The Greek word deiliáō, represented by G1168, means to be timid or be afraid. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its single usage carries significant weight, appearing as a direct command from Jesus.
The sole appearance of G1168 is in John 14:27, where Jesus tells his disciples, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Here, the command to not be afraid is presented as the proper response to receiving Christ's unique peace G1515. It is paired directly with the instruction for the heart G2588 not to be troubled G5015, framing fear as an internal state that is contrary to the gift being offered.
Several related words in the immediate context of John 14:27 help clarify the meaning of being timid or afraid:
- G1515 eirḗnē (peace): Defined as "peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity," this is the divine provision that makes freedom from fear possible. Jesus gives His peace as the reason not to be afraid John 14:27.
- G5015 tarássō (trouble): Meaning "to stir or agitate," this word describes the inner turmoil that Christ's peace is meant to counteract. It is used in the parallel command, "Let not your heart be troubled" John 14:27.
- G2588 kardía (heart): This refers to "the thoughts or feelings (mind)" and is the focal point of the command. It is the heart that must not be troubled or afraid John 14:27.
- G2889 kósmos (world): The peace given by Jesus is explicitly contrasted with the kind of peace offered by the world, highlighting its supernatural and distinct origin John 14:27.
The theological weight of G1168 is concentrated in its single, impactful use.
- A Divine Command: The instruction "neither let it be afraid" is not merely advice but a command rooted in Christ's authority and provision. It frames timidity as a condition to be actively resisted by the believer.
- The Antidote to Fear: The context in John 14:27 establishes that the antidote to being afraid G1168 is the peace G1515 given by Christ. This peace is not dependent on worldly circumstances, which is why it can overcome the fear that those circumstances often produce.
- The Inner State: Paired with being "troubled" G5015, the term G1168 points to an internal state of agitation and timidity in the heart G2588. The command is a call to guard one's inner being from fear by embracing the peace of God, which can keep hearts and minds Philippians 4:7.
In summary, while deiliáō G1168 is used only once, its placement in scripture is profound. It defines a state of being timid that is incompatible with the peace G1515 Jesus gives His followers. The command in John 14:27 sets up a clear contrast: the believer's heart G2588 can either be troubled G5015 and afraid G1168 by the world G2889, or it can rest in the supernatural peace provided by Christ Himself.
TRV