Awe
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Awe in the Bible?
Fear mingled with reverence and wonder, a state of mind inspired by something terrible or sublime. This attitude arises from a consciousness of God's infinite power, sublimity, and holiness.
SIGNIFICANCE
This concept is crucial in understanding the pious soul's relationship with God in the Scriptures, especially in the Old Testament.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Awe. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Awe in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Awe clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Awe." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/awe/