δειλιάω
deiliáō
G1168 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To show fearfulness or lack courage in the face of danger or difficulty; primarily, to be timid, shrink back, or lose confidence. The verb indicates yielding to fear or being fainthearted rather than acting with boldness. In some contexts, it may imply cowardice or failing to respond bravely when challenged.
Semantic Range
to be timid, to show fearfulness, to lose heart, to lack courage, to shrink away, to be fainthearted, to act with cowardice
Root / Etymology
From the noun δειλία (timidity, cowardice); ultimately related to the root δειλ- (showing fear, lacking courage). Classical derivation corroborates its use with the sense of fearfulness rather than physical terror.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, δειλιάω and its cognates refer to fearfulness or timidity, most often contrasted with ἀνδρεία (manliness, courage). In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the writings of the New Testament, the verb continues to signify lack of courage or confidence, as in 2 Timothy 1:7, where it is set against a spirit of power and self-discipline. Notably, δειλιάω does not refer to ordinary caution or respect for danger, but to failing to act or withdrawing through fear, especially in situations where steadfastness is expected. English translations such as "be afraid" or "be timid" provide partial meaning, but may not fully convey the nuance of failing to meet a challenge due to lack of courage; it is distinct from verbs like φοβέομαι (to be afraid, fear) in always implying a somewhat negative moral judgment or lack of resolve. The semantic nuance often includes the sense of shrinking away instead of confronting difficulty, especially in ethical or communal contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δειλία; to be timid:--be afraid.
Root Family
δειλιάω (deiliaō) — to fear, to lack courage, to be timid
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1168-01 |
δειλιάτω | deiliato | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
let it be afraid | let him be timid | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1168-01 |
John 14:27 | δειλιάτω | deiliato | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
let it be afraid | let him be timid |