Sacred Boldness: τολμάω (Strong’s G5111: tolmao) Empowers Gospel Proclamation

Strong’s G5111: A verb expressing courage, daring, or presumption. In biblical context, it often describes holy boldness in proclaiming truth or confronting opposition, while also warning against presumptuous behavior. Demonstrates the tension between godly courage and human audacity.

U – Unveiling the Word

τολμάω embodies a complex spectrum of meaning, ranging from commendable courage to presumptuous daring. In the New Testament, it primarily appears in contexts of spiritual boldness or the lack thereof, as seen in Matthew 22:46 where opponents no longer “dared” to question Jesus. The early church recognized this term’s dual nature – celebrating the holy boldness of apostolic proclamation while warning against presumptuous behavior. This understanding remains crucial today, as believers must discern between Spirit-led courage and fleshly presumption. The word teaches us about approaching God and His truth with both confidence and appropriate reverence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τολμάω, tolmao, /tol.ˈma.ō/
• Detailed Pronunciation: tohl-MAH-oh (where ‘oh’ is like in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From τόλμα (tolma) meaning “courage” or “boldness”
• Root word: τολμ- (tolm-) indicating daring or courage
• Suffix: -άω (-ao) forming present active verbs

D – Defining Meanings

• To dare, be bold
• To venture, presume
• To have courage, be brave

For compound words: Not applicable as τολμάω is a simple verb

Translation Options:

• “dare” – when emphasizing presumption or challenge
• “be bold” – when highlighting courage
• “venture” – when indicating careful initiative

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θαρρέω (tharreō) /tʰar.ˈre.ō/ – to be of good courage See G2292
• παρρησιάζομαι (parrēsiazomai) /par.rē.si.ˈa.zo.mai/ – to speak boldly See G3955
• καταφρονέω (kataphroneō) /ka.ta.pʰro.ˈne.ō/ – to think down upon, despise See G2706

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

Common forms include:

• Present: τολμῶ (tolmō) – I dare
• Imperfect: ἐτόλμων (etolmōn) – I was daring
• Future: τολμήσω (tolmēsō) – I will dare
• Aorist: ἐτόλμησα (etolmēsa) – I dared

Cross-references: Related noun τόλμα (tolma) meaning “boldness”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insight into τολμάω’s semantic range. BDAG emphasizes its dual nature of both positive courage and negative presumption. Thayer’s notes its progression from classical to biblical usage, where it gained spiritual significance. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in military contexts. Vine’s highlights its connection to moral courage in Christian testimony. Strong’s emphasizes the element of daring or venturing. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in papyri for legal challenges. LEH traces its use in the Septuagint, particularly in contexts of facing danger or opposition.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And no one was able, nor dared from that day forth to ask Him any more questions.” Matthew 22:46

Additional References:
Mark 12:34
Mark 15:43
John 21:12
Acts 5:13
Romans 5:7
2 Corinthians 10:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τολμάω captures the essence of Spirit-empowered boldness that characterizes authentic Christian witness. Its usage in Scripture reveals the delicate balance between holy courage and humble reverence. This word tells us that the good news of King Jesus requires bold proclamation, yet always with appropriate fear of the Lord. It reminds us that true Christian courage comes not from human bravado but from the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, enabling believers to speak truth with both boldness and love.

D – Did You Know?

• In ancient Greek theater, τολμάω often described heroic acts against impossible odds
• The word appears in early Christian martyrdom accounts describing courage facing persecution
• Ancient Greek philosophers debated whether τολμάω represented virtue or vice

Strong’s G5111: A verb expressing courage, daring, or presumption. In biblical usage, it often describes holy boldness in proclaiming truth or confronting opposition, while also warning against presumptuous behavior. Demonstrates the tension between godly courage and human audacity.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: courage, boldness, dare, presume, spiritual-warfare, witness, proclamation, persecution, martyrdom, apostolic-courage, holy-spirit, evangelism​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​