θάρσος (tharsos)
tharsos
courage/confidence
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun tharsos denotes a steady inner courage or confidence. It describes a settled state of boldness rather than a fleeting emotion. In classical Greek, it could sometimes carry a negative sense of audacity, but in the New Testament, it remains positive. It reflects a quiet strength of spirit that allows a person to face challenges without shrinking back.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 9:31. There, it describes the peace and encouragement experienced by the early church. The believers lived in the fear of the Lord and were strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Their tharsos was not self-generated bravado but a confidence rooted in their relationship with God.
The term is closely related to thrasos, which often implies more aggressive daring. Tharsos suggests a calmer, more enduring fortitude. It captures the resilience that comes from faith. This single usage highlights how early Christian communities found strength in unity and spiritual growth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tharsos points to a steady, inner confidence that does not rely on our own strength but on God’s presence. In Acts 28:15, Paul takes courage when he meets fellow believers who have traveled to greet him. This moment shows how community and shared faith can lift us when we feel weak or isolated.
When life feels uncertain, this kind of courage reminds us that we are not alone. The early church grew in peace and encouragement because they stayed connected to one another and to the Holy Spirit. Their boldness came from trust in God, not from their own abilities.
You can find this same quiet strength today by leaning on your faith and the support of other believers. It is a gentle reminder that courage is not about being fearless but about trusting God even when things are hard.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- courage.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θάρσος.¶1×
Key Verses
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Acts 28:15
From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
Paul takes courage upon meeting fellow believers, showing how community strengthens faith in difficult times.