Brief Overview of Δειλιάω (G1168: Deiliáō)

Deiliáō (pronounced day-lee-AH-oh, δειλιάω) is a Greek verb found under Strong’s Concordance number G1168. The word Deiliáō is derived from the noun δειλία (deilía), meaning “timidity” or “cowardice.” Deiliáō specifically refers to the act of being timid, afraid, or lacking courage. It conveys a sense of shrinking back in fear or being overwhelmed by a sense of dread that hinders decisive action or confidence.

In its primary usage, Deiliáō represents the act of succumbing to fear or timidity, leading to a state of inaction or hesitation. This term often implies a failure to act bravely or confidently in situations where courage is required. In the New Testament, Deiliáō is used to describe an attitude or state of mind that is not consistent with the boldness and confidence that comes from faith in God.

Scripture References

1. Matthew 8:26: “And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid (δειλοί, deiloi), O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” Although the exact verb Deiliáō is not directly used in this verse, the related adjective δειλοί conveys a similar meaning of fear or timidity that Jesus rebukes in His disciples.
2. Mark 4:40: “He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid (δειλοί, deiloi)? Have you still no faith?'” Again, while Deiliáō is not directly used, this verse reflects the same concept of fearfulness that contrasts with the faith Jesus expects from His followers.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Deiliáō is defined as “to be afraid” or “to be timid,” emphasizing the verb’s connotation of fearfulness that leads to inaction or hesitation. BDAG highlights that Deiliáō is associated with a lack of faith or confidence, often in contexts where boldness and courage are required. The lexicon notes that in the New Testament, Deiliáō is used to challenge and correct the fearful attitude that contradicts the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline given by God.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Deiliáō as “to be timid” or “to be afraid,” focusing on the verb’s role in expressing fear or hesitation in the face of challenges. Thayer’s points out that Deiliáō is often used to describe a lack of spiritual or moral courage, where individuals shrink back from their responsibilities or fail to act decisively due to fear. The lexicon emphasizes that Deiliáō is not merely a natural fear but a timidity that hinders spiritual growth and effective action.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader context for Deiliáō, noting its use in classical Greek to describe the act of being fearful or cowardly. LSJ emphasizes that Deiliáō was often viewed negatively in Greek culture, as it represented a failure to live up to the ideals of courage and honor. The term was commonly used in both military and ethical contexts to describe individuals who lacked the bravery to face danger or adversity.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Deiliáō as “to be timid” or “to be afraid,” highlighting its role in describing a state of fearfulness that opposes the boldness expected of believers. The concordance notes that Deiliáō is used in the New Testament to contrast with the faith and courage that are characteristic of a life led by the Spirit.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Deiliáō appears in various classical Greek texts, often in contexts related to fear, courage, and moral integrity.

1. Herodotus in “The Histories” uses Deiliáō to describe the fearfulness of soldiers who fail to stand firm in battle, emphasizing the shame associated with such timidity.
2. Thucydides in his account of the Peloponnesian War uses Deiliáō to discuss the fear that leads to hesitation or retreat in the face of conflict, contrasting it with the valor expected of warriors.
3. Plato in “Laches” uses Deiliáō in the context of a discussion on courage, where it is contrasted with the virtue of bravery. Plato explores how Deiliáō undermines moral character and prevents individuals from achieving their potential.

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Summary

Deiliáō (pronounced day-lee-AH-oh, δειλιάω) is a Greek verb meaning “to be afraid” or “to be timid.” Derived from δειλία (deilía), the term describes the act of succumbing to fear or timidity, leading to inaction or hesitation. In the New Testament, Deiliáō is used to challenge the attitude of fearfulness that contradicts the boldness and confidence expected of believers. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the negative connotations of Deiliáō, associating it with a lack of faith or courage. In classical Greek literature, Deiliáō is often used to describe cowardice or fear in military and ethical contexts, reflecting its broader cultural significance as a trait to be avoided. The word Deiliáō serves as a reminder of the importance of courage and faith in overcoming fear and living a life that honors God.