Psalm 139:14

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

I am thinking about the power behind the word "fearfully" in this passage. Lions are fearfully made, bears, parahnas. But me? How could I possibly be fearfully made. I agree the workings of my body are wonderful. God did not forget one single thing. But what makes me fearfully made?

Defintion:
Fearfully

1. Causing or capable of causing fear
2. Experiencing fear
3. Feeling or inclined to feel anxiety
4. Indicating anxiety
5. Feeling reverence or awe
6. Exteme as in degree

There it is! Number 5. The Hebrew translation of fear in often used to record worship, praise, reverence or awe. That is why we "fear" the Lord. Number 6 is also a good description of the Hebrew translation. 1-4 Are feeling that we feel or actions we take when we are choosing to lead our own lives.

Mrs Leah Kohn of Women of Judaism wrote this commentary:

"The Jewish defintion of "fear of God" implies an understanding of the greatness of God. "Fear of God" has several levels, the lowest being fear of punishment or Devine retribution. This level is seen only as a first step towards a higher ability to remain constantly in awe of the Devine."