Understanding δειλία (deilia) Strong’s G1167: The Spirit of Fear That Opposes Faith and Courage in Believers

Pronunciation Guide: day-lee’-ah (with emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1167: Δειλία (deilia) refers to cowardice or fearfulness that paralyzes action. It describes a spirit of timidity that stems from moral weakness rather than prudent caution. This word specifically denotes a fear that prevents one from doing what they know they should do, especially in the context of faith. In the New Testament, it represents the opposite of the power, love, and sound mind that God’s Spirit gives to believers.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine noun
• Root Word: Derived from δειλός (deilos, G1169), meaning “cowardly” or “timid”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in doctrinal and exhortational passages
• Frequency: Rare; appears only once in the New Testament (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Related Verb: δειλιάω (deiliao), meaning “to be cowardly” or “to shrink back in fear”

Δειλία Morphology:

• δειλία (nominative singular) – cowardice/fearfulness
• δειλίας (genitive singular) – of cowardice/fearfulness
• δειλίᾳ (dative singular) – in/with cowardice/fearfulness
• δειλίαν (accusative singular) – cowardice/fearfulness (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term δειλία has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was consistently used to describe a negative character trait. In works like Plato’s “Republic,” δειλία is positioned as the opposite of ἀνδρεία (andreia, courage), one of the four cardinal virtues. Plato considered δειλία to be a defect of character that prevented a person from fulfilling their proper function in society.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, forms of δειλός appear in contexts where individuals fail to trust God in the face of challenges. For instance, in Deuteronomy 20:8, it describes soldiers who are fearful and fainthearted before battle and are instructed to return home so they don’t negatively influence others. The concept carries the specific nuance of a fear that undermines one’s duty or calling.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Cowardice that leads to moral failure or abandonment of duty
• Excessive fear that paralyzes appropriate action
• Spiritual timidity that prevents bold witness or obedience
• A spirit of faithlessness that contradicts trust in God
• Shrinking back from divinely appointed responsibilities

Δειλία Translation Options:

• Cowardice – Emphasizes the moral failure aspect, highlighting the weakness of character
• Timidity – Focuses on the hesitancy and lack of boldness, which is particularly relevant in the context of Timothy’s ministry challenges
• Fearfulness – Captures the emotional state that prevents action, particularly appropriate in contexts where faith should overcome fear
• Craven fear – A more intense translation that conveys the debilitating nature of this kind of fear
• Spirit of fear – Emphasizes the spiritual dimension, particularly appropriate in 2 Timothy 1:7 where it contrasts with the Holy Spirit’s empowerment

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δειλία appears explicitly only once, in 2 Timothy 1:7, where Paul reminds Timothy: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear [δειλίας], but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This singular occurrence is significant because it directly contrasts δειλία with the positive qualities that come from God’s Spirit. The context suggests that Timothy may have been struggling with boldness in his ministry, possibly due to persecution or opposition.

While the noun δειλία appears only once, the related adjective δειλός (deilos) appears in several key passages that further illuminate the concept:

• “For God has not given us a spirit of fear [δειλίας], but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
• “But the cowardly [δειλοῖς], unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
• “But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful [δειλοί], O you of little faith?'” Matthew 8:26
• “But as they sailed, He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in danger. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!'” Luke 8:23-25 – (Using the related term δειλοί)
• “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'” Matthew 14:27-31 – (Contextually related to δειλία)

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, courage (ἀνδρεία) was considered one of the highest virtues, especially for men, while δειλία was viewed as one of the most shameful vices. Roman soldiers who displayed δειλία in battle could face severe consequences, including execution. This cultural backdrop gives Paul’s exhortation to Timothy profound significance, as he is essentially encouraging his young protégé to embody the virtues expected of an honorable man in their society, but from a spiritual rather than merely cultural motivation.

The concept also connects deeply with Hebrew understanding of faith (אֱמוּנָה, emunah). In Jewish thought, true faith was not merely intellectual assent but demonstrated through action and steadfastness. The Hebrew Scriptures frequently called God’s people to “be strong and courageous” (חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ, chazak ve’ematz), as in Joshua 1:9, where יהוה (Yahweh) commands Joshua not to be afraid. Paul’s contrast between δειλία and the spirit God gives would resonate powerfully with Timothy’s understanding of faith as active trust rather than passive belief.

Theological Significance

Theologically, δειλία represents the antithesis of faith-inspired courage. When Paul states that God has not given believers a spirit of δειλία, he establishes an important principle: cowardice and debilitating fear are not from God. This declaration helps believers discern the source of their emotional and spiritual states, recognizing that paralyzing fear contradicts God’s character and purpose for His people.

The contrast Paul presents in 2 Timothy 1:7 is particularly illuminating. He juxtaposes δειλία with three positive qualities: power (δύναμις), love (ἀγάπη), and a sound mind (σωφρονισμός). This suggests that the remedy for fearfulness is not merely courage, but a divinely-empowered combination of strength, selfless love, and disciplined thinking. Each of these qualities directly counters an aspect of δειλία: power overcomes weakness, love conquers self-preservation instincts, and a sound mind dispels irrational fears.

Moreover, the inclusion of δειλοί (the cowardly) as the first category mentioned among those excluded from the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:8 underscores the serious spiritual implications of habitual fearfulness. This suggests that persistent, unrepentant cowardice in matters of faith—the unwillingness to stand for truth or follow the Messiah when doing so involves risk—fundamentally contradicts the trust in God that characterizes His people.

Personal Application

In our walk with the Messiah, we often face situations that tempt us toward δειλία—paralyzing fear that prevents faithful action. Whether it’s sharing our faith with others, standing for biblical truth in hostile environments, or stepping out in obedience to God’s call, the spirit of fear whispers that the cost is too high or the risk too great. Yet Paul’s words remind us that such fear does not come from God.

When we experience δειλία creeping into our hearts, we can remind ourselves of the alternative God provides: His Spirit of power, love, and sound judgment. Rather than trying to overcome fear through mere willpower, we can ask God to fill us afresh with His Spirit, whose presence displaces fear with divine enabling. As we embrace the power God provides, express His love to others, and renew our minds with truth, we find that δειλία loses its grip on our hearts and actions.

Consider journaling about areas where fear may be holding you back from full obedience to God. Bring these specific fears before the Lord in prayer, asking Him to replace δειλία with His Spirit’s power, love, and sound mind. Then take one small step of faith-filled action in that area, remembering that courage isn’t the absence of fear but rather faithfulness in its presence.

Related Words

• Φόβος (phobos, “fear”) – While δειλία refers specifically to cowardice or fearfulness as a character flaw, φόβος is a more general term that can refer to fear, terror, reverence, or respect, depending on context. Φόβος can be either positive (as in the “fear of the Lord”) or negative (terror). Pronounce: FOH-bohs See G5401
• Δειλός (deilos, “cowardly”) – The adjectival form from which δειλία derives, referring to someone characterized by cowardice or fearfulness. This appears three times in the New Testament, including in Revelation where the “cowardly” are listed first among those excluded from the New Jerusalem. Pronounce: day-LOS See G1169
• Θάρσος (tharsos, “courage”) – The opposite of δειλία, referring to boldness, courage, or confidence. This word and its verbal form θαρσέω appear when Jesus or others encourage believers not to be afraid. Pronounce: THAR-sos See G2294
• Παρρησία (parrhesia, “boldness”) – Refers to boldness, especially in speech, or freedom in speaking. It often describes the courage of the apostles in proclaiming the gospel despite opposition. Pronounce: par-rhay-SEE-ah See G3954
• Ἀνδρίζομαι (andrizomai, “to act like a man, be brave”) – A verb exhorting believers to display courage and strength, as in 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” Pronounce: an-DRID-zoh-my See G407

Did You Know?

• In ancient Greek military contexts, a soldier who fled battle due to δειλία could face atimia (loss of citizenship rights) or even execution. The Greeks took this vice so seriously that Aristotle devoted significant portions of his “Nicomachean Ethics” to discussing courage and its opposite, δειλία. The Messiah’s call to take up our cross and follow Him regardless of consequences would have directly challenged this deeply ingrained cultural understanding of courage versus cowardice.
• The placement of “the cowardly” (δειλοί) as the first category mentioned in Revelation 21:8’s list of those excluded from the New Jerusalem is significant. This positioning suggests that fearfulness that prevents faith may be the foundational sin from which many others flow. When we allow fear rather than trust in God to govern our decisions, we become susceptible to compromising truth, pursuing false security, and acting contrary to God’s commands.
• Modern psychology has identified a condition called “analysis paralysis,” where overthinking leads to inaction—a contemporary manifestation of what the ancient Greeks understood as δειλία. The biblical antidote, a “sound mind” (σωφρονισμός) mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7, implies disciplined, balanced thinking that leads to appropriate action rather than endless rumination that prevents faithfulness. This principle has profound implications for believers struggling with decision-making in today’s complex world.

Remember This

Δειλία is not merely an emotion but a spiritual condition that God explicitly does not give His people; instead, He offers the powerful alternative of His Spirit who fills us with divine strength, selfless love, and sound judgment to face any challenge with faithful courage.