Phobeō φοβέω

Phobeō (Greek φοβέω, Strong's G5399) is a Greek verb meaning “to fear”. It occurs 95 times in 92 verses of the New Testament.

Definition

From the STEPBible Brief Lexicon of Greek (based on Abbott-Smith), STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0.

Translated as

Topics

• Fear

Verses

Every verse with Phobeō, with the English words that translate it highlighted (KJV or BSB; other translations show the KJV here).

Matthew

• Matthew 1:20
  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 to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
• Matthew 2:22
  But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:But when he learned that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,
• Matthew 9:8
  But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
• Matthew 10:26
  Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known.
• Matthew 10:28
  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
• Matthew 10:31
  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
• Matthew 14:5
  And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
• Matthew 14:27
  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
• Matthew 14:30
  But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
• Matthew 17:6
  And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.
• Matthew 17:7
  And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.”
• Matthew 21:26
  But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”
• Matthew 21:46
  But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.
• Matthew 25:25
  And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’
• Matthew 27:54
  Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
• Matthew 28:5
  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
• Matthew 28:10
  Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.“Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me.”

Mark

• Mark 4:41
  And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?Overwhelmed with fear, they asked one another, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
• Mark 5:15
  And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons sitting there, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
• Mark 5:33
  But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him trembling in fear, and she told Him the whole truth.
• Mark 5:36
  As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe.”
• Mark 6:20
  For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.
• Mark 6:50
  For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
• Mark 9:32
  But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.
• Mark 10:32
  And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,As they were going up the road to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were amazed, but those who followed were afraid. Again Jesus took the Twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him:
• Mark 11:18
  And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.When the chief priests and scribes heard this, they looked for a way to kill Him. For they were afraid of Him, because the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching.
• Mark 11:32
  But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.
• Mark 12:12
  And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus, for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. But fearing the crowd, they left Him and went away.
• Mark 16:8
  And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.So the women left the tomb and ran away, trembling and bewildered. And in their fear they did not say a word to anyone.

Luke

• Luke 1:13
  But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
• Luke 1:30
  And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
• Luke 1:50
  And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.
• Luke 2:9
  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
• Luke 2:10
  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
• Luke 5:10
  And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.and so were his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said to Simon. “From now on you will catch men.”
• Luke 8:25
  And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.“Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!”
• Luke 8:35
  Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.So the people went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man whom the demons had left, sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
• Luke 8:50
  But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”
• Luke 9:34
  While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.
• Luke 9:45
  But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.But they did not understand this statement. It was veiled from them so that they could not comprehend it, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.
• Luke 12:4
  And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
• Luke 12:5
  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!
• Luke 12:7
  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
• Luke 12:32
  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
• Luke 18:2
  Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:“In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men.
• Luke 18:4
  And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men,
• Luke 19:21
  For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’
• Luke 20:19
  And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.When the scribes and chief priests realized that Jesus had spoken this parable against them, they sought to arrest Him that very hour. But they were afraid of the people.
• Luke 22:2
  And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death; for they feared the people.
• Luke 23:40
  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?

John

• John 6:19
  So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified.
• John 6:20
  But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.”
• John 9:22
  These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews. For the Jews had already determined that anyone who confessed Jesus as the Christ would be put out of the synagogue.
• John 12:15
  Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”
• John 19:8
  When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid,

Acts

• Acts 5:26
  Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them.
• Acts 9:26
  And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
• Acts 10:2
  A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly.
• Acts 10:22
  And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.“Cornelius the centurion has sent us,” they said. “He is a righteous and God-fearing man with a good reputation among the whole Jewish nation. A holy angel instructed him to request your presence in his home so he could hear a message from you.”
• Acts 10:35
  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.
• Acts 13:16
  Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!
• Acts 13:26
  Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.Brothers, children of Abraham, and you Gentiles who fear God, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.
• Acts 16:38
  And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.
• Acts 18:9
  Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent.
• Acts 22:29
  Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.Then those who were about to interrogate Paul stepped back, and the commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put a Roman citizen in chains.
• Acts 23:10
  And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.
• Acts 27:17
  Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.After hoisting it up, the crew used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along.
• Acts 27:24
  Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’
• Acts 27:29
  Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.Fearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.

Romans

• Romans 11:20
  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.
• Romans 13:3
  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval.
• Romans 13:4
  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

2 Corinthians

• 2 Corinthians 11:3
  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 12:20
  For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.

Galatians

• Galatians 2:12
  For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group.
• Galatians 4:11
  I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.

Ephesians

• Ephesians 5:33
  Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Colossians

• Colossians 3:22
  Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

Hebrews

• Hebrews 4:1
  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it.
• Hebrews 11:23
  By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict.
• Hebrews 11:27
  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.
• Hebrews 13:6
  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

1 Peter

• 1 Peter 2:17
  Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
• 1 Peter 3:6
  Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.just as Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. And you are her children if you do what is right and refuse to give way to fear.
• 1 Peter 3:14
  But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”

1 John

• 1 John 4:18
  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.

Revelation

• Revelation 1:17
  And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,
• Revelation 2:10
  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
• Revelation 11:18
  And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great— and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”
• Revelation 14:7
  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.And he said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the One who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and the springs of waters.”
• Revelation 15:4
  Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”
• Revelation 19:5
  And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you who serve Him, and those who fear Him, small and great alike!”

Notes

1. Definition and verse list from STEPBible's tagged Hebrew Old Testament (TAHOT) and Greek New Testament (TAGNT) and Brief Lexicons, STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0.
2. English renderings from the public-domain KJV with Strong's numbers (eBible.org) and the Berean Standard Bible interlinear (public domain).