How Many Times Does the Bible Say “Fear Not” or “Be Not Afraid”?

The phrases, “Fear not” or “Be not afraid”, occur 103 times in the King James Version of the Bible. It is a common misconception that this sentiment of reassurance occurs 365 or more times.

Isiah 41:10 is an example of a “Fear not” verse, reading “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.” In Matthew 10:26-33, it is advised to “Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid that shall not be known.” In 1 Chronicles 22:13, a slight variation reads: “dread not, nor be dismayed.”

“Fear” itself is mentioned over 500 times in the King James Version of the Bible. This includes the reassuring “Fear not” and its variations, as well as the passages warning Christians to actively fear their God.

Often this fear of God is equated with virtue or wisdom. For instance, in Proverbs 8:13, it is said that “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.” In Psalms 111:10, “the fear of the LORD ” is said to be “the beginning of wisdom” and, in Proverbs 1:7, “the beginning of knowledge.” In 2 Chronicles 17:10 the fear of God is given as the reason for Judah making no war against Jehoshaphat.