### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phóbos**, represented by `{{G5401}}`, is defined as **alarm or fright**. It appears **47 times** across **44 unique verses** in the Bible. While its base meaning points to terror or being put in fear, its usage spans from outright panic to a reverential awe of God, often translated as **fear** or **terror**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5401}}` is used in several key contexts. It can depict a state of human dread, such as the disciples hiding "for **fear** of the Jews" [[John 20:19]] or the keepers of the sepulchre who shook "for **fear** of him" [[Matthew 28:4]]. In contrast, it is used to describe a proper reverence for God, as believers are instructed to perfect holiness "in the **fear** of God" [[2 Corinthians 7:1]]. The term also captures the overwhelming awe in response to divine acts, where "great **fear**" fell upon the church after the judgment of Ananias [[Acts 5:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the dimensions of fear and reverence:
* `{{G5156}}` **trómos** (a "trembling"): This often appears alongside `{{G5401}}` to describe a profound sense of awe or submission, as believers are to work out their salvation "with fear and **trembling**" [[Philippians 2:12]].
* `{{G1397}}` **douleía** (bondage): This term is linked to the negative aspect of fear, highlighting that believers have not received a spirit of **bondage** again to fear, but the Spirit of adoption [[Romans 8:15]].
* `{{G5399}}` **phobéō** (to be afraid, revere): The verb form of `{{G5401}}`, it is used to describe the action of fearing. For example, the one who **feareth** is not made perfect in love [[1 John 4:18]].
* `{{G2851}}` **kólasis** (punishment, torment): This word is explicitly connected to the consequence of negative fear, with scripture stating that "fear hath **torment**" [[1 John 4:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5401}}` is significant, highlighting the distinction between two types of fear.
* **The Fear of God:** This is a reverential awe that is foundational to a godly life. It motivates believers to live in holiness [[2 Corinthians 7:1]], submit to one another [[Ephesians 5:21]], and pass their time on earth with respect for God's judgment [[1 Peter 1:17]]. The absence of this fear is a mark of unrighteousness [[Romans 3:18]].
* **Crippling Fear:** Scripture contrasts godly reverence with a debilitating fear that brings torment [[1 John 4:18]] and bondage [[Hebrews 2:15]]. This is the fear that "perfect love casteth out" [[1 John 4:18]].
* **Response to Divine Power:** The term is also used as "terror" to describe the proper response to the Lord's authority, which motivates the persuasion of men [[2 Corinthians 5:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5401}}` is not a simple term for being scared. It is a complex word that encompasses the spectrum from paralyzing terror to the foundational reverence a believer should have for God. The Bible carefully distinguishes between the "spirit of **bondage**... to **fear**" [[Romans 8:15]] and the sanctifying "**fear** of the Lord" [[Acts 9:31]], making this word crucial for understanding the believer's relationship to both earthly threats and a holy God.
TRV