"to be of good courage, be of good cheer, Mt. 9:2; to be confident, hopeful; to be bold, maintain a bold bearing, Mt. 9:22; 14:27; Mk. 6:50; 10:49; Jn. 16:33; Acts 23:11*"
Definition and meaning
to be of good courage, be of good cheer, Mt. 9:2; to be confident, hopeful; to be bold, maintain a bold bearing, Mt. 9:22; 14:27; Mk. 6:50; 10:49; Jn. 16:33; Acts 23:11*
In the original Greek the word is written: θαρσέω
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 tharseo (G2293) across the King James Bible.
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
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Common questions
Strong's G2293 (tharseo) is a Greek word that means: to be of good courage, be of good cheer, Mt. 9:2; to be confident, hopeful; to be bold, maintain a bold bearing, Mt. 9:22; 14:27; Mk. 6:50; 10:49; Jn. 16:33; Acts 23:11* It appears 8 times in the King James Bible.
The word tharseo (G2293) appears 8 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2293 is tharseo, a Greek word defined as: to be of good courage, be of good cheer, Mt. 9:2; to be confident, hopeful; to be bold, maintain a bold bearing, Mt. 9:22; 14:27; Mk. 6:50; 10:49; Jn.. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
tharseo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.