Unusual word order in "Fear not this night"?

verbs grammar word-order

Yesterday, I've listened to a song called "Fear not this night". I find the syntax unusual (as a foreigner, I have never encountered it). Is it the same meaning as "Don't fear this night" ? What's the slight difference between these 2 ?

Thank you for your time.


It is an archaic structure, and can be seen in the Bible verse Isaiah 41:10 in the King James Version.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand

The New International Version reads:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

"Fear not" has the same meaning as "Do not fear". The song-writer probably used more poetic language to express their meaning - see also "artisitic license".

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