φόβος (phobos)
phobos
fear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 43 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phobos primarily denotes a strong reaction to perceived danger, covering everything from sudden panic and terror to deep reverence. In the New Testament, it most often describes the awe or dread that arises in the presence of divine power or authority. This is evident when the disciples are struck with such fear during Jesus’ calming of the storm (Mark 4:41), or when the early church experiences a profound sense of holy respect as described in Acts 9:31.
A key distinction lies between servile fear and reverential awe. While some passages link phobos to terror, such as the dread of death mentioned in Hebrews 2:15, others frame it as a positive posture toward God. Romans 8:15 contrasts this with a spirit of slavery, suggesting that true believers relate to God through a respectful fear rather than a paralyzing one. This nuanced usage allows the word to bridge human vulnerability and divine majesty.
The term’s range is further clarified by its pairing with other words for trembling or shaking, as seen in Ephesians 6:5 and Philippians 2:12. These combinations emphasize that the appropriate response to God’s authority involves both internal reverence and external obedience. Translators often render phobos simply as "fear," but the Greek context frequently requires readers to discern whether the emotion is one of terror or of holy respect.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phobos captures a wide range of human reactions to the divine, stretching from sudden panic to deep reverence. When Jesus calmed the storm or an angel appeared to Zechariah, the immediate response was often terror—a natural instinct when facing something far greater than ourselves. This raw fear reminds us that God is holy and powerful, standing apart from our everyday world.
Yet Scripture also guides us toward a different kind of fear, one rooted in respect rather than dread. Romans 8:15 offers a gentle shift, noting that believers receive a spirit of adoption instead of slavery. This means our relationship with God is built on trust and love, allowing us to approach Him with confidence while still honoring His majesty.
Understanding this balance helps us navigate our own spiritual journey. We can acknowledge our vulnerability before God’s power without being paralyzed by it. This respectful awe invites us to walk closely with Him, finding peace in the knowledge that He is both mighty and near.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 43 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fear28×
- fear,4×
- with fear2×
- respect2×
- [with] fear2×
- the threats1×
- reverence1×
- respect,1×
- fears.1×
- awe,1×
- a terror1×
- [the] fear1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φόβος11×
- φόβον11×
- φόβῳ9×
- φόβου8×
- φόβον,4×
- φόβῳ,1×
- φόβος,1×
- φόβοι.1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 4:41
They were greatly afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
This verse highlights the disciples' awe at Jesus' authority over nature, showing how divine power can evoke a profound sense of wonder.
-
Romans 8:15
For you didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Here the word distinguishes between paralyzing terror and the respectful reverence that comes from knowing God as Father.
-
Acts 9:31
So the assemblies throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
This occurrence describes the early church's steady walk in holy respect, linking fear with spiritual growth and comfort.
-
Luke 2:9
Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
The angelic announcement brings immediate terror to the shepherds, illustrating the human reaction to sudden divine presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word phobos mean?
Is there a difference between servile fear and reverential awe?
How does phobos appear in the context of the early church?
Every Occurrence (43 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 3 verses
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear.
Matthew 28:4For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.
Matthew 28:8They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.