Overcoming Fear: φοβέω (Strong’s G5399: phobeó) Reveals Divine Reverence

Strong’s G5399: A primary verb meaning “to fear, be afraid, revere,” derived from phobos (fear). Encompasses both natural fear and holy reverence, particularly in relation to God. Used extensively in Scripture to express both human anxiety and proper reverence for the divine, highlighting the transformative power of godly fear.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word φοβέω (phobeó) carries a profound dual meaning that shapes our understanding of fear in both human and divine contexts. As a primary verb, it expresses the basic human emotion of fear or terror, but also elevates to the concept of reverence and awe, particularly in relation to God. This duality is crucial in understanding the biblical narrative where fear transforms from a natural response to danger into a holy reverence that draws believers closer to God. In early church usage, this word became instrumental in teaching believers about proper response to God’s holiness while maintaining His approachability through the Messiah. Today, φοβέω continues to help us understand the delicate balance between reverential awe and filial trust in our relationship with God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φοβέω, phobeó, fob-eh’-o
• Pronunciation Guide: Stress on second syllable, ‘eh’ as in “bed”, ‘o’ as in “go”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root word: φόβος (phobos) – fear, terror, reverence
• Verbal suffix -έω (-eó) indicating continuous action or state
• Development from Proto-Indo-European *bhegw- (to run away)

D – Defining Meanings

• To fear, be afraid
• To reverence, show respect to
• To be in awe of
• To be terrified
• To show deference or respect

For compound words: Not applicable as φοβέω is a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “To fear” – Best captures both reverential and fearful aspects
• “To revere” – Emphasizes respectful aspect in religious contexts
• “To be afraid” – Emphasizes emotional response in dangerous situations

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δειλιάω (deiliaó, dā-lē-ah’-ō) – to be cowardly or timid See G1168
• τρέμω (tremó, trem’-ō) – to tremble with fear See G5141
• εὐλαβέομαι (eulabeomai, yoo-lab-eh’-om-ahee) – to be cautious, reverent See G2125

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, φοβέω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

The word commonly appears in middle/passive forms (φοβέομαι) meaning “I fear/am afraid.” Example morphological changes:

• φοβοῦμαι (present middle/passive)
• ἐφοβήθην (aorist passive)
• φοβηθήσομαι (future passive)

Related words include:

• φόβος (phobos) – noun form
• φοβερός (phoberos) – adjective form

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The richness of φοβέω is evident across major lexicons. BDAG emphasizes its development from expressing terror to conveying reverence, particularly in religious contexts. Thayer’s highlights its frequent middle voice usage, indicating internal emotional response. LSJ traces its classical usage showing evolution from pure fear to respectful awe. Vine’s notes its importance in Christian worship, while Strong’s emphasizes its primary verb status. LEH connects it to Septuagint usage where it often translates Hebrew יָרֵא (yare). Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings show its common usage in everyday Koine Greek, demonstrating how the word bridged secular and sacred contexts in the first century.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, [fear] not [φοβέω] to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Additional References:
Matthew 10:28, Luke 1:50, Acts 10:2, Romans 11:20, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 5:33, Colossians 3:22, 1 Peter 2:17, Revelation 14:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φοβέω masterfully captures the transformation of fear into reverence in the believer’s journey. It begins with the natural human response of fear but elevates to a holy reverence that draws us closer to God. This transformation is central to the Gospel message – what begins as fear of judgment becomes reverent awe through the Messiah’s redemptive work. The good news is that through Jesus, our φοβέω transforms from terror into worship, from dread into devotion. This word teaches us that proper fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, leading us to a deeper relationship with our Creator.

D – Did You Know?

1. The English word “phobia” derives from the root of φοβέω
2. In the New Testament, φοβέω appears more frequently in the Gospels than any other books
3. The command “fear not” (μὴ φοβέω) is the most repeated command in Scripture

Strong’s G5399: A primary verb meaning “to fear, be afraid, revere,” derived from phobos (fear). Encompasses both natural fear and holy reverence, particularly in relation to God. Used extensively in Scripture to express both human anxiety and proper reverence for the divine, highlighting the transformative power of godly fear.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: fear, reverence, awe, worship, respect, divine fear, holy fear, godly fear, transformation, spiritual growth​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​