יָרֵא (ya.re)
ya.re
afraid
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 53 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yare means to feel fear, but in Scripture it carries a dual sense that includes deep reverence. It describes both the shrinking back from danger and the awe-filled respect due to God. This word appears frequently in Psalms and Proverbs, where it often characterizes the ideal posture of a believer toward the divine.
Its range extends from natural terror to spiritual devotion. In narratives like Genesis 3:10, Adam uses it to describe hiding from God in panic. Yet in texts like Psalm 25:12, it denotes the wisdom of those who stand in reverent awe before Him. The same root covers both the fear of punishment and the wonder of worship.
This duality is central to its theological weight. It suggests that true reverence for God involves a healthy awareness of His power and holiness. Translators often render it as "fear" or "revere," capturing this blend of respect and caution that defines the relationship between the Creator and humanity.
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 often brings to mind the trembling we feel when danger is near. Yet Scripture uses it for something deeper: a reverent awe that steadies the soul. When Job is described as one who fears God, it is not panic he shows, but a steady respect for who God is. This kind of fear keeps us from evil and anchors our trust in His character.
In daily life, this reverence shapes how we treat others and handle responsibility. Leaders are chosen because they fear God, meaning they value integrity over gain. It reminds us that true wisdom begins with recognizing God’s holiness. Rather than shrinking from Him in dread, we draw near with a humble heart, knowing He watches over those who honor Him.
This balance of respect and trust offers peace. We do not need to earn His favor through perfection. Instead, we rest in the truth that God delights in those who approach Him with sincere awe. It is a quiet confidence that grows as we learn more of His kindness and justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 53 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fearing10×
- [those] fearing/ him6×
- [those] fearing6×
- [are] afraid4×
- [one] fearing3×
- [is] fearing3×
- [am] fearing3×
- [those] fearing/ you2×
- O [those] fearing2×
- to/ [those] fearing/ him1×
- to/ [those] fearing1×
- the/ [one] fearing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִרְאֵ֣י5×
- יְרֵ֣א5×
- יָרֵ֖א3×
- יְרֵאָ֑י/ו3×
- יְרֵ֥א3×
- לְ/יִרְאֵ֣י2×
- יָרֵֽא\׃2×
- יָרֵ֥א2×
- יָרֵ֣א2×
- יְרֵאָֽי/ו\׃2×
- יְרֵאִים֙2×
- יְרֵאִ֖ים2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 22:12
He said, “Don’t lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”
Abraham’s willingness to obey proves his fear of God is active obedience, not just internal emotion.
-
Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God, and turned away from evil.
Job’s fear of God is linked directly to turning away from evil, showing reverence shapes moral conduct.
-
Psalms 25:14
The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him. He will show them his covenant.
This verse connects fearing God with intimate friendship and covenant knowledge, highlighting relational depth.
-
Exodus 18:21
Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men which fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
Leaders are selected based on fearing God, indicating that reverence is the foundation for trustworthy authority.