From Genesis to Revelation, God consistently meets His people with the same encouraging command: “Do not be afraid.” The selections below highlight places where this reassurance comes directly from God the Father, the Angel of the LORD/angels, or Jesus (and, in several cases, through a prophet by the Spirit of the Lord). Each entry includes a brief context and the key phrase.
Why the “Fear Nots” of Scripture Matter
The words “Fear not” are far more than a repeated command in Scripture—they are a revelation of God’s heart. Each time God breaks into human history—whether through an angelic visitation, a divine encounter, or the voice of Jesus Himself—He speaks first to calm our deepest human condition: fear. From the garden forward, sin has left humanity separated from God, living under a cloud of fear and striving to work our way back to Him. But every “Fear not” is God’s reminder that He is not appearing to drive us away in terror, but to draw us near in love. These moments are not about God rebuking His children, but about affirming them. They reveal who He is—perfect love that casts out fear—and they remind us who we are in His eyes: His chosen, His beloved, His secure people in whom He delights.
Old Testament
Genesis 15:1 — God to Abram after battle and blessing: “Fear not, I am your shield…AND YOUR EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD!”
Genesis 21:17 — The angel of God to Hagar in the wilderness: “Fear not… God has heard.”
Genesis 26:24 — The LORD to Isaac at Beersheba: “Fear not, for I am with you.”
Genesis 46:3 — God to Jacob in a vision: “Fear not to go down to Egypt.”
Exodus 14:13 — God’s word through Moses at the Red Sea: “Fear not; stand firm.”
Numbers 21:34 — The LORD to Moses facing Og: “Do not fear him.”
Deuteronomy 1:21 — Moses relaying the LORD’s command: “Do not fear or be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 3:2 — The LORD to Moses: “Do not fear him” (again assuring victory).
Deuteronomy 20:1 — The LORD before battle: “Do not be afraid of them.”
Joshua 1:9 — The LORD to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid.”
Joshua 8:1 — The LORD to Joshua at Ai: “Do not fear and do not be dismayed.”
Joshua 10:8 — The LORD to Joshua in the Amorite campaign: “Do not fear them.”
Judges 6:23 — The LORD to Gideon: “Peace be to you. Do not fear.”
2 Kings 19:6 — The word of the LORD through Isaiah to Hezekiah: “Do not be afraid.”
2 Chronicles 20:15 — The Spirit of the LORD through Jahaziel: “Do not be afraid… the battle is God’s.”
2 Chronicles 20:17 — The LORD again: “Do not fear or be dismayed… the LORD is with you.”
Isaiah 7:4 — The LORD to Ahaz: “Be careful, be quiet… do not fear.”
Isaiah 8:13 — The LORD alone as holy: “Let Him be your fear” (not man’s threats).
Isaiah 35:4 — God’s promise to the anxious: “Be strong; fear not… He will save you.”
Isaiah 40:9 — Herald to Zion by the LORD’s command: “Fear not… behold your God!”
Isaiah 41:10 — The LORD to Israel: “Fear not, for I am with you.”
Isaiah 41:13 — The LORD who holds your right hand: “Fear not; I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 41:14 — The LORD to “worm Jacob”: “Fear not… your Redeemer is the Holy One.”
Isaiah 43:1 — The LORD your Creator and Redeemer: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you.”
Isaiah 43:5 — The LORD gathering His people: “Fear not, for I am with you.”
Isaiah 44:2 — The LORD who formed you: “Fear not, O Jacob/My servant.”
Isaiah 44:8 — The LORD the Rock: “Fear not, nor be afraid.”
Isaiah 51:7 — The LORD to those who know His righteousness: “Fear not the reproach of man.”
Isaiah 54:4 — The LORD to Zion: “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed.”
Jeremiah 1:8 — The LORD to Jeremiah: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you.”
Jeremiah 30:10 — The LORD to Jacob: “Fear not… I will save you from afar.”
Jeremiah 46:27 — The LORD to Jacob in exile: “Fear not… I will deliver you.”
Jeremiah 46:28 — The LORD again: “Fear not, O Jacob my servant.”
Ezekiel 2:6 — The LORD to Ezekiel among rebels: “Do not be afraid of them or their words.”
Zephaniah 3:16 — The LORD to Zion: “Fear not; let not your hands grow weak.”
Haggai 2:5 — The LORD with His people: “Fear not.”
Zechariah 8:15 — The LORD’s purpose for good: “Fear not.”
Daniel 10:12 — A heavenly messenger to Daniel: “Fear not, Daniel… your words were heard.”
Daniel 10:19 — The messenger again: “O man greatly loved, fear not… be strong.”
New Testament
Matthew 1:20 — Angel to Joseph: “Do not fear to take Mary as your wife.”
Matthew 10:28 — Jesus: “Do not fear those who kill the body…”
Matthew 10:31 — Jesus: “Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Matthew 14:27 — Jesus on the water: “Take heart; it is I; do not be afraid.”
Matthew 17:7 — Jesus at the Transfiguration: “Rise, and have no fear.”
Matthew 28:5 — Angel to the women at the tomb: “Do not be afraid.”
Matthew 28:10 — Jesus to the women: “Do not be afraid… tell my brothers.”
Luke 1:13 — Gabriel to Zechariah: “Do not be afraid… your prayer is heard.”
Luke 1:30 — Gabriel to Mary: “Do not be afraid, Mary… you have found favor.”
Luke 2:10 — Angel to the shepherds: “Fear not, for I bring good news…”
Revelation 1:17 — Jesus to John: “Fear not; I am the First and the Last.”
“Fear Not — The Thing You Fear Will Not Happen”
Several times in Scripture, God goes beyond simply saying “Do not be afraid.” He directly assures His people that the enemy’s threats and their greatest fears will never come to pass. These promises reveal God’s protective heart and His authority over every circumstance.
- Isaiah to Ahaz — Isaiah 7:4,7 (NLT)
“Tell him to stop worrying. Tell him he doesn’t need to fear the fierce anger of those two burned-out embers, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah… This invasion will never happen; it will never take place.” - Isaiah to Hezekiah — Isaiah 37:6–7 (NLT); 2 Kings 19:6–7 (NLT)
“This is what the Lord says: Do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech against me from the Assyrian king’s messengers. Listen! I myself will move against him… So he will return to his land, where I will have him killed with a sword.” - Jehoshaphat and Judah — 2 Chronicles 20:15,17 (NLT)
“This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s… But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory.” - Jeremiah – “Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.”
Jeremiah 1:8-9 NKJV
These moments remind us: God’s reassurance is not empty comfort. It is His declaration that fear loses its power because His word stands above every threat.
The God Who Affirms, Not Condemns
Scripture says that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). That’s why, almost every time a theophany of God breaks out—or a voice from heaven comes to earth—the very first words are often, “Fear not.”
One of the greatest results of living in a fallen world under the curse of sin is a climate of fear. Deep down, humanity knows it is separated from God and tries to work its way back to Him. But God breaks through again and again with reassurance, not intimidation. He speaks, “Do not be afraid,” because His love is stronger than our fear.
One of the greatest attributes of heaven is this: the absence of fear and the fullness of God’s love and presence. And so when God, or His angel, or even the risen Christ Himself says “Fear not,” it is not to drive us with terror but to draw us near with love.
These repeated words are not rebuke but affirmation. They remind us that God’s appearing is never to crush His children, but to confirm His love for them. Again and again, He affirms: “Fear not, I am with you.”
Takeaway
Let every “Fear not” of Scripture become an affirmation of God’s character in your life. He is not the author of fear—He is the God of perfect love, perfect presence, and perfect peace. When you hear His voice, you can be sure His first words to you will not be condemnation, but comfort: “Do not be afraid.”
I’d love to hear from you: Which “Fear not” verse speaks most clearly to you right now? Share it—or a prayer request, if you wish—in the comments below. If this encouraged you, share it with a friend and subscribe for more Bible encouragement.
Learning to let God’s Word speak louder than fear is one of the themes of my book Pick Up the Bible and Let the Bible Pick You Up. It’s an invitation to discover His heart as you read Scripture.
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