1168. deiliaó

Lexicon

deiliaó: To be timid, to be cowardly, to fear

Original Word: δειλιάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: deiliaó
Pronunciation: day-lee-ah'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (di-lee-ah'-o)
Definition: To be timid, to be cowardly, to fear
Meaning: I shrink, am fearful, timid, cowardly.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

be afraid.

From deilia; to be timid -- be afraid.

see GREEK deilia

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 1168 deiliáō – to be timid (fearful), living in dread (paralyzing fear of consequences). 1168 /deiliáō ("living in fearful dread") is used only in Jn 14:27. See 1169 (deilós).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from deilia
Definition
to be cowardly
NASB Translation
fearful (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1168: δειλιάω

δειλιάω, δειλιω; (δειλία, which see); to be timid, fearful: John 14:27. (Deuteronomy 31:6; Deuteronomy 1:21 and often in the Sept.; Sir. 22:16 Sir. 31:16 (Sir. 34:16); 4 Macc. 14:4. Diodorus 20, 78. The Greeks prefer the compound ἀποδειλιω.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from δειλός (deilos), meaning "timid" or "fearful."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for δειλιάω, the concept of fear and timidity can be related to several Hebrew terms, such as:

• יָרֵא (yare', Strong's 3372): To fear, be afraid.
• חָתַת (chatat, Strong's 2865): To be shattered, dismayed, or terrified.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the idea of fearfulness, which is often addressed in the Old Testament with calls to trust in God and not be afraid.

Usage: The verb δειλιάω is used in the New Testament to describe a state of fearfulness or timidity, often in contrast to the courage and boldness expected of believers.

Context: The Greek verb δειλιάω appears in the New Testament in contexts where fear and timidity are addressed, particularly in relation to faith and the challenges of living a Christian life. This term is notably used in 2 Timothy 1:7, where the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy by stating, "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline" (BSB). Here, δειλιάω is contrasted with the divine gifts of power, love, and self-control, suggesting that fearfulness is not a characteristic of the Spirit-filled life.

The concept of δειλιάω is significant in understanding the early Christian call to courage and steadfastness in the face of persecution and trials. The New Testament frequently exhorts believers to overcome fear through faith in God, who empowers them to face adversities with confidence. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that emphasizes trust in God's sovereignty and provision as the antidote to fear.

In the cultural context of the New Testament, δειλιάω would have been understood as a negative trait, especially in a society that valued courage and honor. The Christian message, however, redefines true courage as reliance on God's strength rather than human bravado.

Forms and Transliterations

δειλία δειλιάσει δειλιάσης δειλιάσητε δειλιάσουσιν δειλιάσω δειλιατω δειλιάτω δειλινήν δειλινόν εδειλίασαν εδείλίασαν εδειλίασεν deiliato deiliatō deiliáto deiliátō

Englishman's Concordance

John 14:27 V-PMA-3S
GRK: καρδία μηδὲ δειλιάτω
NAS: be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
KJV: be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
INT: heart nor let it fear

Strong's Greek 1168
1 Occurrence

δειλιάτω — 1 Occ.