Cowardice, often understood as a lack of courage in facing danger, difficulty, or opposition, is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. Scripture frequently contrasts cowardice with the virtues of faith, courage, and trust in God. The Bible encourages believers to rely on God's strength and promises, rather than succumbing to fear.

1. Fear and Faithlessness: In Revelation 21:8 , cowardice is listed among the sins that lead to spiritual death: "But to the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." Here, cowardice is associated with a lack of faith and trust in God, leading to eternal separation from Him.

2. God's Assurance: Throughout Scripture, God reassures His people of His presence and support, urging them not to fear. In Deuteronomy 31:6 , Moses exhorts the Israelites: "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This command to be courageous is rooted in the assurance of God's unfailing presence.

3. The Example of Joshua: Joshua is repeatedly encouraged to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel into the Promised Land. Joshua 1:9 states, "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." This passage highlights the importance of courage in fulfilling God's purposes.

4. The Spirit of Power: In the New Testament, believers are reminded that God has equipped them with a spirit of power, not fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 declares, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." This verse emphasizes that cowardice is contrary to the nature of the Spirit given to believers.

5. The Call to Stand Firm: Ephesians 6:13-14 calls Christians to stand firm in the face of spiritual battles: "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed." This passage underscores the need for spiritual courage and readiness.

6. The Example of the Apostles: The early apostles demonstrated remarkable courage in the face of persecution. Acts 4:13 notes the boldness of Peter and John: "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus." Their courage was a testament to their faith and the power of the Holy Spirit.

7. Encouragement in Trials: James 1:2-4 encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This perspective transforms fear into an opportunity for spiritual maturity.

In summary, the Bible consistently calls believers to reject cowardice and embrace courage through faith in God. By trusting in His promises and relying on His strength, Christians are empowered to face challenges with boldness and confidence.Leviticus 26:36,37
And on them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursues.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 20:8
And the officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return to his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 32:30
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 7:5
And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: why the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 23:10
One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fights for you, as he has promised you.
Nave's Topical Index

Judges 7:3
Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 15:24
Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 18:11
Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man brings a snare: but whoever puts his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 51:12,13
I, even I, am he that comforts you: who are you, that you should be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
Nave's Topical Index

Galatians 6:12
As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Timothy 4:16
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
Nave's Topical Index

Concerning Lowliness of Mind.
... the disciple"through a thing inspiring cowardice confidence and ... correct those who
use the Scriptures without reference ... using this is the general sense, has ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/concerning lowliness of mind.htm

On Charity
... from Pamphylia," " whether through sloth or cowardice, " "went not ... knowledge of the
Holy Scriptures, in which ... this seems to be the general sentiment, not ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 91 on charity.htm

Days of Preparation
... A general slain in battle is lost to his army, but ... As Paul searched the Scriptures,
he learned that throughout the ... To him it seemed an act of cowardice to flee ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 13 days of preparation.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus
... for their own (though perhaps undiscerned) cowardice and unbelief? ... Oh that Christians
in general, Oh that ministers in ... The scriptures are silent concerning it. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

The Last Look at Life,
... But the Scriptures say also, Christ is become to us ... not stop short, my friends, at
the most general point of ... we have at any time, through the cowardice of the ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/xiii the last look at.htm

Gregory of Nyssa: Dogmatic Treatises, Etc
... Chapter II.--His General Character as a Theologian. ... His charge of cowardice is baseless:
for Basil ... lack of understanding and knowledge in the Scriptures. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/

Luther Before the Diet.
... submit to the decision of a general council, but ... be required to decide according
to the Scriptures. ... and he feared being charged with cowardice in withdrawing ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /8 luther before the diet.htm

Matt. xvii. 10
... neither the Scribes said this, nor the Scriptures; but because ... down, not for faith
but for cowardice did they ... and thee;" and seeing too in general how freely ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lvii matt xvii 10.htm

Luther Before the Diet
... submit to the decision of a general council, but ... be required to decide according
to the Scriptures. ... and he feared being charged with cowardice in withdrawing ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 8 luther before the.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... towards "the brethren," the other with general sins recorded ... in the teachings of
the Scriptures there can ... must be no consciousness of cowardice in proclaiming ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

What is the Moral argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about boldness? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.org

Cowardice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus