Understanding δειλιάω (deiliaō) Strong’s G1168: Overcoming Fear Through Divine Courage in the Face of Trials

Pronunciation Guide: day-lee-AH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1168: The Greek verb δειλιάω (deiliaō) fundamentally means “to be timid, fearful, or cowardly.” It describes a state of being afraid to the point of inaction or retreat. This term specifically denotes a fear that prevents someone from fulfilling their duty or standing firm in faith, particularly when facing difficulties or threats.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active imperative)
• Derived from the adjective δειλός (deilos, G1169), meaning “cowardly” or “fearful”
• Root concept relates to shrinking back due to fear
• Primarily appears in teaching contexts, particularly in Yeshua’s instruction to His disciples
• Appears only once in the New Testament (John 14:27)

δειλιάω Morphology:

• δειλιάω (present active imperative, 2nd person plural) – do not be afraid/timid
• δειλιῶ (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I am afraid/timid
• δειλιᾷ (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it is afraid/timid
• δειλιῶμεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we are afraid/timid

Origin & History

The verb δειλιάω has ancient roots in classical Greek literature, where it carried the consistent meaning of being fearful or cowardly. In Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War,” the term describes soldiers who shrank back from battle due to fear. Similarly, Xenophon used the word in his “Anabasis” to describe those who lacked courage in military contexts.

In the Septuagint (LXX), forms of this word appear in contexts of military fear and spiritual timidity. For example, in Deuteronomy 20:8, it describes soldiers who are fearful and fainthearted before battle. The concept evolves in Jewish thought to encompass not only physical courage but spiritual steadfastness in the face of trials. By the time of the New Testament, the word carried strong moral and spiritual implications beyond mere physical fear.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To be fearful when faced with danger
• To shrink back from duty due to timidity
• To lack courage in the face of threats
• To be cowardly when faith requires boldness
• To be fainthearted when steadfastness is needed

δειλιάω Translation Options:

• “Be fearful” – Emphasizes the emotional state of fear
• “Be cowardly” – Highlights the moral failure aspect of yielding to fear
• “Be timid” – Focuses on the hesitant, uncertain response to challenges
• “Shrink back” – Captures the physical and spiritual retreat that occurs
• “Be fainthearted” – Conveys the lack of inner resolve when facing difficulties

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δειλιάω appears only once, in John 14:27, where Yeshua tells His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful [δειλιάτω].” This significant placement occurs within Yeshua’s farewell discourse, as He prepares His disciples for His departure and the coming trials they will face without His physical presence.

While the verb form δειλιάω appears only once, the related adjective δειλός (deilos) appears in several crucial contexts that illuminate its meaning:

• “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful [δειλιάτω].” John 14:27
• “But seeing the wind, he became frightened [δειλός], and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!'” Matthew 14:30
• “Why are you afraid [δειλοί], you men of little faith?” Matthew 8:26
• “How is it that you have no faith? Why are you so fearful [δειλοί]?” Mark 4:40

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, courage was considered one of the highest virtues, while cowardice (δειλία) was viewed as a serious character flaw. For Jewish men in the first century, this cultural emphasis on courage was heightened by their identity as God’s chosen people who were called to trust in Him regardless of circumstances. The command not to fear appears hundreds of times throughout the Tanakh (Old Testament), establishing fearlessness as a core aspect of faithfulness to יהוה (Yahweh).

The imperative form of δειλιάω in John 14:27 would have carried particular weight in a society where Roman occupation created constant tension and potential danger for followers of Yeshua. His command not to be fearful wasn’t merely suggesting emotional calm but was calling His disciples to a countercultural stance of courage based on their trust in Him – even as they faced persecution, social rejection, and potentially martyrdom.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of δειλιάω illuminate the nature of faith in relationship to fear. When Yeshua commands His disciples not to let their hearts be fearful, He contrasts this with the peace He gives – a peace fundamentally different from what the world offers. This reveals that freedom from fear is not based on circumstances but on relationship with the Messiah and trust in His sovereign care.

The placement of this command in John’s Gospel is significant. It comes after Yeshua’s promise of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) and before His teachings on abiding in Him. This context reveals that divine courage doesn’t come from human willpower but from spiritual connection with יהוה (Yahweh). The antidote to δειλιάω is not self-confidence but God-confidence – a supernatural peace that transcends understanding and circumstances (Philippians 4:7).

Furthermore, the command not to fear connects to the broader biblical theme of trust in God’s faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, fear is presented as the opposite of faith – not merely an emotion but a spiritual stance that questions God’s goodness, power, or presence. The prohibition against δειλιάω is ultimately a call to remember who God is and to live in light of that reality rather than in response to threatening circumstances.

Personal Application

When we encounter the command not to let our hearts be fearful (δειλιάω), we’re confronted with a profound spiritual principle: our fears reveal what we truly believe about God. Each time we face circumstances that tempt us toward fear, we have an opportunity to choose faith instead – not by denying the reality of threats but by affirming the greater reality of God’s presence and promises.

This understanding transforms how we respond to life’s challenges. Instead of asking, “How can I overcome this fear?” we can ask, “What aspect of God’s character do I need to understand more deeply to trust Him in this situation?” When we feel our hearts becoming fearful, we can recognize this as a spiritual indicator calling us back to the peace that Yeshua has given us – a peace not dependent on external conditions but rooted in His unchanging love and sovereign care. In this way, the command against δειλιάω becomes not just a prohibition but an invitation into a life of supernatural courage and trust.

Related Words

• φοβέομαι (phobeomai, foh-BEH-oh-my) – To fear, be afraid, reverence. While δειλιάω always has a negative connotation of cowardice, φοβέομαι can be either negative (harmful fear) or positive (reverent awe of God). See G5399
• ἀθυμέω (athumeō, ah-thoo-MEH-oh) – To be disheartened, discouraged. This focuses more on the loss of motivation or spirit rather than specifically on fear, though they often accompany each other. See G120
• ὀλιγόπιστος (oligopistos, oh-li-GO-pis-tos) – Having little faith. Yeshua frequently connects the concept of being δειλός with having little faith, showing the direct relationship between fear and lack of trust. See G3640
• θαρσέω (tharseō, thar-SEH-oh) – To be of good courage, to be bold. This represents the opposite of δειλιάω and is often commanded by Yeshua when telling people not to fear. See G2293
• μεριμνάω (merimnaō, meh-rim-NAH-oh) – To be anxious, worried. While less intense than δειλιάω, this represents the everyday worries that can lead to fear when not addressed with faith. See G3309

Did You Know?

• The root word of δειλιάω is connected to the concept of “evening” in ancient Greek (δείλη, deilē), suggesting the natural fear that comes with darkness. This creates a powerful metaphor – just as light dispels darkness, faith in the Messiah dispels fear. This also connects to the ancient Jewish practice of marking the start of a new day at sundown, suggesting that courage comes from recognizing that God works even in our darkest hours.
• In ancient Greek military culture, a soldier who displayed δειλία (cowardice) could be subjected to ἀτιμία (atimia), a form of public disgrace or dishonor. The soldier might have his armor taken away or be forced to stand for three days in the public square wearing a cloak with patches. This cultural context adds weight to Yeshua’s warning against having a fearful heart – He was calling His followers to a spiritual courage that would be recognized and respected even by the martial values of the surrounding culture.
• Modern psychological research has identified “courage” as being not the absence of fear but the ability to act despite fear. This scientific understanding aligns perfectly with the biblical concept surrounding δειλιάω – Yeshua wasn’t promising His disciples they would never feel afraid, but rather that they wouldn’t be controlled or defined by their fears. The peace He offers doesn’t eliminate the experience of fear but provides the spiritual resources to overcome it.

Remember This

When Yeshua commands us not to let our hearts be δειλιάω (fearful), He isn’t merely giving advice; He’s revealing the supernatural peace available to those who trust in Him – a peace that transforms our response to life’s storms from paralyzed fear into confident action.