<P> The Hebrew words יִרְאַ֣ת (yir'aṯ) and יִרְאַ֣ת (p̄aḥaḏ) are most commonly used to describe fear of God / El / Yahweh . </P> <P> Bahya ibn Paquda characterized two types of fear as a lower "fear of punishment" and a higher "fear of (divine awe) glory ." Abraham ibn Daud differentiated between "fear of harm" (analogous to fear of a snake bite or a king's punishment) and "fear of greatness," analogous to respect for an exalted person, who would do us no harm . Maimonides categorized the fear of God as a positive commandment, as the feeling of human insignificance deriving from contemplation of God's "great and wonderful actions and creations ." </P> <P> According to Jerry Bridges, "There was a time when committed Christians were known as God - fearing people . This was a badge of honor ." </P> <P> From a theological perspective "fear of the Lord" encompasses more than simple fear . Robert B. Strimple says, "There is the convergence of awe, reverence, adoration, honor, worship, confidence, thankfulness, love, and, yes, fear ." In the Magnificat (Luke 1: 50) Mary declaims, "His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him ." The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18: 1 - 8) finds Jesus describing the judge as one who "...neither feared God nor cared for man ." Some translations of the Bible, such as the New International Version, sometimes replace the word "fear" with "reverence". It can also mean fear of God's judgment . </P>

Meaning of fear of god in the bible