13 TYPES OF FEAR THE BIBLE MENTIONS IN BOTH THE OLD & NEW TESTAMENTS

The word fear is mentioned 500 times in the Bible and the phrase ‘fear not’ is mentioned 365 times. Fear is defined at an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat or perception of danger, pain, or harm. Bible uses Fear in several contexts and below are 13 types of Fear as mentioned in the Bible;

1. Fear of the Lord – This is a reverent and respectful fear of God. It is not a fear of punishment or harm, but rather an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, holiness, and power. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

2. Fear of man – This is a fear of what other people might think, say, or do to us. It can lead to anxiety, people-pleasing, and compromising our values. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

3. Fear as a result of sin – Sin can cause us to feel guilty, ashamed, and fearful of punishment. Adam and Eve, for example, felt afraid and hid from God after they sinned (Genesis 3:10).

4. Overcoming fear – The Bible encourages us to overcome our fears through faith in God. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” And 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

5. Fear of Death – The fear of death is a common human fear, but the Bible teaches that Jesus has conquered death through his resurrection and that those who trust in him need not fear death. Hebrews 2:14-15 says, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”

6. Fear of the future – The future is uncertain, and we can easily become anxious and fearful about what might happen. However, the Bible teaches that God is in control of the future and that we can trust him to provide for us and guide us. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

7. Fear of the unknown – Fear of the unknown is related to the fear of the future, but it can also refer to situations where we are uncertain or unfamiliar with what is happening around us. Again, the Bible encourages us to trust in God’s guidance and to remember that he is always with us. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

8. Fear of failure – The fear of failure is a common fear that can hold us back from taking risks and pursuing our goals. However, the Bible teaches that we should not be afraid to take risks and that God is with us even when we fail. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

9. Fear of the enemy – The Bible acknowledges that there are spiritual forces of evil in the world that oppose God’s people, but it also teaches that we can overcome them through the power of God. 1 John 4:4 says, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

10. Fear of persecution – The Bible teaches that followers of Jesus will face persecution and suffering, but it also encourages us to endure and persevere in faith. Matthew 5:11-12 says, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

11. Fear of future judgment – The Bible teaches that there will be a final judgment in which all people will be held accountable for their actions. This can be a source of fear for those who are not sure if they will be found righteous before God. However, the Bible also offers assurance that those who trust in Jesus will be saved from judgment. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

12. Fear of the consequences of sin – The Bible teaches that sin has consequences, both in this life and in the afterlife. This can lead to fear and anxiety for those who have committed sins or who are struggling with temptation. However, the Bible also offers the hope of forgiveness and restoration through repentance and faith. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

13. Fear of the supernatural – The Bible acknowledges the existence of supernatural beings such as angels and demons, and this can be a source of fear for some people. However, the Bible also teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the supernatural realm, and that we can trust in his protection. Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.”