Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Reverence”
The biblical word “Reverence” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (yirah (Hebrew), phobos (Greek)), where it meant “Fear or awe of God; deep respect and honor”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “Deep respect and esteem; especially a feeling of awe mixed with respect”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekyirah (Hebrew), phobos (Greek)Fear or awe of God; deep respect and honor
Hebrew yirah (H3374) = 'fear of God' in sacred context. Greek phobos can mean both fear and reverent awe. Both convey healthy respect toward the divine.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinreverentiaSacred respect; the virtue of showing honor and deference to God and holy things
Latin reverentia from revereri (to stand in awe of, to revere). Central concept in Christian moral theology.
Modern English
EnglishreverenceDeep respect and esteem; especially a feeling of awe mixed with respect
From Old French reverence and Latin reverentia. Settled in English by 13c, used for both sacred and secular contexts of deep respect.