τολμάω (tolmaō)
tolmaō
be bold
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb tolmaō describes the act of summoning courage to do something that might normally be avoided out of fear or social hesitation. It carries the sense of daring to venture forward, whether in speech or action. In the New Testament, it appears fifteen times, often highlighting moments where individuals step beyond their comfort zones to engage with authority or difficult truths.
Its usage ranges from bold declarations to taking physical risks. For instance, Joseph of Arimathea showed remarkable courage by approaching Pilate to request Jesus’ body after the crucifixion (Mark 15:43). Similarly, Paul acknowledges that his ministry involves speaking boldly about Christ’s work, even when it invites criticism (Romans 15:18). The word implies a willingness to endure potential shame or danger for the sake of a higher purpose.
Etymologically, tolmaō is linked to the noun tolma, meaning boldness or audacity. This root suggests that such courage is not merely spontaneous bravery but a settled disposition to face challenges head-on. Translators typically render it as "be bold" or "dare," capturing the active nature of this spiritual and moral fortitude.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tolmaō describes a courage that steps forward despite fear or social hesitation. It is not reckless boldness, but a settled disposition to face challenges for a higher purpose. In the New Testament, this courage often appears when believers engage with authority or difficult truths, such as Joseph of Arimathea approaching Pilate for Jesus’ body (Mark 15:43).
For your faith life, this means that boldness is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in obedience even when it feels risky. It invites you to speak truth with love and to stand firm in your convictions, trusting that God equips you for the task. This kind of courage strengthens your witness and deepens your reliance on Christ.
When you feel hesitant or afraid, remember that God calls you to be bold not in your own strength, but in His. Whether in speech or action, let your faith guide you to step forward with confidence, knowing that your efforts are part of Christ’s work through you (Romans 15:18). May this courage bring peace and purpose to your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was daring3×
- would dare1×
- will I dare1×
- were they daring1×
- to dare1×
- to be daring1×
- may be daring —1×
- he was daring1×
- having boldness1×
- did dare1×
- dared1×
- dare we1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐτόλμα4×
- ἐτόλμων1×
- ἐτόλμησέν1×
- ἐτόλμησεν1×
- τολμῶμεν1×
- τολμῶ1×
- τολμῆσαι1×
- τολμᾷ,1×
- τολμᾷ1×
- τολμᾶν1×
- τολμήσω1×
- τολμήσας1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for God’s Kingdom, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.
Joseph's bold action demonstrates how tolmaō involves risking social standing to honor Christ, even after His death.
-
Romans 15:18
For I will not dare to speak of any things except those which Christ worked through me for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,
Paul limits his bold speech to what Christ accomplished through him, showing that true boldness is rooted in divine empowerment rather than personal pride.
-
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.
Believers become more boldly to speak the word of God when they find confidence in their bonds for Christ, linking suffering with courageous witness.
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Acts 5:13
None of the rest dared to join them; however, the people honored them.
The contrast between those who dared not join the apostles and the people who honored them highlights how bold faith commands respect even from opponents.