yir.ah denotes a God-directed disposition linked with wisdom and upright conduct, and at times dread in threatening settings.

The attested usage most often presents a God-directed disposition that frames service, wisdom, moral restraint, and faithful conduct; in a smaller set of contexts it denotes dread or awe associated with danger, overwhelming sight, or judgment.

1. God-directed reverence shaping conduct · dominant

   The construct noun occurs in clauses concerning conduct before God: in 2 Chronicles 19:9 the APB renders acting “in the fear of the LORD” with faithfulness and a complete heart, and in Nehemiah 5:15 it gives this disposition as the reason for refusing oppressive conduct. In Proverbs 1:7 and Job 28:28, the APB links it with knowledge and wisdom, while Proverbs 8:13 connects it with hatred of evil.

   2 Chronicles 19:9Nehemiah 5:15Proverbs 1:7Proverbs 8:13Job 28:28Exodus 20:20
2. Dread or awe in threatening settings · occasional

   In Deuteronomy 2:25, the construct form occurs where peoples hear a report, tremble, and writhe; in Ezekiel 30:13, the absolute form stands in the declaration that fear will be put in Egypt. Isaiah 7:25 places the construct form in a setting where hills are avoided because of briers and thorns, and Ezekiel 1:18 describes rims as high and awesome.

   Deuteronomy 2:25Ezekiel 30:13Isaiah 7:25Ezekiel 1:18

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the term with “fear,” especially in clauses concerning the LORD, wisdom, conduct, or trembling. In Ezekiel 1:18 it instead renders the surrounding description with “awesome”; That variation does not by itself define the term.