King James Bible
"But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him."
Jesus redirects his disciples' attention from fearing human persecution to understanding proper reverence. The word 'forewarn' indicates protective teaching, preparing them for the reality of opposition while correcting misplaced anxieties. This identifies God as the ultimate authority over both physical death and eternal destiny. The Greek word for hell here is 'Gehenna,' referencing final judgment rather than mere physical death, emphasizing that divine authority extends beyond temporal existence. The emphatic repetition underscores the critical importance of this teaching. Jesus uses his personal authority ('I say unto you') to drive home that reverent fear of God should supersede all earthly fears, providing the proper perspective for facing persecution.