### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yirʼâh**, represented by `{{H3374}}`, denotes **fear**, **reverence**, and at times is used idiomatically to mean **dreadful** or **exceedingly**. It appears 45 times in 45 unique verses. The term encompasses a range of meanings from terror and dread to a profound moral reverence for God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3374}}` is most frequently used to describe the **fear** of the LORD `{{H3068}}`, which is presented as the beginning `{{H7225}}` of knowledge `{{H1847}}` [[Proverbs 1:7]]. This **fear** is not merely an emotion but a principle for living, motivating leaders like Nehemiah to act justly [[Nehemiah 5:15]] and purging `{{H3722}}` iniquity `{{H5771}}` [[Proverbs 16:6]]. God himself places this **fear** in the hearts `{{H3824}}` of His people through His covenant `{{H1285}}` to keep them from departing `{{H5493}}` from Him [[Jeremiah 32:40]]. The word is also used to describe human dread, such as the **fear** and trembling `{{H7461}}` that came upon the psalmist [[Psalms 55:5]], or the **fear** of briers `{{H8068}}` and thorns `{{H7898}}` [[Isaiah 7:25]]. Idiomatically, it can mean **dreadful**, as in the description of the high and **dreadful** rings `{{H1354}}` in Ezekiel's vision [[Ezekiel 1:18]], or **exceedingly**, as when the men in Jonah's story **feared** the LORD **exceedingly** [[Jonah 1:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of fear and reverence:
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom): This term is frequently paired with **yirʼâh**, establishing that the **fear** of the LORD is the beginning `{{H7225}}` of **wisdom** ([[Proverbs 1:7]], [[Psalms 111:10]]).
* `{{H1847}}` **daʻath** (knowledge): Similar to wisdom, **knowledge** is presented as a direct outcome of the **fear** of the LORD ([[Proverbs 1:7]], [[Isaiah 11:2]]). To understand `{{H995}}` the **fear** of the LORD is to find `{{H4672}}` the **knowledge** of God [[Proverbs 2:5]].
* `{{H6038}}` **ʻănâvâh** (humility): This concept is connected as a parallel virtue, with both **humility** and the **fear** of the LORD leading to riches `{{H6239}}`, honour `{{H3519}}`, and life `{{H2416}}` [[Proverbs 22:4]].
* `{{H6343}}` **pachad** (dread): This word is used alongside **yirʼâh** to describe the terror and **dread** God would put upon the nations `{{H5971}}` before Israel [[Deuteronomy 2:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3374}}` is immense. It forms the basis of our understanding of a proper relationship with God.
* **The Beginning of Wisdom:** The most prominent theological concept is that the **fear** `{{H3374}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` is the beginning `{{H7225}}` of wisdom `{{H2451}}` and knowledge `{{H1847}}` ([[Proverbs 1:7]], [[Psalms 111:10]]). This reverence is the starting point for true understanding `{{H998}}` ([[Job 28:28]], [[Proverbs 9:10]]).
* **A Motivator for Holiness:** This **fear** is practical, not just abstract. It is defined as the hatred `{{H8130}}` of evil `{{H7451}}`, pride `{{H1344}}`, and arrogancy `{{H1347}}` [[Proverbs 8:13]]. It is the basis for ruling `{{H4910}}` justly `{{H6662}}` [[2 Samuel 23:3]] and is the means by which men depart `{{H5493}}` from evil [[Proverbs 16:6]].
* **The Source of Life and Security:** Scripture connects the **fear** of the LORD with divine blessing. It leads to life `{{H2416}}` [[Proverbs 19:23]], prolongs `{{H3254}}` days `{{H3117}}` [[Proverbs 10:27]], and is a fountain `{{H4726}}` of life [[Proverbs 14:27]]. It provides strong `{{H5797}}` confidence `{{H4009}}` and a place of refuge `{{H4268}}` [[Proverbs 14:26]], and is considered a treasure `{{H214}}` [[Isaiah 33:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3374}}` **yirʼâh** is a term with deep theological significance, extending beyond simple fright. It captures a spectrum from terrifying **dread** to a foundational, life-giving **reverence** for God. This **fear** is presented as the prerequisite for wisdom, the motivation for turning from evil, and the source of life, security, and honor. It defines the proper posture of humanity before a holy and mighty God.
TRV