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.
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.
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."
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.
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