“Fear Not” Verses in the Bible
Quick Summary
“Fear not” and its variations appear more than 100 times in the Bible, often in moments when human fear is understandable—war, danger, calling, or change. Each verse reassures that God is present, faithful, and in control. These verses are more than comfort—they are commands grounded in God’s character and promises.
Introduction
The words “Fear not” appear across the entire sweep of Scripture—from the trembling hearts of patriarchs to the faithful resistance of early Christians. These two simple words are not a dismissal of fear, but an invitation to trust. Again and again, God speaks them to people on the edge of uncertainty, pain, war, exile, pregnancy, persecution, and even death. This post gathers together the major instances of “fear not” and related phrases throughout the Bible, showing how God’s message of courage remains constant.
Most Well-Known “Fear Not” Verses
Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God…”
Joshua 1:9 – “Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Luke 2:10 – “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy…” (spoken to the shepherds at Jesus’ birth)
John 14:27 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me…”
Romans 8:15 – “You did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear…”
These are the verses often quoted in devotionals and sermons. But they are just the beginning.
“Fear Not” Verses in the Old Testament
Genesis
Genesis 15:1 – God tells Abram, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield…”
Genesis 21:17 – God hears the boy Ishmael and tells Hagar, “Do not be afraid.”
Genesis 26:24 – God speaks to Isaac: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
Genesis 46:3 – God reassures Jacob: “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt.”
Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy
Exodus 14:13 – “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish…”
Numbers 14:9 – “Only, do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land…”
Deuteronomy 3:22 – “Do not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them…”
Joshua and Judges
Joshua 10:25 – “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous…”
Judges 6:23 – The Lord says to Gideon, “Peace be to you; do not fear, you shall not die.”
Kings, Chronicles, and Prophets
2 Kings 6:16 – Elisha tells his servant, “Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than with them.”
2 Chronicles 20:17 – “Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
Isaiah 43:1 – “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name…”
Jeremiah 1:8 – “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you…”
“Fear Not” Verses in the New Testament
Gospels
Matthew 1:20 – “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…”
Matthew 10:28 – “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…”
Matthew 14:27 – “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Luke 1:13 – The angel says to Zechariah, “Do not be afraid…”
Luke 1:30 – “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
Luke 5:10 – Jesus tells Simon Peter, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.”
Acts and Epistles
Acts 18:9 – “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent…”
Hebrews 13:6 – “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”
1 Peter 3:14 – “Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated.”
Meaning for Today: Faith Over Fear
The repetition of “Fear not” in Scripture isn’t accidental. It is one of the most consistent messages of God to his people. Fear has a way of shrinking us, making us forget who we are and whose we are. But these verses remind us that God’s presence is not just a doctrine—it is a promise.
To hear “Do not be afraid” is not to be told to toughen up, but to remember: God is already present. Whether we are facing illness, loss, change, rejection, or hardship, we are not alone. Like Abraham, Hagar, Mary, Paul, and so many others, we are met in our fear by a God who speaks peace.
Fear may visit, but it does not get to stay. Not when the voice of God still whispers, “Fear not.”
