“But even if you suffer

For doing

What is right,

You are blessed.

Do not fear

What they fear!

Do not be intimidated!”

ἀλλ’ εἰ καὶ πάσχοιτε διὰ δικαιοσύνην, μακάριοι. τὸν δὲ φόβον αὐτῶν μὴ φοβηθῆτε μηδὲ ταραχθῆτε,

This author said, “But even if you suffer (ἀλλ’ εἰ καὶ πάσχοιτε) for doing what is right (διὰ δικαιοσύνην), you are blessed (μακάριοι).  Do not fear (μὴ φοβηθῆτε) what they fear (τὸν δὲ φόβον αὐτῶν)!  Do not be intimidated (μηδὲ ταραχθῆτε)!”  This author maintained if they suffered for doing what was right, they were blessed or happy.  On the other hand, this author cited the Greek Septuagint version of Isaiah, chapter 8:12, “Do not fear what they fear!  Do not be in dread!”  This was an oracle from God directly to Isaiah.  Isaiah and Israel were not to fear what most people feared and dreaded.  God was the only one that they should fear and dread.  The emphasis was on the good things that happened if you are made to suffer for the doing the right thing.  There was no need to worry or fear about other people and their fears.  They should only fear God himself.  Do you lead a blessed or happy life?