δειλός

cowardly, timid

Definition

The adjective δειλός (deilos) primarily means 'cowardly' or 'timid,' describing a state of fear that leads to a failure of courage or faith. In its three New Testament occurrences, it consistently characterizes a lack of trust in God's power and protection. In Matthew 8:26 and Mark 4:40, Jesus uses it to rebuke his disciples for their 'cowardly' fear during the storm on the sea, contrasting their terror with the faith they should have had. In Revelation 21:8, the meaning is eschatological and moral, listing 'the cowardly' (οἱ δειλοί) first among those condemned to the lake of fire, linking cowardice here to a faithless denial of God in the face of persecution.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in contexts of rebuke or final judgment. In the Gospels (Matthew 8:26, Mark 4:40), it describes the disciples' paralyzing fear in a crisis, which Jesus directly connects to their 'little faith.' In Revelation 21:8, its usage shifts to a categorical condemnation in an end-times setting, grouping the 'cowardly' with 'the unbelieving, the vile,' etc., as those excluded from the new creation. The pattern shows it is not merely about natural apprehension but a spiritually significant failure of trust.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb δέος (deos), meaning 'fear' or 'dread.' It is an adjective form indicating being full of fear. Cognates include the noun δειλία (deilia), meaning 'cowardice.' The root concept is of a fear that overpowers and incapacitates, which carried into its New Testament usage as a failure of nerve and faith.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it directly contrasts faith. In the Gospels, Jesus equates being δειλός with having 'little faith' (ὀλιγόπιστος), making it a spiritual condition, not just an emotional one. In Revelation 21:8, it is presented as a damning vice, likely referring to those who apostatize under persecution out of fear. Understanding δειλός enriches reading by showing that biblical faith is the active, courageous antithesis of cowardly fear, and that such fear is treated with ultimate seriousness in God's judgment.

In the Greco-Roman world, cowardice (δειλία) was considered a major moral failing and social disgrace, especially for soldiers and citizens. The New Testament adopts this strong negative connotation but re-centers it in a spiritual context: the ultimate failure is cowardice before God and in one's confession of Christ, not merely before human enemies.

φοβέομαι (phobeomai, G5399) — the common verb 'to fear' or 'be afraid,' a broader term for fear itself. ἔκφοβος (ekphobos, G1630) — 'terrified' or 'greatly afraid,' emphasizing intensity of fright. δειλία (deilia, G1167) — the noun form 'cowardice,' the quality of being δειλός.

Word Details

Scripture References