What does it mean to fear the Lord?

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The theological meaning of “fear of the Lord” encompasses both reverence and obedience rooted in a proper understanding of God’s character and authority. Rather than representing distrustful terror, this fear constitutes reverent awe and a worshipful response of faith to God as Creator, Saviour, and Judge.1

Luther’s distinction between servile fear and filial fear illuminates this concept: servile fear resembles a prisoner’s dread of a torturer, while filial fear mirrors a child’s respect and love for a parent—anxiety about displeasing someone beloved rather than anxiety about punishment.2 

The biblical emphasis on fearing the Lord centres on a sense of awe and respect for God’s majesty.2 Though believers are invited to an intimate relationship with God as Father, this intimacy doesn’t eliminate the need to maintain healthy respect and adoration.2

Practically, fearing the Lord means ordering one’s life according to divine wisdom. To acknowledge God involves obeying the wisdom and knowledge He reveals.3 

In Deuteronomy, fearing the Lord means living by the covenant’s stipulations in grateful response to God’s redemptive grace.1 Throughout wisdom literature, this fear functions as the foundation of understanding—the beginning of wisdom in Psalms and Proverbs, and the conclusion of wisdom in Ecclesiastes.1

Importantly, believers should remain aware that God can be frightening; as sinful people, we have a legitimate reason to fear His judgment, which motivates us to seek reconciliation with Him.2 The fear of the Lord thus balances reverent love with sober recognition of divine holiness and justice.


1. R. C. Sproul, ed.. The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1007, 1014.

2. R. C. Sproul, Now That’s A Good Question! (Escondido, CA: The Ephesians Four Group, 2002). 

3. R.C. Sproul, Before the Face of God: Book 3: A Daily Guide for Living from the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House; Ligonier Ministries, 1994). 

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