יָרֵא (ya.re)
ya.re
to fear
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 269 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yare means to tremble in the presence of something overwhelming, whether that is a human threat or the divine. In everyday contexts it describes simple fear, such as when Jacob’s family was afraid of Shechem (Genesis 34:30) or when people were terrified by the storm at sea (Jonah 1:10). The word captures the physical reaction to danger, where one feels small and vulnerable.
However, yare carries a deeper theological weight in Scripture. It frequently denotes reverence or awe toward God, suggesting a respectful submission rather than panic. This dual sense appears clearly when Moses tells Israel not to fear God’s glory but to stand in awe of His holiness (Deuteronomy 5:5). The same root is used for the "fear of the Lord," which Proverbs identifies as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), linking moral reverence with a healthy respect for divine authority.
Translators often render yare as "fear" or "revere" depending on the context. The distinction lies in the object of the emotion: fear of an enemy leads to flight, while fear of God leads to obedience. This nuanced usage allows the text to move seamlessly from human anxiety to spiritual devotion without changing the underlying word.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yare describes a deep reaction to something overwhelming, whether it is a human threat or the presence of God. In everyday life, this fear can feel like panic, causing us to hide or run away. However, Scripture often uses this same word to describe reverence for God. It suggests a respectful awe that leads to obedience rather than flight.
When we encounter difficulties, it is natural to feel afraid. Yet the Bible shows us that true safety comes from trusting in God’s presence. Instead of letting fear control our actions, we can choose to stand firm in faith. This shift from panic to reverence helps us find peace even in uncertain times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 269 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you be afraid52×
- you fear21×
- and/ they were afraid17×
- to/ fear12×
- you will fear11×
- he was afraid8×
- and/ he was afraid7×
- and/ <the>/ awesome7×
- you must fear5×
- fear5×
- awesome5×
- and/ you will fear5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּירָ֖א9×
- תִּירָא֙7×
- תִּירָ֣א7×
- תִּירָ֑אוּ6×
- יָרֵ֖א6×
- תִּֽירְאוּ֙4×
- תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י4×
- תִֽירְא֖וּ4×
- נוֹרָ֥א4×
- תִּירָ֗א3×
- תִּירָ֔אוּ3×
- תִּירָ֑א3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 3:10
The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
This verse shows the immediate human reaction of hiding when facing divine presence after disobedience.
-
Exodus 14:13
Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which he will work for you today; for you will never again see the Egyptians whom you have seen today.
Moses uses this word to encourage the people to stop panicking and trust in God's salvation.
-
Exodus 14:31
Israel saw the great work which Yahweh did to the Egyptians, and the people feared Yahweh; and they believed in Yahweh and in his servant Moses.
Here the fear of Yahweh is linked directly with belief, showing how awe leads to faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word yare mean?
How is yare different from other words for fear?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (269 verses across 33 books)
Genesis 17 verses
The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
Genesis 15:1After these things Yahweh’s word came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your…
Genesis 18:15Then Sarah denied it, saying, “I didn’t laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”
Genesis 19:30Lot went up out of Zoar, and lived in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to live in Zoar.…
Genesis 20:8Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ear. The men were…
Genesis 21:17God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What troubles you,…
Genesis 26:7The men of the place asked him about his wife. He said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “My wife”, lest,…
Genesis 26:24Yahweh appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid, for I am with…
Genesis 28:17He was afraid, and said, “How awesome this place is! This is none other than God’s house, and this is the gate of…
Genesis 31:31Jacob answered Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Lest you should take your daughters from me by force.’
Genesis 35:17When she was in hard labor, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for now you will have another son.”
Genesis 42:35As they emptied their sacks, behold, each man’s bundle of money was in his sack. When they and their father saw their…
Genesis 43:18The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “Because of the money that was…
Genesis 43:23He said, “Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks.…
Genesis 46:3He said, “I am God, the God of your father. Don’t be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great…
Genesis 50:19Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
Genesis 50:21Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to…