Lexical Summary oligopsuchos: Faint-hearted, timid, discouraged Original Word: ὀλιγόψυχος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance feebleminded. From oligos and pshar; little-spirited, i.e. Faint-hearted -- feebleminded. see HEBREW pshar see GREEK oligos HELPS Word-studies 3642 oligópsy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom oligos and psuché Definition fainthearted NASB Translation fainthearted (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3642: ὀλιγόψυχοςὀλιγόψυχος, ὀλιγόψυχον (ὀλίγος, ψυχή), faint-hearted: 1 Thessalonians 5:14. (Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 18:14; Isaiah 57:15, etc.; Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 3, 5.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3642 describes a believer who has become “small-souled,” easily discouraged, or inwardly shrinking. Although the term appears only once in the Greek New Testament (1 Thessalonians 5:14), the condition it names is addressed repeatedly throughout Scripture. The fainthearted are neither rebellious nor faithless; they are weary saints who need comfort, courage, and patient care from the body of Christ. Biblical Setting: 1 Thessalonians 5:14 “We urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.” Paul places “encourage the fainthearted” between correcting the disorderly and supporting the weak, marking it as a distinct pastoral duty. These believers require thoughtful words and actions that infuse fresh courage rather than mere instruction or material aid. The Fainthearted in the Story of Redemption • Israel in the wilderness shrank back at the giants of Canaan (Numbers 13:31-33); yet the Lord responded with promises and presence. These narratives trace a consistent divine pattern: the LORD confronts faintheartedness not with rebuke alone but with assurances of His character, His Word, and His abiding presence. Divine Remedies for Discouragement 1. Promises: “Say to those with anxious heart, ‘Be strong; do not fear!’” (Isaiah 35:4). Pastoral Mandate Encouraging the fainthearted involves: Early Church and Historical Witness Early Christian writings (e.g., Ignatius, Polycarp) echo Paul’s call, urging congregations facing persecution to “take courage in the Lord.” Throughout eras of trial—the Roman arenas, plague years, wars and exiles—pastors, mothers, and ordinary saints enacted 1 Thessalonians 5:14 by visiting prisoners, composing hymns, and preserving Scripture portions to steady trembling hearts. Practical Ministry Applications Today • Scripture-saturated counseling for those battling anxiety or burnout. Theological Reflection Faintheartedness reveals human frailty, yet it simultaneously showcases divine compassion. The God who “does not break a bruised reed” (Isaiah 42:3) appoints His people to be conduits of that tenderness. Christ Himself—“gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29)—models the ministry of sustaining fearful souls, and His indwelling Spirit empowers believers to do likewise. Eschatological Hope Discouragement will not have the final word. When the Lord returns, “death will be no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor pain” (Revelation 21:4). Until that day, 1 Thessalonians 5:14 stands as a living charter for congregations: to admonish, encourage, help, and patiently persevere together, so that no fainthearted believer is left to walk alone. Forms and Transliterations ολιγόψυχοι ολιγοψύχοις ολιγόψυχον ολιγόψυχος ολιγοψυχους ολιγοψύχους ὀλιγοψύχους ολιγωθήσεται ολιγωθήτω ολιγώσεις ολιγώσης ωλιγώθη ωλιγώθησαν oligopsuchous oligopsychous oligopsýchousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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