What is the meaning of the Terror of the Lord? Definition and Overview The phrase “the terror of the Lord” appears in Scripture as a profound expression describing the awe-inspiring and sometimes unsettling reality of God’s authority and judgment. In many translations, including the Berean Standard Bible, 2 Corinthians 5:11 reads, “Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men...” (2 Corinthians 5:11), where the older English versions render it as “terror of the Lord.” This concept conveys both reverential fear and an awareness of God’s righteous power. Throughout the Bible, “terror” or “fear” of the Lord encapsulates both the holiness that elicits reverence and the judgment that elicits trembling. It stands as a key component of how humanity comprehends divine majesty, justice, and moral accountability. Biblical Terms and Language In the original language of the New Testament, the Greek term often translated as “fear” is “phobos.” While this word can mean fright, it also carries the idea of reverential awe. When directed toward God, “phobos” signifies recognizing divine holiness, power, and competence to judge. In the Old Testament, the corresponding Hebrew term is often “yir’ah,” which likewise encompasses both literal dread and reverential respect. Examples include: • Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” – emphasizing reverential fear as foundational to spiritual and moral understanding. • Isaiah 2:10–21 – describing how people seek to hide from “the dread of the LORD” when faced with His majesty and judgment. Key Scriptural Passages “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men.” Here, “the terror of the Lord” focuses on the coming judgment. Believers hold a sense of urgency for proclaiming truth and persuading others about the reality of Christ’s salvation, based on the knowledge that everyone is accountable before God. At Mount Sinai, the people witnessed thunder, lightning, and the trumpet blast. They trembled at the display of God’s presence. This Old Testament example shows how “terror” arises when encountering God’s holiness and power in a tangible event. 3. Isaiah 2:19 “Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.” In a prophetic vision, it portrays the final reckoning where God’s glory instills dread in those who oppose His rule. These passages collectively remind readers of the magnitude and seriousness of God’s moral order. Historical and Linguistic Considerations Ancient manuscripts, including portions found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, corroborate the integrity of Old Testament texts that speak of this divine fear (compare with Isaiah manuscripts found at Qumran). Consistency across these sources undergirds the conclusion that references to the terror or fear of God have been preserved accurately. In Greek New Testament fragments—from papyri to Codex Sinaiticus—passages like 2 Corinthians 5 likewise confirm the emphasis on a conviction about divine accountability. Archaeological discoveries that affirm biblical events, such as the signs and wonders described in Exodus, lend weight to the biblical authors’ portrayal of a God whose power can indeed evoke terror. Theological Significance 1. God’s Holiness and Justice The “terror of the Lord” underscores God’s unapproachable holiness, His intolerance of evil, and His capacity to judge. Holiness involves separation from sin, and the terror or fear arises whenever human sinfulness confronts divine purity. That tension accentuates God’s moral authority. 2. Call to Repentance Recognizing God’s power to judge spurs individuals to repentance. In 2 Corinthians 5:11, Paul’s awareness of God’s judgment seat propels him to “try to persuade men.” The terror of the Lord is not a tool of manipulation; rather, it is a reality check that fosters genuine humility and readiness to receive mercy. 3. Balanced by Love and Grace Although “terror” can seem negative, Scripture balances it with God’s steadfast love. The same God who is awesome in judgment offers redemption through the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ. As Romans 5:8 says, “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” These truths harmonize: God’s holiness necessitates justice, yet His compassion calls all to salvation. Practical and Pastoral Implications 1. Moral Accountability The reality of divine judgment leads to sober living. Knowing one must answer to a holy God shapes moral convictions and ethical behavior. Throughout Church history, serious reflection on the “fear of the Lord” has been linked with personal holiness and community integrity. 2. Evangelistic Motivation Acknowledging God’s awe-inspiring authority inspires believers to share the message of redemption. Fear or terror of the Lord is not the final end; it propels disciples of Christ to speak truth and invite people to reconciliation with God. 3. Healthy Reverence “Terror of the Lord” should not be understood as abject alarm day by day, but rather a reverential posture. This posture fosters humility, worship, and gratitude for salvation—knowing that the God of the universe is both transcendent in glory and imminent in mercy for those who trust in Him. Connection to Salvation and Hope Standing before the God of creation can feel terrifying to anyone aware of sin’s pervasive nature. Yet, biblical teaching does not leave humanity in dread. Christ’s resurrection demonstrates God’s triumphant power over sin and death, providing not only a reason for reverence but also for hope. Believers grasp that through Jesus, the “terror” becomes a catalyst for transformation—leading to a life of worship, obedience, and confidence in the face of final judgment. Conclusion “The terror of the Lord” conveys an essential biblical truth: God’s holiness and justice demand respect, reverence, and sober-minded living. Scripture emphasizes that God’s power and capacity to judge are genuine, motivating people to repentance and devoted commitment. At the same time, this divine power is inseparable from divine love. The very One who can evoke terror is also the One who offers salvation through the resurrected Christ. This balanced understanding—fear intertwined with awe, judgment balanced by grace—allows believers to appreciate the totality of God’s character. Far from being a relic of older translations or an archaic idea, the “terror of the Lord” remains a vibrant biblical teaching that encourages moral accountability, genuine reverence, and gratitude for redemption. |
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