### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G3642}}` *oligópsychos* is a compound word derived from `{{G3641}}` *olígos* (meaning "little," "small," or "few") and `{{G5590}}` *psychē* (meaning "soul," "life," "mind," or "spirit"). Etymologically, it signifies "small-souled" or "little-spirited." This literal sense conveys a state of being faint-hearted, discouraged, or lacking in courage and spiritual fortitude. It describes an internal condition where one's spirit or resolve is diminished, often due to fear, despondency, or a sense of being overwhelmed. Unlike a lack of intellectual capacity (which "feebleminded" might imply in modern English), *oligópsychos* points to a deficiency in spiritual or emotional resilience, a tendency towards despondency or timidity when faced with challenges or trials. It contrasts sharply with qualities like steadfastness, courage, or a robust spirit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G3642}}` *oligópsychos* appears only once in the New Testament, in the apostle Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians:
* **[[1 Thessalonians 5:14]]**: "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted (τοὺς ὀλιγοψύχους), help the weak, be patient with them all."
In this sole occurrence, *oligópsychos* is part of a series of practical exhortations given to the Thessalonian church regarding their mutual responsibilities within the community. Paul distinguishes between three groups requiring specific pastoral care:
1. **The "idle" (ἀτάκτους - *ataktous*):** Those who are disorderly or undisciplined, perhaps neglecting their duties or living idly, whom the church is to "admonish" (νουθετεῖτε - *noutheteite*).
2. **The "faint-hearted" (ὀλιγοψύχους - *oligópsychous*):** These are the ones who are discouraged, disheartened, or perhaps struggling with anxiety or a lack of spiritual resolve. They are to be "encouraged" (παραμυθεῖσθε - *paramytheisthe*), which implies offering comfort, consolation, and gentle persuasion to uplift their spirits. This group may have been struggling with persecution, the delay of the Parousia, or other life difficulties that sapped their spiritual strength.
3. **The "weak" (ἀσθενεῖς - *astheneis*):** This refers to those who are physically, spiritually, or morally infirm, who require "help" (ἀντιλαμβάνεσθε - *antilambanesthe*), indicating active support and assistance.
The specific command to "encourage" the *oligópsychous* highlights the church's role in providing pastoral care that addresses the emotional and spiritual well-being of its members. It emphasizes compassion and understanding for those who are struggling with internal despondency, rather than condemnation or harshness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of being *oligópsychos* is closely related to other terms and ideas within biblical theology:
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:** It stands in opposition to qualities like courage, steadfastness, perseverance (`{{G5281}}` *hypomonē*), and a spirit of faith. A "great-souled" or magnanimous individual would be the antithesis.
* **Synonyms/Similar States:** The state of being *oligópsychos* overlaps with discouragement, despondency, anxiety (`{{G3309}}` *merimna*), and fear (`{{G5401}}` *phobos*). It can be a consequence of sorrow (`{{G3077}}` *lypē*) or a lack of hope.
* **Related to psychē:** The root `{{G5590}}` *psychē* (soul/spirit) is central. Other words like `{{G5591}}` *psychikos* (soulish, natural) describe aspects related to the human soul, but `{{G3642}}` specifically denotes a diminished state of the soul's vitality or courage.
* **Related to oligos:** The prefix `{{G3641}}` *oligos* appears in other compounds, such as `{{G3640}}` *oligopistos* (little faith), which describes a similar spiritual deficiency, though focused specifically on faith rather than general courage or spirit. While distinct, `{{G3640}}` and `{{G3642}}` both point to a "smallness" in a vital spiritual attribute.
It is crucial to understand that *oligópsychos* does not imply a lack of intelligence or mental capacity in the modern sense of "feebleminded," but rather a spiritual and emotional vulnerability or faint-heartedness.
### Theological Significance
The single biblical occurrence of `{{G3642}}` *oligópsychos* carries profound theological significance, particularly concerning the nature of Christian community and pastoral care:
1. **Divine Compassion:** The command to "encourage the faint-hearted" reflects God's own compassionate nature. The Lord is consistently portrayed as one who cares for the weak, the broken, and the discouraged (e.g., [[Psalm 34:18]], [[Isaiah 42:3]]). This divine empathy is to be mirrored in the church's ministry.
2. **Corporate Responsibility:** The exhortation in [[1 Thessalonians 5:14]] underscores the corporate responsibility of believers to minister to one another. The church is not merely a collection of individuals but a body where members are called to support, uplift, and bear one another's burdens (e.g., [[Galatians 6:2]]). This specific instruction highlights that spiritual discouragement is not to be met with judgment but with proactive encouragement and consolation.
3. **Pastoral Imperative:** For church leaders and all believers, the instruction to encourage the *oligópsychos* is a vital pastoral imperative. It calls for discernment to identify those who are struggling internally and for the wisdom and gentleness to offer appropriate comfort and hope. This ministry requires patience and understanding, recognizing that spiritual vitality can ebb and flow.
4. **Hope in Trials:** The presence of *oligópsychos* individuals within the early church suggests that even devout believers faced periods of despondency. This normalizes such struggles and points to the enduring need for hope, especially in the face of persecution, suffering, or the perceived delay of Christ's return. The encouragement offered would likely have reminded them of God's faithfulness, His promises, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.
5. **God's Strength in Weakness:** The recognition of the "faint-hearted" implicitly affirms that human spiritual strength is not always robust. Yet, it is precisely in human weakness that God's strength is often made perfect (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 12:9]]). Encouraging the *oligópsychos* is a way of directing them back to the divine source of strength and courage.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G3642}}` *oligópsychos* describes a state of being "little-spirited" or "faint-hearted," characterized by discouragement, despondency, or a lack of spiritual resolve. Its single occurrence in [[1 Thessalonians 5:14]] serves as a crucial pastoral instruction, commanding believers to "encourage" those who are *oligópsychous*. This command highlights the Christian community's responsibility to offer compassionate support, comfort, and hope to members who are struggling with internal spiritual or emotional weakness. The theological significance lies in God's care for the discouraged, the church's role as a nurturing body, and the practical outworking of love and mutual edification in addressing the very real human experience of spiritual despondency.
TRV