In fact, Isaiah also prophesied about Jesus: “There will be enjoyment by him in the fear of Jehovah.” (Isaiah 11:3) How can you enjoy being afraid of someone?

The fact is, in the Bible the word “fear” has a number of shades of meaning. There is the physical fear or dread that we feel when someone wants to do us harm. Thus, the Israelite armies “were very much afraid” of Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:23, 24) Then there is the fear of the startlingly unexpected or unknown, such as Zechariah felt when suddenly confronted by Jehovah’s angel in the temple. (Luke 1:11, 12) However, the fear Jesus felt for his Father was unlike either of these.

Rather, the original Hebrew and Greek words used in the Bible for “fear” often refer to a profound reverence and awe of God. Such was the godly fear that Jesus had and that the angel was encouraging everyone today to cultivate.

Like Jesus, a Christian finds satisfaction in this fear in the same way that he enjoys all other blessings from Jehovah.​—Isaiah 11:3.