FEAR/TREMBLING

Definition:

Submission, obedience (definition may be broader). 

Scripture:

• To paraphrase, the Lord says “a servant honors his master, and if I am a master, then where is my fear?” He uses fear interchangeably with honor.

Malachi 1:6 (KJV) A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

• Obedience is used synonymously with “fear and trembling.”

2 Corinthians 7:15 (KJV) And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

Philippians 2:12 (KJV) Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

• Fearing the Lord refers to keeping His commandments.

Deuteronomy 6:2 (KJV) That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou…

Psalms 111:10-112:1 (YLT) The beginning of wisdom is fear of Jehovah, Good understanding have all doing them [His commands], His praise is standing for ever! Praise ye Jah! O the happiness of one fearing Jehovah, In His commands he hath delighted greatly.

• Fear is clearly not speaking about “being afraid” the way most people would describe it (in a negative sense). Here it says to “rejoice in trembling.”

Psalms 2:11 (KJV) Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.