Phobeomai (φοβέομαι) is the verb form of phobos (G5401, fear), appearing about 95 times in the NT. It covers a broad spectrum: from paralyzing terror (Mark 4:41, disciples terrified in the storm) to reverential awe before God (Acts 10:2, Cornelius "feared God"), to the pastoral command "Do not fear" (mē phobeisthe) which appears more than 80 times in Scripture.
The noun phobos tou Kyriou — the fear of the Lord — is the OT's most fundamental posture of wisdom (Prov. 1:7) and translates directly into NT discipleship.
The NT distinguishes sharply between two kinds of fear. Douleia-fear (the spirit of slavery, Romans 8:15) is the cowering terror of one who expects condemnation — this is overcome by love: "Perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). But reverential awe (eulabeia, godly fear) is not cast out — it is cultivated. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling [phobos kai tromos]" (Phil. 2:12). The fear of God is not antithetical to love — it is love's proper orientation toward infinite holiness.
Jesus' most repeated command is "Do not fear" (mē phobou / mē phobeisthe). The Father's care, the resurrection's power, and the Spirit's presence make this command possible — not easy optimism but grounded courage. The NT vision: fear God alone, and you are set free from every other fear.