### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G1167 (δειλία, *deilía*) denotes "timidity" or "cowardice." It derives from the adjective G1169 (δειλός, *deilós*), meaning "cowardly" or "fainthearted." Unlike G5401 (φόβος, *phobos*), which can encompass a range of meanings from healthy reverence and awe (e.g., "the fear of the Lord") to terror and dread, deilía carries an inherently negative connotation. It describes a shrinking back, a lack of courage, or an undue apprehension that hinders action or commitment. It speaks to an internal disposition of the heart that is characterized by faintheartedness, particularly in the face of danger, opposition, or challenge. This timidity is not a healthy caution but a debilitating fear that paralyzes or causes one to retreat from duty or witness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term deilía appears only once in the New Testament, in the apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy:
> "For God has not given us a spirit of deilía, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." [[2 Timothy 1:7]]
In this pivotal verse, Paul directly contrasts deilía with the spirit that God *has* given to believers. Timothy, possibly facing challenges or a sense of inadequacy in his ministry, is reminded of the divine empowerment available to him. The "spirit of deilía" is explicitly stated as *not* originating from God. Instead, God's Spirit imparts:
1. **Power (G1411, δύναμις, *dynamis*):** The ability to act effectively, to endure, and to overcome obstacles, particularly in the proclamation of the Gospel and faithful living.
2. **Love (G26, ἀγάπη, *agape*):** A selfless, divine love that casts out fear ([[1 John 4:18]]) and motivates courageous service.
3. **Sound mind (G4998, σωφρονισμός, *sōphronismos*):** Self-control, discipline, and sobriety of thought, enabling one to make wise decisions and maintain composure under pressure.
The context of [[2 Timothy 1:7]] is an exhortation to boldness in ministry, especially in the face of suffering and opposition. Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about their Lord or of Paul himself, who is a prisoner ([[2 Timothy 1:8]]). Thus, deilía here refers to a spiritual timidity that would prevent Timothy from faithfully fulfilling his calling and enduring hardship for the sake of the Gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Deilía is closely related to its root adjective G1169 (δειλός, *deilós*), which means "cowardly." This adjective appears in the Gospels to describe the disciples' fear during a storm: "Why are you so deilós? Do you still have no faith?" [[Mark 4:40]]; see also [[Matthew 8:26]]. Most significantly, deilós is listed first among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God in [[Revelation 21:8]]: "But as for the deilós and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." This stark warning highlights the grave spiritual danger of a disposition characterized by cowardice, particularly when it leads to a denial of Christ or a failure to persevere in faith.
Other related terms for fear include:
* G5401 (φόβος, *phobos*): General fear, dread, but also reverence.
* G1719 (ἔκφοβος, *ekphobos*): Terrified, greatly afraid.
* G5178 (τρόμος, *tromos*): Trembling, quaking, often due to fear or awe.
In contrast to deilía, the New Testament frequently commends:
* **Boldness/Courage:** G3954 (παρρησία, *parrēsia*) - freedom of speech, confidence, boldness (e.g., [[Acts 4:13]], [[Ephesians 6:19]]).
* **Faith/Trust:** G4102 (πίστις, *pistis*) - reliance on God, which overcomes the world and its fears ([[1 John 5:4]]).
* **Steadfastness/Endurance:** G5281 (ὑπομονή, *hypomonē*) - patient endurance under trial.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of deilía in [[2 Timothy 1:7]] is profoundly significant. It reveals that timidity is not a neutral temperament but a spiritual disposition that is antithetical to the Spirit of God. God does not infuse His people with a spirit of fear that paralyzes them or causes them to shrink from their divine calling. Rather, His Spirit empowers them with courage, love, and sound judgment.
The presence of deilía in a believer's life indicates a lack of reliance on God's power, a diminished understanding of His love, or a failure to exercise the self-control that comes from His Spirit. It is a hindrance to effective ministry, evangelism, and steadfastness in persecution. The Spirit-filled life is one characterized by boldness and confidence in God, enabling believers to proclaim the Gospel without shame and to endure suffering for Christ's sake.
Furthermore, the inclusion of "the cowardly" (G1169, *deilós*) among those excluded from the New Jerusalem in [[Revelation 21:8]] underscores the eternal implications of this disposition. While this does not mean every moment of fear disqualifies one, it points to a settled character of cowardice that ultimately leads to apostasy or a refusal to confess Christ in times of trial. True faith, empowered by God's Spirit, overcomes deilía and enables perseverance to the end.
### Summary
G1167 (δειλία, *deilía*) signifies a negative form of fear: timidity or cowardice. Appearing uniquely in [[2 Timothy 1:7]], it is explicitly stated as a spirit *not* given by God, but rather contrasted with the divine Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. This timidity hinders faithful witness and courageous endurance in ministry. Its root word, G1169 (δειλός, *deilós*), "cowardly," is listed among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, emphasizing the serious spiritual consequences of a life characterized by such a disposition. The biblical antidote to deilía is the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to live boldly, love selflessly, and think clearly, overcoming all forms of debilitating fear.
TRV