The Hebrew word often translated as awesome is yare’ (יָרֵא), which primarily means to fear, to revere, or to be in awe. It denotes a deep sense of reverence and wonder, often in the context of God’s mighty acts, holiness, and divine power.
In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent would be phobos (φόβος), also conveying reverence and awe in the presence of God’s majesty.
The biblical use of awesome is not a casual compliment but a recognition of God’s greatness, majesty, and unmatched glory that inspires reverent fear and worship.
Why God Is Described as “Awesome”
God is described as awesome in Scripture because He alone possesses the attributes that evoke holy reverence and wonder. His power, justice, holiness, and mighty acts in creation and redemption make Him uniquely deserving of the term.
Psalm 47:2 (NKJV)
“For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.”
The psalmist here declares God as awesome because He reigns with unmatched authority and dominion over all creation.
Attributes of God’s “Awesomeness”
His Majesty and Might
God’s power and authority over all creation inspire awe.
Deuteronomy 10:17 (NKJV)
“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.”Psalm 68:35 (NKJV)
“O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people.”
His Holiness
God’s holiness sets Him apart as perfectly pure and righteous, inspiring reverence.
Exodus 15:11 (NKJV)
“Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?”Psalm 99:3 (NKJV)
“Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy.”
His Mighty Acts and Wonders
God’s works in creation, judgment, and redemption reveal His awe-inspiring power.
Nehemiah 9:32 (NKJV)
“Now therefore, our God, The great, the mighty, and awesome God, Who keeps covenant and mercy.”Psalm 66:3 (NKJV)
“Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.’”
His Justice and Judgments
The fear of God arises from His perfect justice and ability to judge righteously.
Psalm 65:5 (NKJV)
“By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth.”Revelation 15:3-4 (NKJV)
“Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!”
His Covenant Faithfulness
God’s faithfulness to His promises inspires awe and reverence.
Deuteronomy 7:21 (NKJV)
“You shall not be terrified of them; for the LORD your God, the great and awesome God, is among you.”
Verses Where God Is Described as “Awesome”
Here is a collection of verses where God is explicitly described as awesome:
Deuteronomy 7:21 – “You shall not be terrified of them; for the LORD your God, the great and awesome God, is among you.”
Deuteronomy 10:17 – “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality.”
Joshua 4:24 – “That all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”
Nehemiah 1:5 – “I pray, LORD God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments.”
Nehemiah 4:14 – “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren.”
Nehemiah 9:32 – “Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and awesome God, who keeps covenant and mercy.”
Psalm 47:2 – “For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.”
Psalm 66:3 – “Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.’”
Psalm 99:3 – “Let them praise Your great and awesome name—He is holy.”
Psalm 145:6 – “Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness.”
Daniel 9:4 – “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
Responding to the Awesomeness of God
The proper response to recognizing God’s awesomeness is worship, humility, and reverent fear.
Worship:
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” (Psalm 95:6)Reverence:
“Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” (Psalm 33:8)Obedience:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
My Final Thoughts
The word awesome in Scripture is reserved for the majesty, holiness, and power of God alone. It describes His greatness in a way that demands reverence, worship, and awe. In a world that often trivializes the term, let us reclaim it biblically and use it only for our God, who truly is “great and awesome.”
Let His awesomeness draw you to worship, fear the Lord rightly, and walk in obedience before Him. Our God is not just impressive—He is awe-inspiring beyond comprehension, worthy of eternal praise.
