The phrase “Fear not” is one of the most comforting messages in the Bible. Many Christians have heard that it appears 365 times—one for each day of the year—as a daily reminder from God to live without fear. But is this claim true? How often does the Bible actually tell us not to fear?
In this article, we’ll explore:
How many times “Fear not” appears in the Bible (with updated research)
Key Bible verses where God says, “Do not be afraid”
Why this message matters in faith and daily life
How to read the Bible effectively for deeper understanding
Let’s dive in.
Does the Bible Say “Fear Not” 365 Times?
No, the exact phrase “Fear not” does not appear 365 times in the Bible. This popular belief is more of a symbolic idea than a factual count. However, the Bible does repeatedly encourage believers to trust God and reject fear.
What’s the Actual Count?
Different Bible translations vary slightly, but here’s what recent research shows:
“Fear not” (or similar phrases like “Do not be afraid”) appears around 70-100 times across the Old and New Testaments.
The King James Version (KJV) uses “Fear not” about 57 times, while other translations like the NIV and ESV have slightly different counts.
If we include variations like “Do not fear” or “Be not afraid”, the number increases but still doesn’t reach 365.
Why the 365 myth?
The idea likely spread because it’s a powerful reminder—God’s reassurance against fear is so frequent that it could cover every day of the year. Even if not exact, the message is clear: God wants us to live with courage, not fear.
Key Bible Verses Where God Says “Fear Not”
While the Bible doesn’t say “Fear not” 365 times, these verses show how often God reassures His people:
Old Testament “Fear Not” Verses
Genesis 15:1 – “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
New Testament “Do Not Be Afraid” Verses
Luke 2:10 – The angel tells the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Matthew 14:27 – Jesus says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Revelation 1:17 – Jesus comforts John: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.”
These verses show that whenever God or Jesus says “Fear not,” it’s usually followed by a promise—His presence, protection, or power.
Why Does God Tell Us Not to Fear So Often?
Fear is a natural human emotion, but God repeatedly tells us to “Fear not” because:
✅ Fear distracts us from faith – If we’re constantly afraid, we doubt God’s promises.
✅ God is bigger than our fears – He controls everything, so we don’t have to live in anxiety.
✅ Fear leads to bad decisions – Many Bible figures (like Peter walking on water) failed when they let fear take over.
✅ Perfect love drives out fear – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18)
How Many Times Did Jesus Say “Fear Not”?
Jesus specifically said “Do not be afraid” or similar phrases at least 20 times in the Gospels. Some key moments:
Calming the storm (Mark 4:40)
Appearing after His resurrection (Matthew 28:10)
Encouraging His disciples (John 6:20)
Each time, Jesus reinforced that faith, not fear, should guide our lives.
What Word Is Used 365 Times in the Bible?
While “Fear not” isn’t the phrase, some words appear hundreds or even thousands of times, like:
“Lord” – Over 7,000 times
“God” – About 4,000 times
“Love” – Around 300 times
Numbers in the Bible often have symbolic meanings (like 7 = completeness, 40 = testing), but 365 isn’t a significant biblical number. The 365-day year is more of a modern connection.
How to Read the Bible Effectively
If you’re exploring the Bible, here’s a simple way to start:
1. Begin with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
These books focus on Jesus’ life and teachings—great for understanding His message.
2. Try Proverbs for Wisdom, Psalms for Comfort
Proverbs – Short, practical advice for daily life.
Psalms – Emotional prayers and songs (helpful when struggling with fear).
3. Study Key Stories of Faith Over Fear
David & Goliath (1 Samuel 17) – Facing giants with faith.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6) – Trusting God in danger.
Peter Walking on Water (Matthew 14) – Keeping focus on Jesus.
4. Reflect & Apply
Ask yourself:
What fears am I dealing with?
How do these Bible verses encourage me?
Final Thought: Should We Still Count “Fear Not” as a Daily Reminder?
Even if “Fear not” doesn’t appear 365 times, the Bible’s message is clear: God doesn’t want us living in fear. Whether it’s 70 or 100 times, the repetition shows how much He cares about our peace.
So while the 365-day idea is more symbolic than literal, it’s still a powerful truth: Every day, we can choose faith over fear.
What’s one “Fear not” verse that encourages you? Let it be your reminder today.
