The meaning of “יִרְאָה”
Understanding yirʼâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
feminine of יָרֵא [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). - fear (also used as infinitive) - morally, rev...
יִרְאָה
feminine of יָרֵא [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). - fear (also used as infinitive) - morally, reverence 1) fear, terror, fearing 1a) fear, terror 1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear) 1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety 1d) revered
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 20:11 | “And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.” Word: יִרְאָה (yirʼâh) | |
| Deuteronomy 2:25 | “This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.” Word: יִרְאָה (yirʼâh) | |
| 2 Chronicles 19:9 | “And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.” Word: יִרְאָה (yirʼâh) | |
| Job 15:4 | “Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God.” Word: יִרְאָה (yirʼâh) | |
| Proverbs 14:27 | “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Word: יִרְאָה (yirʼâh) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Fear
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Fear, reverence
The Hebrew yirah (יִרְאָה) means fear or reverence—awe and respect before God. 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom' (Proverbs 9:10), combining reverent awe with trust in God's goodness.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Fear, reverence
The Greek phobos (φόβος) means fear—both terror and reverential awe. While perfect love casts out servile fear (1 John 4:18), believers are to 'fear God, and give glory to him' (Revelation 14:7) with holy reverence.