feminine of יָרֵא; fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence; [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness).
Transliteration:yirʼâh
Pronunciation:yir-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H3374}}` (yirʼâh) is a feminine noun derived from the verb `{{H3372}}` (yareʼ), which means "to fear, be afraid." Its semantic range is notably broad, encompassing both a negative, paralyzing dread and a positive, life-giving reverence.
At its most basic, `{{H3374}}` denotes "fear" in the sense of terror or apprehension in the face of danger, threat, or the unknown. This can be the fear of enemies, natural phenomena, or human judgment. However, its profound theological significance emerges in its application to the divine. When directed towards God, `{{H3374}}` transitions from mere dread to a profound "reverence," "awe," or "respect." This "fear of the Lord" is not a cowering terror but a humble acknowledgment of God's supreme power, holiness, justice, and majesty, coupled with a loving submission to His will.
The term can also function adverbially or idiomatically to express intensity, as in "dreadful" or "exceedingly," emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the fear or the object inspiring it. In some rare instances, it functions as an infinitive, indicating the act of fearing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H3374}}` in the Hebrew Bible beautifully illustrate its dual nature, though the positive "fear of the Lord" predominates in theological discourse.
1. **Negative Fear/Dread:**
* It can describe the terror inspired by God's manifest power, such as at Mount Sinai, where the people experienced "fear" (dread) of the divine presence and voice ([[Exodus 20:20]]). Here, Moses clarifies that this fear is intended to prevent sin, not to paralyze.
* It can refer to the fear of humans or circumstances, often presented as a negative or misguided emotion. For instance, [[Proverbs 29:25]] states, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."
* In [[Jonah 1:10]], the sailors experience "great fear" (yirʼâh gedolah) when Jonah reveals he is fleeing from Yahweh, demonstrating a pagan recognition of the awesome power of the God of Israel.
2. **Positive Fear/Reverence of Yahweh:**
* This is the most significant theological application. The "fear of the Lord" (yirʼat Yahweh) is consistently presented as the foundation of wisdom, knowledge, and true life. [[Proverbs 1:7]] declares, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." Similarly, [[Psalm 111:10]] states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice it have good understanding."
* It is intrinsically linked to obedience and covenant faithfulness. [[Deuteronomy 6:24]] teaches that the Lord commanded statutes "for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day," implying that the fear of the Lord leads to life through obedience. [[Deuteronomy 10:12]] exhorts Israel to "fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul."
* The fear of the Lord is a mark of righteousness and integrity. Nehemiah praises those who walk in "the fear of our God" ([[Nehemiah 5:9]]) to avoid the reproach of the nations. Job is described as a man who "feared God and turned away from evil" ([[Job 1:1]]).
* It is a divine gift and a spiritual disposition. God promises to put His "fear" in the hearts of His people so that they will not turn away from Him ([[Jeremiah 32:40]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H3374}}` is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H3372}}` (yareʼ):** The verbal root from which `{{H3374}}` is derived. Understanding the verb's range—from being afraid to revering—is crucial for grasping the noun's nuances. The noun encapsulates the state or object of the verb's action.
* **`{{H6343}}` (pachad):** Another common Hebrew word for "fear," often carrying a stronger connotation of dread, terror, or trembling, particularly in the face of imminent danger or divine judgment. While related, `{{H3374}}` often carries a more sustained and positive sense of reverence when applied to God.
* **`{{H2731}}` (charadah):** Signifies trembling or anxiety, often a physical manifestation of fear.
* **Wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah):** As repeatedly stated in Proverbs and Psalms, the fear of the Lord is the "beginning" or "foundation" of wisdom. It is the prerequisite for true understanding and right living.
* **Knowledge (דַּעַת, da'at):** Closely allied with wisdom, the fear of the Lord is also the beginning of knowledge, implying that true understanding of reality begins with a proper apprehension of God.
* **Obedience (שָׁמַע, shama'):** The fear of the Lord is not merely an intellectual assent but a disposition that leads to practical obedience to God's commandments and a life lived in accordance with His will.
* **Covenant:** The fear of the Lord is a central tenet of the Mosaic covenant, a requirement for Israel's blessing and a means of maintaining their relationship with God.
* **Humility (עָנָו, anav):** A proper fear of the Lord fosters humility, acknowledging God's transcendence and one's own creaturely status.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3374}}`, particularly in its expression "the fear of the Lord," cannot be overstated. It is a cornerstone concept in Israelite theology, shaping the proper relationship between humanity and God.
Firstly, it is the **proper response to God's holiness and majesty**. Unlike the fear of human threats, the fear of the Lord is not a debilitating emotion but an appropriate awe and reverence for the Creator who is utterly transcendent, powerful, and righteous. It acknowledges His absolute sovereignty and authority.
Secondly, it is the **fountainhead of true wisdom and knowledge**. The biblical worldview posits that genuine understanding of life, morality, and the cosmos begins not with human reason alone, but with a humble recognition of God's nature and His place as the ultimate reality. This fear leads to discernment between good and evil and guides one towards righteous living.
Thirdly, the fear of the Lord is the **primary motivator for obedience and departure from evil**. It is not a legalistic burden but a deep respect that inspires a desire to please God and avoid anything that would displease Him. This fear acts as a moral compass, steering individuals away from sin and towards a life of integrity and faithfulness. It is a protective mechanism, preventing the spiritual decay that comes from disregarding God's commands ([[Proverbs 3:7]], [[Proverbs 8:13]]).
Finally, the fear of the Lord fosters a **deep and abiding relationship with God**. It combines humility with trust, awe with adoration. It is a relational fear that understands God's justice and wrath but also His mercy and love. It is the posture of a worshipper who knows God's power yet delights in His presence. It is a fear that ultimately leads to life, blessing, and intimacy with the divine.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3374}}` (yirʼâh) encompasses a broad semantic range, from simple dread to profound reverence. While it can denote negative, paralyzing fear of danger or human threats, its most significant theological application is "the fear of the Lord." This "fear" is not a servile terror but a deep, humble, and worshipful awe inspired by God's holiness, power, and majesty. It is consistently presented in Scripture as the foundational principle for wisdom, knowledge, and righteous living, leading to obedience, a departure from evil, and a blessed relationship with the divine. It is the proper, life-giving response of humanity to the transcendent Creator, fostering both humility and trust in His sovereign will.
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