ἐκφοβέω (ekphobeō)

ekphobeō

to terrify

G1629 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The verb ekphobeō carries the force of driving someone into panic or terror. It is a strong term for causing fear so intense that it results in flight or overwhelming distress. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, located in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.

Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians 10:9 to describe how he does not want his letters to be perceived as a tool for intimidation. He clarifies that he is not trying to frighten or terrify the believers into submission through his correspondence. The word emphasizes the emotional impact of fear rather than just logical persuasion.

Its structure combines a prefix meaning "out" with a root related to fear, suggesting a fear that expels or overwhelms. This intensity distinguishes it from milder terms for being afraid. By using this specific vocabulary, Paul highlights the contrast between coercive tactics and the gentle authority he seeks to maintain in his ministry.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word ekphobeō describes a fear so intense it drives someone into panic or flight. In 2 Corinthians 10:9, Paul uses this strong term to clarify his approach to the church. He explicitly states he does not wish to terrify believers through his letters. This reveals a heart that values gentle guidance over intimidation.

For your faith life, this offers comfort. It reminds us that God’s authority is not exercised through fear or coercion. True spiritual influence builds trust rather than causing distress. You can approach Scripture and church leadership with confidence, knowing that healthy community relies on mutual respect and love, not on making others feel small or afraid.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

to frighten1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

ἐκφοβεῖν1×

Key Verses

II Corinthians 10:9
that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters.

Paul uses this rare word to draw a clear boundary between his pastoral care and the intimidating tactics of false teachers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ekphobeō mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek verb meaning to terrify or cause intense fear. It appears only once in the New Testament, where Paul says he does not want to terrify the Corinthians with his letters.

Why does Paul use such strong language here?

Paul uses it to contrast his ministry style with that of false teachers. He wants to show that his authority comes from Christ and is exercised with gentleness, not through fear or intimidation.

How is this different from normal fear?

The prefix 'ek-' suggests a forceful expulsion or overwhelming impact. It implies a panic that drives someone away, rather than a healthy reverence or mild caution.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

II Corinthians 1 verse

II Corinthians 10:9

that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters.