ἀφόβως (aphobōs)
aphobōs
fearlessly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb aphobōs describes an attitude of being without fear or boldness. Derived from a negative prefix and the word for "fear," it literally means "fearlessly." In the New Testament, this term appears only four times, marking moments where believers act with confidence despite potential opposition.
Its usage highlights a specific kind of courage rooted in faith rather than bravado. Luke records that Zechariah prophesied about serving God in holiness and righteousness, free from fear (Luke 1:74). Similarly, Paul notes that many Christians in Philippi had become much more bold to speak the word of God without fear because they saw his own imprisonment as a sign of Christ’s advancement (Philippians 1:14). The term also appears in contexts involving authority and warning, such as when Timothy is urged not to be ashamed but to share in suffering for the gospel, implying a fearless endurance (1 Corinthians 16:10; Jude 12).
Translators often render aphobōs as "boldly" or "fearlessly," capturing the active nature of this confidence. It is not merely the absence of panic but a steady resolve to proclaim truth and serve God openly. This word underscores the Christian conviction that divine assurance displaces human anxiety, allowing believers to stand firm in their witness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aphobōs paints a picture of life lived without flinching. It is not about having no nerves, but about having a trust that outweighs them. When we serve God or share our faith, the natural reaction is often hesitation. This Greek term reminds us that divine assurance displaces human anxiety, allowing for a steady resolve to stand firm.
In Luke 1:74, Zechariah speaks of serving God without fear after being delivered from enemies. This suggests that our courage comes from knowing we are safe in God’s hands. It is a freedom that lets us focus on what matters most rather than worrying about the outcome.
Paul saw this same spirit in Philippians 1:14, where believers became bolder because they realized his imprisonment was actually advancing the gospel. Your own challenges can become the very ground where faith grows stronger. May you find that peace which steadies your heart and voice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- without fear2×
- fearlessly2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀφόβως4×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:74
to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, should serve him without fear,
This verse links fearlessness directly to the purpose of serving God with holiness after deliverance.
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Philippians 1:14
and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
Here the word shows how observing a leader's faithfulness can embolden others to speak God's word more freely.
-
I Corinthians 16:10
Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Paul uses this term to describe Timothy’s faithful execution of the Lord’s work despite potential social pressure.