What does it mean "I will put the fear of God into you"?

I would wonder why he felt he had the necessary power to accomplish such a task in the first place.

It means that he will find some way for you to respect others. Don't be self centered and rude to your fellow man. I t wont serve you in any way in the long run. When you are knowingly disrespectfull and rude it reveals your level and sense of greed. Most of us have a level of greed. Some are willing to kill for what they want. Decide in your heart of hearts if you decided that no matter what happens..I wanted that parking spot! You will learn about yourself. You will learn about your personal level of greed,what you want and how bad you want it at any cost. Greed doesn't have to be bad. Though it also can be. Others on here are wasting their time and yours by giving flippant answers that have no meaning and do not help you or answer you question.

I can't believe some of the answers I'm reading. What the old guy simply meant was that he will pray for God to punish you/leave the matter into the hands of God, and when that happens, he believed that you'd be shaking in your pants and vow to never mess with an old man again.

It probably means he will put the fear of god in you. God fears no one, for he is almighty and all. In other words, since god has no fear, that old guy will put nothing on you. His statement was meaningless, and it sounds out of proportion. He was probably in a rush, and just spitted out words without thinking about whether they make sense at all.

a holy fear..

God is good, holy, pure and just and judges us accordingly... as imperfect, sinful beings we should fear God's holy judgment...its not AHHHH fear, but a fear based on humility...like children fearing what will happen if they disobey their parents, teachers, etc.

EDIT...

a lot of the people posting simply don't know the answer, but are compelled to respond.

Your going to Hell.

Dont' worry though, I've heard they send all gay men there so you'll be in good company.

he has a gun

that's old man cussing.

old men are so cute and funny.

that means you do not want to mess with that old man.. he will scar you for life

basically it's to threaten you.