φοβέω (phobeō)
phobeō
to fear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 92 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phobeō describes a state of being seized by fear or alarm, often triggered by sudden events or overwhelming power. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where people react to divine manifestations or dangerous circumstances. For instance, angels use it to calm those startled by heavenly appearances, as when they tell Mary not to be afraid (Luke 1:13) and later instruct the women at the tomb (Matthew 28:5). The word captures a visceral reaction to the unknown or the sublime.
Its range extends beyond simple panic to include reverential awe toward God. This dual nature allows it to describe both human terror and holy respect. Believers are called to fear God with reverence (Luke 1:50; Acts 10:2), a posture distinct from the dread of persecution or natural disaster. The sources note this usage in phrases like "those who fear God," identifying them as those who live in deference to divine authority.
A key feature is its connection to the root phobos, linking the emotional state to its source. Translators often render it as "fear" or "be afraid," though the Greek implies a deeper recognition of power. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus uses it to contrast earthly threats with the ultimate authority of God, urging followers not to fear those who can only harm the body but rather to revere the one who holds eternal judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter the unknown or face overwhelming power, our natural instinct is often fear. The Greek word phobeō captures this visceral reaction, whether it is the terror of a storm, the shock of a divine appearance, or the anxiety of human judgment. It reminds us that fear is a common human experience, one even Jesus’ closest followers knew well when they saw Him walk on water or witnessed the Transfiguration.
Yet Scripture offers a different direction for this emotion. Rather than leaving us in panic, God frequently meets our fear with reassurance. In moments of crisis, angels and Jesus Himself say, “Do not be afraid,” inviting us to look beyond our circumstances to His presence. This command is not a dismissal of our feelings but an invitation to trust the One who holds all power.
Ultimately, this word points us toward a healthy reverence for God. While we are called not to fear human threats or earthly dangers, we are encouraged to “fear” the Lord with awe and respect. This means recognizing His supreme authority and living in deference to Him. It is a posture of love and honor that brings peace, replacing our anxiety with confidence in His care and ultimate judgment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 92 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fearing11×
- do fear10×
- they feared6×
- do fear;6×
- they were afraid5×
- do fear.5×
- do fear,4×
- they were afraid of3×
- I fear3×
- they were afraid.2×
- he was afraid2×
- having feared2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐφοβήθησαν11×
- ἐφοβοῦντο9×
- φοβούμενος6×
- φοβοῦ5×
- ἐφοβήθη4×
- φοβοῦμαι4×
- φοβοῦ·4×
- φοβούμενοι4×
- φοβεῖσθε·4×
- ἐφοβήθησαν.3×
- φοβοῦ,3×
- φοβηθῆτε3×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:28
Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
Jesus contrasts earthly threats with divine authority, urging believers to revere God rather than fear those who can only harm the body.
-
Mark 5:36
But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”
In a moment of tragic news, Jesus replaces fear with faith by telling the synagogue leader to simply believe.
-
Matthew 28:5
The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
An angel calms the women at the empty tomb by connecting the removal of fear to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between being afraid and fearing God?
Why do angels say 'do not be afraid' so often?
How should I respond when I feel fear in my daily life?
Every Occurrence (92 verses across 14 books)
Matthew 17 verses
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 2:22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there.…
Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Matthew 10:26Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be…
Matthew 10:28Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy…
Matthew 10:31Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 14:5When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
Matthew 14:27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 14:30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 17:6When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid.
Matthew 17:7Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 21:26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.”
Matthew 21:46When they sought to seize him, they feared the multitudes, because they considered him to be a prophet.
Matthew 25:25I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.’
Matthew 27:54Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were…
Matthew 28:5The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
Matthew 28:10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will…