### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐκφοβέω (G1629), transliterated as *ekphobéō*, is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek, "out of," "from," often indicating completion or intensity) and the verb φοβέω (phobéō, "to fear," "to be afraid"). The prefix ἐκ serves to intensify the base meaning of φοβέω, thus conveying a sense of extreme or complete fear. Its core meaning is "to frighten utterly," "to terrify," or "to strike with extreme dread." This is not a mere mild apprehension, but an overwhelming and profound state of fear, suggesting an action that drives out composure and leaves one utterly terrified or panic-stricken. The word implies an active agent causing this intense fear, leading to a state of being completely overwhelmed by dread.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐκφοβέω (G1629) appears only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians:
* [[2 Corinthians 10:9]]: "I do not want to seem as though I am trying to terrify you with my letters." (NIV translation, though the specific wording may vary, the meaning of "terrify" or "frighten utterly" is consistent).
In this singular occurrence, Paul is addressing the criticisms leveled against his apostleship. His detractors in Corinth apparently perceived his letters as weighty and forceful, perhaps even intimidating, in contrast to his physical presence, which they deemed "weak" and his speech "contemptible" ([[2 Corinthians 10:10]]). Paul uses ἐκφοβέω to directly counter the potential misinterpretation of his communication. He clarifies that his intention is not to "utterly terrify" them, despite the power and authority conveyed in his written words. This statement is crucial for understanding Paul's pastoral heart and his understanding of spiritual authority. He acknowledges the potent impact of his letters but denies any malicious or manipulative intent to induce overwhelming fear. Rather, his authority, whether in person or in writing, is given by the Lord for building up, not for tearing down ([[2 Corinthians 10:8]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἐκφοβέω (G1629) is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **φοβέω (G5399):** The root verb, meaning "to fear," "to be afraid," or "to reverence." ἐκφοβέω represents an intensified form of this basic fear.
* **φόβος (G5401):** The noun form, meaning "fear," "terror," or "reverence." This noun can denote both a paralyzing dread and a healthy, reverential awe of God.
* **ἔκφοβος (G1630):** The adjective form, meaning "terrified" or "stricken with fear." This adjective shares the same intensifying prefix and root, directly describing the state of being utterly frightened. It appears in [[Hebrews 12:21]] regarding Moses' fear at Mount Sinai.
* **δειλιάω (G1167):** "to be cowardly" or "to be timid." This word describes an inward state of timidity or faintheartedness, distinct from the active "terrifying" implied by ἐκφοβέω.
* **πτοέω (G4422):** "to terrify," "to startle," "to alarm." While similar in meaning to ἐκφοβέω, πτοέω often refers to a sudden fright or agitation, whereas ἐκφοβέω can imply a more profound and overwhelming state of terror.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of ἐκφοβέω (G1629) in the New Testament, specifically in [[2 Corinthians 10:9]], carries significant theological weight. It illuminates Paul's understanding of apostolic authority and its proper exercise.
1. **Nature of Apostolic Authority:** Paul's use of the term acknowledges the inherent power and weight of his divinely-given authority. His words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, were not trivial but possessed a force capable of being perceived as utterly terrifying. This underscores the seriousness of God's message delivered through His chosen instruments.
2. **Pastoral Intent vs. Intimidation:** Crucially, Paul immediately disavows any intent to "terrify." This highlights a fundamental principle of spiritual leadership: true authority, though potent, is exercised for edification and spiritual growth, not for manipulation, coercion, or instilling paralyzing fear. Paul's aim was always to build up the church, not to tear it down through intimidation.
3. **Contrast with Worldly Power:** This passage implicitly contrasts the methods of the kingdom of God with those of the world. Worldly power often relies on fear, coercion, and intimidation to maintain control. Divine authority, while awe-inspiring (leading to a reverential "fear of the Lord"), does not seek to "terrify utterly" in a way that paralyzes or destroys. It seeks repentance, restoration, and spiritual maturity.
4. **Discerning Communication:** Paul's statement serves as a model for all who communicate God's truth. It is vital to be mindful of the impact of one's words and to ensure that the message, however strong, is delivered with love and for constructive purposes, preventing any misinterpretation that might cause undue or destructive fear.
### Summary
ἐκφοβέω (G1629) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to frighten utterly" or "to terrify," formed by intensifying the root verb for "to fear" (φοβέω) with the prefix ἐκ. Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[2 Corinthians 10:9]], where the Apostle Paul explicitly states his intent is not to "terrify" the Corinthians with his letters. This single usage is profoundly insightful, revealing Paul's awareness of the potent impact of his apostolic communication and his commitment to exercising spiritual authority not for intimidation but for the spiritual edification and building up of the church. Theologically, it underscores that genuine divine authority, though weighty and capable of inspiring awe, operates out of love and for redemptive purposes, contrasting sharply with worldly methods of control through fear.
TRV