Fear in the Bible

I have found two words for fear in the Bible:

יָרֵא – this is a verb describing the act of fear. It describes a controlling fear that acts on us through fright. It is used for a negative fear, something we are told not to have in various locations.

יִרְאָה – this is a noun describing the state of fear. It describes an awe, this is attributed to the fear of the Lord throughout the Bible. It is still terrifying, and it comes from the same root so it connects to a controlling fear of sorts.

I have various thoughts about fear in the Bible. Proverbs says the fear (יִרְאָה) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I have supposed that the fear is the beginning of wisdom, but as the relationship grows we can come boldly before His throne. I don’t know if this is accurate but I can’t seem to find evidence either way, accurate or not. To me, it does not appear that God wants us to always live in that fear, even an awe inspiring fear like that. But I could be wrong. What are your thoughts?


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