rewards He spoke of through the keeping of peace. If we are fellow heirs with Christ, let us remain in the peace of Christ.” Cyprian, Treatises

“But I give you a kind of peace in which you are at peace with one another, and this makes you stronger.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John

The difference: Today the verse is mostly taken as a calm inside the person. Chrysostom agrees it is a peace the world's troubles cannot harm, but he and Cyprian put first a peace with one another, a gift kept by those who stay united and live as peacemakers.

Matthew 14:27

KJV
King James Version

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 14:27

Mark 5:36

KJV
King James Version

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe.”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Mark 5:36

Luke 12:32

KJV
King James Version

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 12:32

Matthew 10:29-31

KJV
King James Version

29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 10:29-31

Revelation 1:17-18

KJV
King James Version

17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Revelation 1:17-18

Bible verses about fear and anxiety

Bring the worry to God in prayer.

5 verses

Philippians 4:6-7

KJV
King James Version

6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 4:6-7

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as the cure for worry: pray about everything with thanks instead of being anxious, and God's peace will guard your heart, though not always giving what you ask.

First spoken: Paul wrote this from prison to the church at Philippi, which was under pressure and had quarrels inside it (Philippians 4:2-5). Verse 5, "The Lord is at hand," comes just before it and is the reason not to worry.

The early Christians: Chrysostom reads it the same way: prayer with thanksgiving is the medicine for grief, and the Lord being near is the comfort. He adds that God's peace includes being at peace with enemies, and that it keeps us firm in the faith.

“Behold another consolation, a medicine that heals grief, and distress, and all that is painful. And what is this? Prayer, thanksgiving in all things. And so He wills that our prayers should not simply be requests, but thanksgivings too for what we have. For how should he ask for future things, who is not thankful for the past?” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

“What does “in Christ Jesus” mean? He will guard us in Him, so that you may remain firm and not fall away from His faith.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

Where they agree: Both say bring everything to God with thanks and He will guard your heart. Chrysostom also ties the peace to the Lord's nearness (judgment and reward) and to staying firm in Christ's faith, not only to feeling calm.

1 Peter 5:6-7

KJV
King James Version

6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

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Matthew 6:34

KJV
King James Version

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.[’’]

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Psalms 94:19

KJV
King James Version

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 94:19

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as a comfort for anxious people: when worries pile up, God's comfort brings joy.

First spoken: The psalmist has just said the LORD's mercy held him up when his foot slipped (verses 17-18), while wicked rulers oppressed the righteous (verses 20-21).

The early Christians: John Chrysostom (Homilies on the Statues 14) quotes the verse in its Greek form, 'In the multitude of the sorrows that I had in my heart, your comforts have refreshed my soul', after the city was frightened, and teaches that God both comforts and sometimes allows trouble to wake the careless.

“Yesterday the devil disturbed our city no little. But God also has no little comforted us again. So each one of us may rightly take up that prophetic saying: "In the multitude of the sorrows that I had in my heart, your comforts have refreshed my soul."” John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Statues

“Therefore, beloved, when you see a trial extinguished at one time and kindled again at another time, do not be cast down. Do not despair. But hold on to a favorable hope, and reason like this with yourself: God does not deliver us into the hands of our enemies because He hates us or abandons us, but because He desires to make us more earnest and more intimate with Himself.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Statues

Where they agree: Both read it as God comforting the troubled. Chrysostom adds that God may allow trials so we return to Him more earnestly, and tells people not to despair.

Psalms 46:1-2

KJV
King James Version

1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,

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Bible verses about fear: Perfect love casts out fear

Fear of people, and the love that frees us from it.

5 verses

1 John 4:18

KJV
King James Version

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 John 4:18

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used to teach that a believer who is secure in God's love has no fear of punishment or judgment, and to comfort anxious Christians that love drives out fear.

First spoken: John writes to Christians about loving one another and having confidence on the day of judgment (1 John 4:17-19). Elsewhere (1 John 3:16) he says we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

The early Christians: Tertullian, who quotes this verse three times, reads the fear as the fear that makes a Christian deny Christ under persecution, and the love as the courage to confess and suffer. Clement of Alexandria says only that love is the perfection of a believer. Tertullian says the 'punishment' of fear is hell for the one who denies; the one who is not afraid to suffer is perfect in love. Not a promise that fear of judgment is gone, but a call to love God more than life.

“What fear should we better understand here than the fear that gives rise to denial? What love does he call perfect except the love that puts fear to flight and gives courage to confess? And what penalty does he appoint as the punishment of fear except that which the one who denies is about to pay, who must be slain, body and soul, in hell?” Tertullian, Scorpiace

“He who fears to suffer cannot belong to Him who suffered. But the man who does not fear to suffer will be perfect in love—I mean, in the love of God—for perfect love casts out fear.” Tertullian, On Flight in Persecution

The difference: Today the verse is often read as a promise that a saved person need never fear judgment. Tertullian read it as John's call to love God so much that we will not deny Him even when it costs our lives, and warned that fear which leads to denial ends in hell.

Romans 8:15

KJV
King James Version

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

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Proverbs 29:25

KJV
King James Version

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

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Hebrews 13:6

KJV
King James Version

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

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1 Peter 3:14

KJV
King James Version

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”

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Bible verses about fear: The fear of the Lord

The one fear the Bible calls good: reverent awe of God.

5 verses

Proverbs 1:7

KJV
King James Version

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

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Psalms 111:10

KJV
King James Version

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

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Proverbs 14:26-27

KJV
King James Version

26In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

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Matthew 10:28

KJV
King James Version

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

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.

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Ecclesiastes 12:13

KJV
King James Version

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.

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What the first Christians said about fear

Exact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.

“He says, "Perfect love casts out fear." For the perfection of a believing person is love.”

Clement of AlexandriaFragments
Read and listen to Clement of Alexandria

The Greek and Hebrew words for fear

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about fear in the Bible

How many times does the Bible say "fear not"?

The popular claim of 365 times is not an exact count. The number changes with the translation and with which phrases you count, such as "fear not" or "be not afraid." The command runs from God's word to Abram in Genesis 15:1 to Jesus' words to John in Revelation 1:17.

Listen: Genesis 15:1 · Revelation 1:17

What does the Bible say about fear and anxiety?

Philippians 4:6-7 says to be careful for nothing, but to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving, and His peace will keep our hearts and minds. 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast all our care on Him, because He cares for us. It is also wise to talk with a pastor, a friend or a doctor.

Listen: Philippians 4:6-7 · 1 Peter 5:7

What does 2 Timothy 1:7 mean?

Paul reminds Timothy that the Spirit God gives is not one of cowardice, but of power, love and a sound mind. Timothy was not to be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul in prison, but to stand firm with God's help.

Listen: 2 Timothy 1:7-8

What does "the fear of the Lord" mean?

The fear of the Lord is reverent awe and honor toward God that leads us to obey Him. It is the beginning of wisdom and a place of strong confidence. It is different from the terror that perfect love casts out.

Listen: Proverbs 1:7 · Proverbs 14:26

Is it wrong to feel afraid?

Feeling fear is human. David prayed, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." The Bible does not shame the fearful; it invites them to bring their fear to God and trust that He is with them.

Listen: Psalms 56:3