Bible verses about fear
Psalm 27:1, 2 Timothy 1:7 and Isaiah 41:10 are the verses people reach for first when they're afraid. They say the Lord is your light, that fear isn't what God gave you, and that he stays close. All twelve are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
In the World English Bible
The LORD is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
David asks who there is to be afraid of when the Lord is light and safety. Good to say out loud before a hard day.
2.Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
In the World English Bible
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Said to a nation in exile. The reason to stand steady is that God stays close and helps.
3.2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
In the World English Bible
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
Paul reminds a nervous young leader that fear is not what God handed him. Then he lists what God did hand him.
4.Isaiah 43:1-2
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
In the World English Bible
But now the LORD who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel, says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
God calls his people by name before he mentions water and fire. The hard places get named, and so does his company.
5.Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
In the World English Bible
The LORD is on my side. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Short and easy to memorize. The writer asks what a person can really do when the Lord is on his side.
6.1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
In the World English Bible
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.
John sets fear and love side by side. He says fear has to do with punishment, and love that is complete drives it out.
7.Mark 5:36
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
In the World English Bible
But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”
Jesus says this to a father who has just heard his daughter died. He speaks straight into the worst news.
8.Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
In the World English Bible
“Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.
A tender line to a small group of followers. Jesus calls them a little flock, and the Father is glad to give them a kingdom.
9.Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
In the World English Bible
I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Fear came first in this psalm, then the seeking. The writer says he was answered and freed from what scared him.
10.Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
In the World English Bible
The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD is kept safe.
About fear of what people think. The writer calls it a trap, and trusting the Lord the safer ground.
11.Psalm 56:4
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
In the World English Bible
In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
Held by enemies when he wrote this, David chooses trust and asks what a mere human can do to him.
12.Matthew 10:31
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
In the World English Bible
Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
Jesus is talking about sparrows. If God keeps watch over those, you matter a lot more to him.
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Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about fear?
Psalm 27:1 is a good place to start. David asks who there is to be afraid of when the Lord is light and safety. Good to say out loud before a hard day.
Is it a sin to be afraid?
Scripture doesn't treat fear as a sin. People in the Bible were afraid all the time, including David in Psalm 56:4 and the father in Mark 5:36. The verses mostly point to where to take it, which is to God, who is described as being with you in it.
What should I pray when I'm scared?
Short is fine. Psalm 34:4 shows David simply seeking the Lord, and Psalm 118:6 is a line you can say out loud. Psalm 27:1 works as a morning reminder. If fear is constant, talking with a doctor or counselor is a good idea too.
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Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.