"timid, fearful, cowardly, Mt. 8:26; Mk. 4:40; Rev. 21:8*"
Definition and meaning
timid, fearful, cowardly, Mt. 8:26; Mk. 4:40; Rev. 21:8*
In the original Greek the word is written: δειλός
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of deilos (G1169) across the King James Bible.
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
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Common questions
Strong's G1169 (deilos) is a Greek word that means: timid, fearful, cowardly, Mt. 8:26; Mk. 4:40; Rev. 21:8* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word deilos (G1169) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1169 is deilos, a Greek word defined as: timid, fearful, cowardly, Mt. 8:26; Mk. 4:40; Rev. 21:8*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
deilos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.