Fear

Lore & Background

Fear is a recurring theme in the patriarchal narratives, often arising from threats to life or family. Lot fears to remain in Zoar and retreats to a cave (Genesis 19:30). Abraham fears that the lack of 'the fear of God' in Gerar will lead to his death (Genesis 20:11), and Isaac similarly fears being killed for his wife Rebekah (Genesis 26:7). Jacob fears an attack from his brother Esau (Genesis 32:11). In each case, human fear is a response to perceived danger. Conversely, God repeatedly addresses fear with the command 'Fear not,' spoken to Abram (Genesis 15:1), Hagar (Genesis 21:17), Isaac (Genesis 26:24), Rachel (Genesis 35:17), Jacob (Genesis 46:3), and Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 50:19, Genesis 50:21). These reassurances are tied to divine promises of protection, blessing, or presence. The phrase 'the fear of Isaac' appears as a title for God (Genesis 31:42, Genesis 31:53), suggesting a covenantal relationship where Isaac’s reverence for God is reciprocated by God’s protective care. Joseph explicitly states he 'fears God' as the basis for his just treatment of his brothers (Genesis 42:18).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray fear in two primary forms: human fear of danger and reverential fear of God. Human fear is depicted as a natural, often justified response to threats—Lot’s fear of Zoar (Genesis 19:30), Isaac’s fear of death (Genesis 26:7), and Jacob’s fear of Esau (Genesis 32:11) all illustrate this. This fear leads to actions such as deception or flight, but it is never condemned in these texts; rather, it is met with divine intervention or reassurance. Reverential fear, or 'the fear of God,' is presented as a positive attribute. Abraham assumes its absence in a place leads to lawlessness (Genesis 20:11), and Joseph cites his own fear of God as the reason for his integrity (Genesis 42:18). The unique phrase 'the fear of Isaac' (Genesis 31:42, Genesis 31:53) personifies this reverence as a divine title, indicating that God is both the object and source of such fear. Divine reassurance against fear is a consistent pattern: God or his angel tells key figures 'Fear not' in moments of crisis, often linking the command to a promise of presence, reward, or blessing (Genesis 15:1, Genesis 21:17, Genesis 26:24, Genesis 35:17, Genesis 46:3, Genesis 50:19, Genesis 50:21). This shows that fear, whether of circumstances or of God, is addressed by God’s own initiative.

Did You Know?

• The phrase 'the fear of Isaac' is used as a title for God in Genesis 31:42 and Genesis 31:53, unique to these passages.
• God places the fear of humans upon all animals after the flood (Genesis 9:2), establishing a post-diluvian order.
• Joseph explicitly states he 'fears God' as the reason for his just treatment of his brothers (Genesis 42:18).
• The command 'Fear not' is given to five different individuals in Genesis: Abram, Hagar, Isaac, Rachel, and Jacob (Genesis 15:1, Genesis 21:17, Genesis 26:24, Genesis 35:17, Genesis 46:3).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Fear is a basic emotional sensation and response system ("feeling") initiated by an aversion to some perceived risk or threat." — Fear "We’ve become afraid of beautiful moments, as if we know they’ll one day become very painful memories." — Fear "Lucius Accius from Atreus, quoted in Seneca, Dialogues, Books III–V "De Ira", I, 20, 4." — Fear "Fear is the foundation of most governments." — Fear