Something I was looking at. The word ‘awesome’.
Being a certain age, it made me think of Michaelangelo… ya know the Ninja Turtle (obviously).
But seriously I was thinking of it in the more Biblical meaning: ‘Reverence and the Fear of God’ Because the word awesome has a deeper biblical meaning than the way we commonly use it today. The Hebrew word ‘yare’ which means “to fear,” conveys more than simple amazement or admiration. In Scripture, it often describes something that inspires profound reverence, respect, and godly fear.
When the Bible speaks of God as awesome, it does not mean that He is merely frightening. Rather, it points to His holiness, majesty, power, and authority, which demand our reverence and humble submission. To stand in awe of God is to recognise who He is and to respond with the respect and obedience that He deserves.
Hence we sometimes hear of taking the Lords name in vein. To speak lightly or casually of Him is not to stand in awe.
Throughout Scripture, the fear of God is closely connected to how we live. In Leviticus 19:14 and 25:17, the Israelites are commanded to fear God as the foundation for treating others rightly. Similarly, Deuteronomy 17:19 teaches that the king must read God’s law and learn to fear Him, while 2 Kings 17:34 connects the fear of the Lord with obedience to His commandments. These passages demonstrate that godly fear is not simply an emotion or an acknowledgement of God’s existence; it is a disposition of the heart that shapes our conduct.
There is an important distinction between ordinary fear and the fear of God. Ordinary fear can leave a person paralysed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Godly fear, however, leads us towards humility, submission, and obedience. It does not drive us away from God but teaches us to take His Word seriously, turn away from evil, and walk in His ways.
Job provides a powerful example of this kind of reverence. Job 1:1 describes him as a man who feared God and shunned evil. His fear of God was demonstrated not merely through words or religious observance, but through the character of his life. Likewise, Psalm 128:1 declares, “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways” (KJV). The passage connects godly fear with a life of faithful obedience and the blessing that comes from walking according to God’s will.
Ultimately, to stand in awe of God is to recognise His supreme authority and respond with reverence, humility, and faithful obedience. Biblical awe is not simply an overwhelming feeling of wonder; it is a proper understanding of who God is and who we are before Him. When we truly fear the Lord, that reverence becomes evident in our choices, our conduct, and our willingness to submit to His commandments.
To fear God rightly is to honour Him deeply, turn away from evil, and walk faithfully in His ways.
You have the free will to choose.
– BrandX