### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tharséō**, represented by `{{G2293}}`, is a command to **have courage**. It appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is consistently translated as "be of good cheer" or "be of good comfort," conveying a call to find courage in difficult circumstances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2293}}` is almost always spoken directly by Jesus or the Lord to provide immediate encouragement. It is used to calm fear, as when Jesus tells his disciples on the sea, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" ([[Matthew 14:27]], [[Mark 6:50]]). The term is also linked to healing and forgiveness, spoken to both a paralytic man [[Matthew 9:2]] and a woman whose faith made her whole ([[Matthew 9:22]], [[Luke 8:48]]). Ultimately, it serves as a command to find courage in the face of worldly tribulation, grounded in Christ's victory [[John 16:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the command to have courage:
* `{{G5399}}` **phobéō** (to be alarmed, fear): This word often appears in direct contrast to `{{G2293}}`. The command to "be of good cheer" is immediately followed by "be not **afraid**" when Jesus appears to the disciples on the water [[Mark 6:50]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith, belief, reliance upon Christ): This is frequently presented as the foundation for receiving comfort. Jesus sees their **faith** before telling the paralytic to "be of good cheer" [[Matthew 9:2]], and tells the healed woman her **faith** has made her whole [[Matthew 9:22]].
* `{{G1515}}` **eirḗnē** (peace, quietness, rest): This is often the promised result of having courage in Christ. Jesus prefaces the command to "be of good cheer" by stating that in Him, the disciples might have **peace** [[John 16:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2293}}` centers on the divine source of courage.
* **Christ-Centered Courage:** The command to "be of good cheer" is not an appeal to self-reliance. It is consistently grounded in the presence and power of Jesus, who says, "it is I; be not afraid" [[Matthew 14:27]] and "I have overcome the world" [[John 16:33]].
* **Comfort Amidst Tribulation:** This word is spoken in moments of fear, illness, and persecution. It affirms that courage is possible not because of a lack of hardship, but because of a greater divine reality that transcends the immediate circumstances [[Acts 23:11]].
* **Faith as the Prerequisite for Peace:** The connection between faith and comfort is explicit. It is after seeing their **faith** `{{G4102}}` that Jesus offers comfort and healing, linking reliance on Him directly to spiritual and physical wholeness ([[Matthew 9:22]], [[Luke 8:48]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2293}}` is more than a suggestion to be happy; it is a divine command to take courage. It is consistently used by Jesus or the Lord to intervene in moments of human fear and distress, from a storm on the sea [[Mark 6:50]] to the certainty of persecution [[Acts 23:11]]. The word demonstrates that true comfort and courage are not found in the absence of trials, but are a direct result of faith in Christ's presence and His power to overcome all things [[John 16:33]].
TRV