### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yârêʼ**, represented by `{{H3373}}`, describes one who is **fearing**, **morally reverent**, or **afraid**. Derived from the root יָרֵא, it appears **64 times** across **63 unique verses** in the Bible. The term encompasses a range of meanings, from a righteous, reverential awe of God to being fearful of earthly dangers or enemies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3373}}` is used to describe both character and emotional state. It is a defining quality of righteous individuals like Job, who was described as a "perfect and an upright man, one that **feareth** God, and eschewed evil" [[Job 1:8]]. This quality was also a prerequisite for leadership, as seen in the instruction to select "able men, such as **fear** God" to be rulers [[Exodus 18:21]]. The term is also used for literal fear, such as when Jacob admits, "I **fear** him [Esau], lest he will come and smite me" [[Genesis 32:11]], or when soldiers who were **fearful** and fainthearted were permitted to leave the army [[Deuteronomy 20:8]]. The word can also illustrate a divided heart, as when certain nations **feared** the LORD while simultaneously serving their graven images [[2 Kings 17:41]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of fear and reverence:
* `{{H3372}}` **yârêʼ** (to fear): This is the primitive root from which the adjective is derived, meaning to fear or morally revere. It is often used as a command, such as in the call, "O **fear** the LORD, ye his saints" [[Psalms 34:9]].
* `{{H982}}` **bâṭach** (to trust): This word for trust is often presented as the proper response for one who fears God. Those who fear the LORD are instructed to **trust** in the LORD [[Psalms 115:11]], and the one who fears and walks in darkness is called to **trust** in the name of the LORD [[Isaiah 50:10]].
* `{{H1672}}` **dâʼag** (be anxious): This term denotes being afraid or sorrowful with a sense of anxiety. It appears alongside `{{H3373}}` to show a distinction in the type of fear, as in the warning that the famine "whereof ye were **afraid**" would follow them [[Jeremiah 42:16]].
* `{{H2730}}` **chârêd** (fearful): This word, meaning fearful or trembling, is used in parallel with `{{H3373}}` to describe soldiers who were dismissed from battle because they were "**fearful** and **afraid**" [[Judges 7:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3373}}` is significant, highlighting the relationship between humanity and God.
* **A Mark of the Righteous:** Fearing God is a primary characteristic of a wise and upright person. Job's fear of God is mentioned as his defining trait [[Job 1:1]], and a wise man **feareth**, and departeth from evil [[Proverbs 14:16]]. He that walketh in his uprightness **feareth** the LORD [[Proverbs 14:2]].
* **The Recipient of Divine Favor:** Scripture repeatedly promises blessings for those who fear God. His salvation is near them [[Psalms 85:9]], His mercy is great toward them [[Psalms 103:11]], and the angel of the LORD delivers them [[Psalms 34:7]]. The LORD takes pleasure in them that **fear** him [[Psalms 147:11]] and will fulfill their desire [[Psalms 145:19]].
* **Access to Divine Intimacy:** A reverential fear of God leads to a deeper relationship with Him. The "secret of the LORD is with them that **fear** him" [[Psalms 25:14]], and He gives the heritage of those that **fear** His name [[Psalms 61:5]].
* **Motivation for Worship:** Those who fear the LORD are called to praise and honor Him. The psalmist declares, "Ye that **fear** the LORD, praise him" [[Psalms 22:23]], and the ideal person "honoureth them that **fear** the LORD" [[Psalms 15:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3373}}` is a crucial term that defines the proper posture of humanity toward God. While it can denote ordinary fear of worldly threats, its most profound use is to describe a reverential awe that is the foundation of wisdom, righteousness, and true worship. It is presented not as a cowering dread, but as the key to receiving God's protection, blessing, mercy, and intimate counsel.
TRV