The Sense of Awe in Scripture
When people in the Bible encounter God in his glory—holy, majestic, and lifted up—they are filled with awe. They lose all sense of themselves in the overwhelming presence of God.
The words for worship in the Bible literally mean to bow down, bend the knee, or fall flat on the ground. These actions show humility and honor before the greatness of the Creator. True worship gives glory to God. It happens when people see his holiness and respond with reverence, often with fear and trembling. Worship reminds us of the vast distance between God and humanity, yet it also reveals how God bridges that gap through his mercy and grace.
The Scriptures give many examples of this kind of worship. At Mount Sinai, in the Psalms, and in visions given to prophets like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John, God’s majesty inspires deep reverence. Isaiah saw the Lord “high and lifted up,” while angels cried, “Holy, holy, holy!” (Isa. 6:1–4). In Revelation, multitudes praise God with honor, power, and blessing (Rev. 5:11–13). The psalms describe creation itself joining in worship—the seas roar, the trees clap their hands, and all creation declares, “Glory!” (Ps. 29:9; 96:11–13).
Such encounters also expose the smallness and sinfulness of the worshiper. Isaiah cried, “Woe to me! I am ruined!” (Isa. 6:5). Moses was told to remove his sandals because he stood on holy ground (Exod. 3:5). Peter exclaimed, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). Paul was caught up to paradise and heard things too great to speak (2 Cor. 12:4). John fell as though dead before the risen Christ, whose eyes blazed like fire and whose face shone like the sun (Rev. 1:12–18).
At the same time, awe often overflowed into joyful, even unrestrained worship. After God saved Israel at the Red Sea, Miriam led the women in dancing with tambourines (Exod. 15:20–21). King David danced before the ark of the covenant with such passion that his wife despised him (2 Sam. 6:14–16). The Psalms describe loud and joyful worship with shouts, clapping, dancing, and music (Pss. 47:1; 149:3; 150:4). Jesus himself “rejoiced greatly” in the Spirit (Luke 10:21) and told his disciples to leap for joy even in persecution (Luke 6:23). He also welcomed extravagant acts of love, like the woman who anointed his feet with perfume and wiped them with her hair (Luke 7:36–38).
On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit filled the disciples, and they spoke in new languages (Acts 2:4), a gift that continued in the early church (1 Cor. 14). In John’s vision, the elders in heaven repeatedly fall on their faces before God’s throne in worship (Rev. 11:16; 19:4).
Biblical worship is never just routine. Sometimes it means trembling before God’s holiness. At other times, it means overflowing joy that breaks normal boundaries of behavior. But always, it is the human response to the greatness, holiness, and worth of the Creator.
Study Guide
Main Idea
Encountering God's majesty in Scripture inspires deep awe—humility, reverence, and reverent fear—while also often overflowing into joyful, exuberant worship. True worship responds to God's holiness and greatness, recognizing both His vastness and His mercy.
Key Points to Remember
Nature of Worship: Biblical worship involves bowing, kneeling, or falling before God—acts demonstrating humility and honor. Worship rightly glorifies God and involves reverence, fear, and trembling in response to His holiness.
Examples of Awe in Scripture: Significant encounters—like Isaiah’s vision of the Lord on His throne (Isa. 6), Moses on holy ground (Exod. 3), Peter confessing his sinfulness (Luke 5), and John falling dead before Christ’s glorified face (Rev. 1)—show the overwhelming majesty of God.
Creation’s Worship: All creation joins in worship, praising God's glory with shouts, singing, dancing, and musical praise (Ps. 29, 96, 47, 149, 150).
Awe and Human Response: Recognition of God's greatness often leads to feelings of smallness and sinfulness (Isa. 6, Luke 5), yet it also results in joyful expressions of worship—dancing, singing, rejoicing (Exod. 15, Luke 10, Luke 7).
Worship in the New Testament: The Spirit’s filling at Pentecost led to speaking in tongues (Acts 2), and heavenly beings repeatedly fall before God in worship (Rev. 11, 19). Worship is dynamic, heartfelt, and driven by encounter with God's holiness and worth.
Always Responding to God: Biblical worship involves trembling before divine holiness and joyful celebration—always a human response to God's greatness, holiness, and love.
Key Scriptures Referenced
Isaiah 6:1–4 (vision of the Lord)
Revelation 5:11–13; 1:12–18 (worship in heaven)
Exodus 15:20–21 (joyful praise after Red Sea crossing)
Luke 5:8; Luke 6:23 (humility and joy in worship)
Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 14 (Spirit-filled worship)
Psalm 29, 96, 47, 149, 150 (creation praising God)
Discussion Questions
How do biblical encounters with God demonstrate both reverence and joy?
Why is humility an essential part of true worship?
How can modern worship reflect the biblical understanding of awe—balancing reverence and joyful celebration?
Reflection Activity
Reflect on a time when you felt awe or reverence for God, whether in worship, prayer, or nature. Write a brief prayer or poem expressing your feelings, highlighting both the respect you feel and the joy that comes from experiencing God's greatness. Consider ways to incorporate more awe—humility, reverence, and exuberance—into your ongoing worship.