### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2293 (θαρσέω, *tharséō*) derives from the noun θάρσος (*tharsos*), meaning "courage" or "boldness." At its core, θαρσέω signifies "to have courage" or "to be courageous." Its semantic range extends to encompass "to be of good cheer," "to be confident," "to take heart," or "to be bold." It denotes an inner fortitude or state of confidence in the face of adversity, fear, or distress. This term is closely related to and often used interchangeably with G2292 (θαῤῥέω, *tharrhéō*), both conveying the idea of possessing or exercising courage and confidence. While subtle distinctions might exist in classical Greek, in the Koine Greek of the New Testament, they are largely synonymous, emphasizing a hopeful and resolute disposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G2293 (θαρσέω) appears a relatively small number of times in the New Testament, yet its occurrences are profoundly significant, often delivered as an imperative by Jesus or by God Himself to individuals facing challenging circumstances.
* In [[Matthew 9:2]], Jesus tells the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." Here, the command to "take heart" precedes and is intrinsically linked to the spiritual healing of forgiveness, suggesting that inner peace and courage are foundational.
* Similarly, to the woman with the flow of blood, Jesus declares in [[Matthew 9:22]], "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." Her faith is the conduit through which divine power flows, leading to both physical healing and an inner restoration of courage.
* During the storm on the Sea of Galilee, when the disciples are terrified, Jesus, walking on water, reassures them with the emphatic declaration, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid" ([[Matthew 14:27]], parallel [[Mark 6:50]]). Here, the presence and identity of Christ are the sole basis for courage in the face of overwhelming fear.
* To blind Bartimaeus, who desperately calls out to Jesus, the crowd encourages him with θαρσέω: "Take heart. Get up; he is calling you" ([[Mark 10:49]]). This indicates that courage can also be imparted through human encouragement, serving as a bridge to divine encounter.
* Perhaps one of the most theologically weighty uses is found in Jesus' farewell discourse in [[John 16:33]]: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." This verse grounds the believer's courage not in the absence of trouble, but in the accomplished victory of Christ over all hostile forces, providing a foundation for eschatological hope.
* In [[Acts 23:11]], after Paul faces intense opposition in Jerusalem, the Lord stands by him and says, "Take courage! For as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." This divine encouragement empowers Paul for future mission despite imprisonment and threats, demonstrating courage as essential for faithful witness.
Across these contexts, θαρσέω consistently functions as an antidote to fear, despair, and anxiety, rooted in the authoritative presence, power, and promises of God or Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
G2293 (θαρσέω) is closely related to several other key Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Synonyms/Closely Related:**
* G2292 (θαῤῥέω, *tharrhéō*): As noted, this is a near-perfect synonym, also meaning "to be courageous, confident."
* G3954 (παρρησία, *parrhesía*): This noun signifies "boldness, confidence," often specifically in speech or in the presence of authority. While θαρσέω describes an inner state, παρρησία often describes its outward manifestation.
* G5111 (τολμάω, *tolmáō*): "To dare, to be bold," implies venturing or undertaking something with courage, often in the face of risk.
* **Antonyms:**
* G5399 (φοβέω, *phobéō*): "To fear, be afraid."
* G1770 (ἔκφοβος, *ékphobos*): "Terrified, greatly afraid."
* **Theological Concepts:** The concept of "taking heart" or "being of good cheer" is deeply intertwined with:
* **Faith (πίστις, *pistis*):** As seen in [[Matthew 9:22]], courage is often a fruit of faith.
* **Divine Presence:** The "I AM" of Christ ([[Matthew 14:27]]) is the ultimate source of courage.
* **Overcoming the World:** Christ's victory provides the basis for believers' courage in tribulation ([[John 16:33]]).
* **Peace (εἰρήνη, *eiréné*):** Courage contributes to and flows from a state of inner peace.
* **Hope (ἐλπίς, *elpis*):** The command to "take heart" is an exhortation to hope in God's ultimate triumph and faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G2293 (θαρσέω) lies primarily in its portrayal of courage as a divinely-given attribute, not merely a human stoicism. It is often a command from Christ, implying that such courage is both expected and enabled by His presence and power.
1. **Christ-Centered Courage:** The instances where Jesus uses θαρσέω reveal that true courage for the believer is not self-generated but is rooted in the person and work of Christ. His forgiveness, His healing power, His authoritative presence, and His ultimate victory over the world are the wellsprings of this "good cheer."
2. **Antidote to Despair:** In a world filled with tribulation, sin, sickness, and fear, the imperative "take heart" serves as a powerful divine counter-narrative to human despair and anxiety. It calls believers to look beyond their immediate circumstances to the sovereign Lord.
3. **Empowerment for Discipleship and Mission:** The command to take courage empowers believers to persist in faith and witness, even when facing severe opposition, as seen in Paul's experience in [[Acts 23:11]]. It is a necessary disposition for enduring suffering and fulfilling God's purposes.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** The declaration in [[John 16:33]] ("I have overcome the world") elevates θαρσέω from a mere psychological state to a profound theological truth. Believers can be of good cheer because the decisive battle has already been won by Christ, guaranteeing their ultimate triumph with Him. This provides a robust foundation for hope in the face of all worldly challenges.
### Summary
G2293 (θαρσέω) signifies "to have courage" or "to be of good cheer," often functioning as an imperative to overcome fear and despair. Its biblical occurrences consistently demonstrate that this courage is not a mere human resolve but a divinely-imparted strength, rooted in the authoritative presence, power, and promises of Jesus Christ. Whether in the face of sin, sickness, natural calamity, or persecution, the command to "take heart" directs the believer's gaze away from overwhelming circumstances and toward the victorious Lord. It underscores a core theological truth: Christian courage is a confident trust in Christ's accomplished work and His abiding presence, empowering believers for faithful endurance and witness in a fallen world.
TRV