θαρσέω (tharseō)
tharseō
take heart
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb tharseō means to be of good courage or to take heart in the face of difficulty. It appears eight times in the New Testament, primarily within the Synoptic Gospels and Acts. The word conveys a steady, resilient confidence rather than a fleeting emotion, urging believers to maintain their inner strength when circumstances are challenging.
Its root lies in tharsos, meaning boldness or fearlessness. This connection highlights that the courage commanded is not based on external safety but on an internal resolve. Jesus uses this command to calm his disciples during storms and crises, such as when he tells them "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid" in Matthew 14:27. The imperative form appears frequently, signaling that this courage is a deliberate choice required by faith.
Translators often render tharseō as "take heart" or "be of good cheer," capturing its encouraging tone. In Acts 23:11, the Lord encourages Paul with this same word after a plot against his life, showing its use in sustaining leadership through danger. The term consistently points to a spiritual steadiness that persists despite fear, anchoring the believer’s hope in divine presence rather than personal ability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels heavy or uncertain, this word reminds us that courage is a choice we make by looking toward Jesus. It is not about ignoring fear, but about finding a steady confidence in His presence. Whether you are facing personal illness, professional stress, or spiritual doubt, the command to "take heart" invites you to anchor your hope in who He is, not in how strong you feel.
In moments of crisis, this encouragement appears as a direct address from Christ. He speaks peace into chaos, reminding us that we do not face our struggles alone. His victory over the world provides a solid foundation for our own resilience, allowing us to stand firm even when circumstances are difficult.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Take courage4×
- take courage!2×
- Take courage!2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θάρσει4×
- θαρσεῖτε,2×
- θάρσει,1×
- θαρσεῖτε·1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 14:27
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
Jesus uses this command during a storm to shift the disciples' focus from their fear of the waves to His immediate presence.
-
John 16:33
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
This verse links taking heart directly to Christ's victory over the world, offering peace amidst inevitable trouble.
-
Acts 23:11
The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome.”
The Lord encourages Paul with this word after a plot against his life, showing its use in sustaining leadership through danger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word tharseō mean?
How is tharseō different from general happiness?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,…
Matthew 9:22But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was…
Matthew 14:27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”