1169. deilos

Lexicon

deilos: Cowardly, timid, fearful

Original Word: δειλός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: deilos
Pronunciation: day-los'
Phonetic Spelling: (di-los')
Definition: Cowardly, timid, fearful
Meaning: cowardly, timid, fearful.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

fearful.

From deos (dread); timid, i.e. (by implication) faithless -- fearful.

HELPS Word-studies

1169 deilós (an adjective derived from deidō, "fear-driven") – properly, dreadful, describing a person who loses their "moral gumption (fortitude)" that is needed to follow the Lord.

1169 /deilós ("fearful of losses") refers to an excessive fear (dread) of "losing," causing someone to be fainthearted (cowardly) – hence, to fall short in following Christ as Lord.

[1169 /deilós is always used negatively in the NT and stands in contrast to the positive fear which can be expressed by 5401 /phóbos ("fear," see Phil 2:12).]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from deos
Definition
cowardly, fearful
NASB Translation
afraid (2), cowardly (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1169: δειλός

δειλός, δείλη, δειλόν (δείδω to fear), timid, fearful: Matthew 8:28; Mark 4:40; in Revelation 21:8 of Christians who through cowardice give way under persecutions and apostatize. (From Homer down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root δέος (deos), meaning "fear" or "dread."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "δειλός," similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words that convey fear or timidity, such as יָרֵא (yare, Strong's Hebrew 3372), which means "to fear" or "to be afraid," and חָתַת (chatat, Strong's Hebrew 2865), meaning "to be dismayed" or "to be terrified." These terms reflect the broader biblical theme of fear and its contrast with faith and trust in God.

Usage: In the New Testament, "δειλός" is used to characterize individuals who exhibit fearfulness or a lack of faith, particularly in situations that require trust in God or courage in the face of adversity.

Context: The Greek word "δειλός" appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight the contrast between faith and fear. It is used to describe a state of being that is contrary to the boldness and confidence expected of believers. In Matthew 8:26 (BSB), Jesus addresses His disciples during a storm at sea, saying, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Here, "δειλός" underscores the disciples' lack of trust in Jesus' power and presence. Similarly, in Mark 4:40 (BSB), Jesus questions, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" These instances illustrate the expectation for believers to overcome fear through faith.

The term "δειλός" is also found in Revelation 21:8 (BSB), where it is listed among the traits of those who will face judgment: "But to the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." Here, "δειλός" is associated with a broader category of behaviors that reflect a rejection of God's authority and a failure to live according to His commands.

The use of "δειλός" in these passages serves as a warning against allowing fear to dominate one's life, encouraging believers to cultivate a spirit of courage and trust in God. It emphasizes the importance of faith as a means to overcome fear and to live in accordance with God's will.

Forms and Transliterations

δειλοι δειλοί δειλοις δειλοίς δειλοῖς δειλός δεους δέους deiloi deiloí deilois deiloîs deous déous

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 8:26 Adj-NMP
GRK: αὐτοῖς Τί δειλοί ἐστε ὀλιγόπιστοι
NAS: to them, Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?
KJV: are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?
INT: to them Why fearful are you O [you] of little faith

Mark 4:40 Adj-NMP
GRK: αὐτοῖς Τί δειλοί ἐστε οὔπω
NAS: to them, Why are you afraid? Do you still
KJV: so fearful? how is it
INT: to them Why fearful are you still no

Hebrews 12:28 N-GNS
GRK: εὐλαβείας καὶ δέους
INT: fear and reverence

Revelation 21:8 Adj-DMP
GRK: τοῖς δὲ δειλοῖς καὶ ἀπίστοις
NAS: But for the cowardly and unbelieving
KJV: But the fearful, and unbelieving,
INT: but to [the] fearful and unbelieving

Strong's Greek 1169
4 Occurrences

δειλοί — 2 Occ.
δειλοῖς — 1 Occ.
δέους — 1 Occ.