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What Does the Bible Say About Fear?

The Bible says 'fear not' or 'do not be afraid' over 365 times — one for every day of the year. God's answer to fear is always His presence.

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What the Bible Really Says About Fear

The Bible says 'fear not' or 'do not be afraid' over 365 times — one for every day of the year.

God's answer to fear is always His presence.

The 21 verses below are drawn from across both Testaments, each with a short commentary explaining what it means in its original context and how it applies today. Every verse is from the World English Bible (Public Domain).

21
Bible verses about
fear
World English Bible · Public Domain
2
Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Courage comes from God's companionship, not from easy circumstances.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
3
Isaiah 43:1

Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.

God's personal claim on His people — belonging to Him removes fear.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
4
Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.

Moses' final charge to Israel before entering the Promised Land.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
5
Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

David honestly admits fear — and then chooses trust. A model for us all.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
6
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!'

Fear and sonship cannot coexist — we are God's children, not slaves.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
7
Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.

People-pleasing traps us; trust in God sets us free.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
8
Psalm 27:1

Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

Rhetorical questions that become declarations of faith.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
9
Isaiah 41:13

For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Don't be afraid. I will help you.'

God takes the posture of a loving parent — holding our hand.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
10
Psalm 34:4

I sought Yahweh, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Seeking God is the practical path out of fear.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
11
John 14:27

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

Jesus offers peace not dependent on calm circumstances.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
12
Psalm 91:4-5

He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day.

God's protection is total — night terrors and daytime threats alike.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
13
1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.

The antidote to fear is not courage — it is love. God's perfect love.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
14
Joshua 1:9

Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid. Don't be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.

God commands courage — because courage flows from His presence.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
15
Psalm 118:6

Yahweh is on my side. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

The greatest reassurance in any conflict — God is on our side.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
16
Isaiah 35:4

Tell those who have a fearful heart, 'Be strong. Don't be afraid. Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God's retribution. He will come and save you.'

God's coming is the reason to be fearless — He comes to save.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
17
Zephaniah 3:17

Yahweh, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.

In our fear, God is singing over us — love that will not let go.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
18
Romans 8:31

What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

The logical conclusion — if God is for us, fear has no ground.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
19
Psalm 46:1-2

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes.

When everything shakes, God remains unmoved.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
20
Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.

God promises wet paths with His presence — not dry paths without trial.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain
21
Hebrews 13:6

So that with good courage we say, 'The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?'

Fear of people evaporates when God is our helper.

World English Bible (WEB) — Public Domain

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about fear?
The Bible addresses fear throughout both Testaments. Key verses include Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7, and Psalm 23:4. The consistent message is that God's presence displaces fear.
How many times does the Bible say fear not?
The phrase fear not or do not be afraid appears approximately 365 times across Scripture. This frequency reflects how central trusting God over fear is to the biblical vision of walking with Him.
What is the difference between fear of God and regular fear?
The fear of God in Scripture is reverential awe and honour. Regular fear is anxiety about outcomes and circumstances. The Bible commands the first and instructs us to cast the second on God through prayer and trust.