δειλιάω (deiliaō)
deiliaō
be timid
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb deiliaō describes a state of timidity or fearfulness, often carrying the connotation of being cowardly. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in John 14:27, where Jesus tells his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled or afraid. The word suggests a shrinking back from difficulty or danger, reflecting a lack of courage in the face of adversity.
Its root relates to weakness or faintness of spirit, distinguishing it from general fear by emphasizing a passive, inward collapse rather than an active response to threat. Translators typically render it as "fear" or "be afraid," though these English terms can feel milder than the Greek sense of cowardice. The usage highlights Jesus’ command to replace such timidity with peace.
This single occurrence underscores the contrast between human weakness and divine strength, offering a clear example of how spiritual courage is presented as a gift rather than an innate trait.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word deiliaō points to a shrinking back from difficulty, a faintness of spirit that can leave us feeling weak when facing life’s pressures. Jesus uses this specific term in John 14:27, not to shame His followers for their natural fears, but to offer them something far greater than human courage could provide. He speaks directly to the part of us that wants to retreat from trouble.
His solution is not a command to simply try harder or summon more bravery. Instead, He offers His own peace as a gift. This peace is different from what the world provides; it does not depend on circumstances being safe or predictable. It is a steady presence that remains even when our hearts feel like they are collapsing inward.
You do not have to carry this weight alone. The invitation here is to receive His peace, allowing it to settle your spirit rather than relying on your own strength to hold everything together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- should it fear.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δειλιάτω.1×
Key Verses
-
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
This verse uses the only New Testament occurrence of deiliaō, where Jesus commands His disciples not to let their hearts be fearful, contrasting human timidity with His divine peace.