### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **deilós**, represented by `{{G1169}}`, means **timid** or, by implication, **faithless**. It is derived from a word for dread. This term appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting a specific type of fear related to a lack of faith.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1169}}` is used to challenge the disciples' lack of trust. In the midst of a storm, Jesus questions them, "Why are ye **fearful**, O ye of little faith?" [[Matthew 8:26]]. A similar account poses the question, "how is it that ye have no faith?" [[Mark 4:40]], directly linking this type of fear to a failure of faith. In Revelation, the **fearful** are listed among those who face the second death, grouped with the unbelieving, murderers, and idolaters [[Revelation 21:8]], indicating the serious spiritual state it represents.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning of being timid or faithless:
* `{{G571}}` **ápistos** (unbelieving): This term for being "without Christian faith" appears alongside the **fearful** `{{G1169}}` in the list of those judged [[Revelation 21:8]].
* `{{G3640}}` **oligópistos** (of little faith): Defined as "lacking confidence (in Christ)," this word is used to directly address the **fearful** disciples [[Matthew 8:26]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): As the direct contrast to being **fearful**, the absence of **faith** is questioned when the disciples exhibit fear [[Mark 4:40]]. It is defined as "persuasion" or "reliance upon Christ for salvation."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1169}}` is significant, defining a spiritual condition rather than just an emotion.
* **Fear as a Lack of Faith:** The term is explicitly contrasted with faith. Jesus's questions in the Gospels treat being **fearful** as a direct result of having "little faith" [[Matthew 8:26]] or "no faith" [[Mark 4:40]].
* **Eternal Consequence:** Being **fearful** is not presented as a momentary weakness but as a state that places an individual among the "unbelieving" and other sinners who face judgment in the lake of fire [[Revelation 21:8]].
* **Implication of Faithlessness:** The definition of `{{G1169}}` itself implies being "faithless." This connects the timidity born of dread to a fundamental rejection or lack of reliance upon God's power and promises.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1169}}` **deilós** is more than a simple term for timidity. It describes a profound spiritual state of faithlessness. Though used only three times, it consistently illustrates that this type of fear is in direct opposition to faith in God. From the rebuke of the disciples in a storm to the list of the condemned in Revelation, being **fearful** is presented as a critical failure of trust with severe consequences.
TRV