יִרְאָה (yir.ah)
yir.ah
fear
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 39 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun yir’ah denotes a state of awe, reverence, or terror. While it can describe the panic felt by sailors in Jonah 1:10 when a storm strikes, its most significant usage appears in wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job. Here, it refers to a deep respect for God that shapes a person’s moral character. This meaning is not merely an emotional reaction but a foundational attitude of humility before the divine.
The word carries a dual sense: it can mean the fear one feels, or the object that causes fear. In Proverbs 1:7, "the fear of the Lord" is identified as the beginning of knowledge, linking reverence directly to wisdom. Conversely, in Isaiah 7:25, the phrase describes the physical danger of thorns and briers that terrify invaders. This flexibility allows the term to bridge human emotion and divine reality.
Translators often render yir’ah as "fear," which can sound negative in modern English. However, the sources clarify that it encompasses piety and holy awe. Christians understand this reverence as the proper posture of a creature before the Creator, balancing respect with trust. The word underscores that true wisdom begins with acknowledging God’s sovereignty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yir’ah captures a deep reverence for God that shapes how we live each day. It is not simply panic or dread, but a holy awe that keeps us grounded in humility before the Creator. When we approach life with this attitude, we recognize that God is sovereign and worthy of our trust. This perspective helps us navigate difficult seasons with peace, knowing that our security rests in His faithful character rather than in our own strength.
In Proverbs 1:7, the text says the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge. This means true wisdom starts with acknowledging God’s place in our lives. It invites us to walk with integrity and love, letting that reverence guide our choices. When we hold this view, we find a secure fortress described in Proverbs 14:26, where God becomes a refuge for His children. This hope encourages us to live with purpose and gratitude.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 39 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] fear of14×
- in/ [the] fear of3×
- and/ [the] fear of3×
- a fear2×
- ¿/ from/ fear/ your1×
- with/ fear1×
- with/ [the] fear of1×
- from/ fear of/ you1×
- fear/ their1×
- fear/ my1×
- fear/ his1×
- fear of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִרְאַ֣ת10×
- בְּ/יִרְאַ֣ת4×
- יִרְאַ֥ת3×
- וְ/יִרְאַ֥ת2×
- מִ/יִּרְאָתֶ֑/ךָ1×
- לְ/יִרְאָתֶֽ/ךָ\׃1×
- יִרְאָתָ/ם֙1×
- יִרְאָתִ/י֙1×
- יִרְאָת֛/וֹ1×
- יִרְאָ֥ה1×
- יִרְאָ֣ה1×
- יִרְאָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
This verse identifies the fear of Yahweh as the starting point for all true knowledge, linking reverence directly to wisdom.
-
Psalms 111:10
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
It repeats that the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, emphasizing that those who practice it gain a good understanding.
-
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Here the fear of Yahweh is paired with the knowledge of the Holy One as the foundation for genuine understanding.
-
Proverbs 14:26
In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, and he will be a refuge for his children.
The note highlights how this reverence provides a secure fortress and refuge for God's children in times of need.