ἀποτολμάω (apotolmaō)
apotolmaō
be bold
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apotolmaō means to assume boldness or make a daring venture. It combines the intensifying prefix apo- with tolmaō, creating a sense of stepping forward with confidence into difficult or unknown territory. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Romans 10:20.
Paul uses it to describe God’s response to those who seek Him: "I was found by those who did not seek me." Here, the boldness is not human arrogance but divine initiative. God breaks through barriers with unexpected accessibility, showing that His reach extends beyond expected boundaries. The word captures a decisive action taken despite potential risk or opposition.
Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence stand out. By using apotolmaō here, Paul emphasizes the surprising nature of God’s grace — not merely available, but boldly pursued by God Himself toward those who had turned away.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we think of boldness in faith, we often imagine ourselves stepping out in courage. Yet Romans 10:20 presents a different picture. The Greek word apotolmaō describes God as the one who is bold. He does not wait for us to reach Him; He reaches out with daring love to those who are far away or indifferent.
This truth brings deep comfort. You do not have to manufacture your own spiritual confidence to be known by God. His grace breaks through barriers we cannot cross. In Isaiah’s words, God declares that He was found by those who did not seek Him, revealing Himself to those who did not ask. This is a bold invitation extended to the hesitant and the distant.
Let this settle in your heart today. The initiative belongs to God. His love is not passive but active and pursuing. Whether you feel close or far, His bold grace meets you where you are. Rest in the assurance that He seeks you first.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- is very bold1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποτολμᾷ1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 10:20
Isaiah is very bold and says, “I was found by those who didn’t seek me. I was revealed to those who didn’t ask for me.”
Paul uses this rare verb to highlight God’s surprising initiative in revealing Himself to those who had not actively sought Him.