from (boldness; probably itself from the base of τέλος through the idea of extreme conduct); to venture (objectively or in act; while θαῤῥέω is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous:--be bold, boldly, dare, durst.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb τολμάω (tolmáō), `{{G5111}}`, carries the fundamental meaning "to venture," "to dare," or "to be bold." Its etymology is linked to the idea of "extreme conduct," possibly deriving from the base of τέλος (telos), suggesting a willingness to push boundaries or go to a limit. Crucially, the definition distinguishes τολμάω as referring to an objective act or outward manifestation of daring, contrasting it with `{{G2292}}` (tharrheō), which denotes a subjective feeling of confidence or courage. Thus, τολμάω describes the actual undertaking of a bold action, whether righteous or presumptuous. It can imply a courageous resolve in the face of difficulty or, conversely, an audacious or impudent overstepping of bounds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
τολμάω appears a relatively small number of times in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly illustrative of its semantic range:
* **Righteous Boldness/Courage:**
* In [[Mark 15:43]], Joseph of Arimathea "dared" (ἐτόλμησεν) to go to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. This demonstrates significant courage and risk, as it was a public identification with a condemned criminal, potentially endangering his own standing.
* Apollos, in [[Acts 18:26]], "began to speak boldly" (ἤρξατο παρρησιάζεσθαι ἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ). While the verb here is παρρησιάζομαι (parrēsiazomai), the concept of bold proclamation is closely aligned with the active daring implied by τολμάω.
* Paul frequently employs τολμάω in defense of his apostolic ministry and the gospel. In [[Romans 15:15]], he states he has written "more boldly" (τολμηρότερον) on certain points, indicating a forthrightness driven by grace. In [[2 Corinthians 10:2]], he expresses his resolve "to be bold" (τολμῆσαι) against those who accuse him of walking according to the flesh. He even uses it ironically in [[2 Corinthians 11:21]], stating that if others are "bold" in foolishness, he too will be bold. These instances highlight a divinely-empowered courage in evangelism and spiritual leadership.
* **Reverent Restraint / Lack of Presumption:**
* In [[John 21:12]], after Jesus' resurrection appearance, the disciples "dared not" (οὐδεὶς ἐτόλμα) ask Him, "Who are You?" This usage conveys a sense of reverential awe and restraint, indicating that true boldness is not recklessness.
* The most striking example of "daring not" is found in [[Jude 1:9]], where Michael the archangel "dared not bring a reviling judgment" (οὐκ ἐτόλμησεν κρίσιν ἐπενεγκεῖν βλασφημίας) against the devil, but instead said, "The Lord rebuke you!" This illustrates a profound respect for divine authority and protocol, even in confrontation with evil.
* **Negative/Presumptuous Daring:**
* In [[1 Corinthians 6:1]], Paul scathingly asks, "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints?" (τολμᾷ τις ὑμῶν πρᾶγμα ἔχων ἐπὶ τὸν ἕτερον κρίνεσθαι ἐπὶ τῶν ἀδίκων). Here, τολμάω carries a strong negative connotation of audacious and inappropriate behavior for a believer.
* [[2 Peter 2:10]] describes those who "dare to blaspheme glorious ones" (τολμῶσιν βλασφημοῦντες δόξας). This is a clear condemnation of impudent and sacrilegious behavior.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{G2292}}` (tharrheō) and `{{G2293}}` (tharsos): As noted in the base definition, τολμάω (to act boldly) is distinct from θαρρέω (to feel confident/courageous) and its noun form θάρσος (courage). While related, τολμάω emphasizes the *action* taken as a result of or in the presence of courage, rather than the internal state itself.
* `{{G3955}}` (parrēsia): This noun refers to "boldness," "frankness," or "freedom of speech." It often describes the quality of speaking openly and without fear, especially in the context of proclaiming the gospel (e.g., [[Acts 4:13]], [[Ephesians 6:19]]). While παρρησία is the *quality* of boldness, τολμάω is the *act* of daring or venturing. They frequently co-occur conceptually in the New Testament, particularly in discussions of apostolic ministry.
* `{{G5207}}` (hybris) and `{{G5244}}` (hyperephania): These terms denote "insolence," "arrogance," or "haughtiness." When τολμάω is used negatively, it often borders on or expresses such presumptuous pride, overstepping appropriate boundaries.
* `{{G5244}}` (hypomonē): "Endurance" or "steadfastness." While not a synonym, the act of daring often requires or is accompanied by perseverance in the face of opposition.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of τολμάω is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Empowerment for Proclamation:** The positive uses of τολμάω highlight the Spirit-empowered courage necessary for believers, particularly apostles and evangelists, to proclaim the gospel and exercise spiritual authority in the face of opposition. This boldness is not human bravado but a divine enablement to act in faith, even when it involves risk or confrontation.
2. **Distinction between Righteous Boldness and Presumption:** The contrasting uses of τολμάω underscore a crucial theological distinction. There is a "good" daring, born of faith and obedience to God, which pushes against societal or spiritual barriers for His glory (e.g., Joseph of Arimathea). Conversely, there is a "bad" daring, characterized by human presumption, arrogance, or a disregard for divine order and reverence (e.g., in legal disputes among believers, or reviling spiritual beings).
3. **Reverence and Restraint as True Courage:** The examples of "daring not" (e.g., the disciples with Jesus, Michael with the devil) are profoundly significant. They teach that true spiritual courage is not reckless abandon but can also manifest as a holy restraint, a refusal to overstep divine boundaries, or an act of profound reverence. This demonstrates that wisdom often dictates when *not* to dare, even when one might feel empowered to do so.
4. **Action-Oriented Faith:** τολμάω emphasizes the active, outward expression of faith. It moves beyond mere belief or feeling to concrete action, signifying a willingness to step out and execute God's will despite potential obstacles or fear.
### Summary
τολμάω (`{{G5111}}`) signifies the act of daring, venturing, or being bold, emphasizing an objective, outward expression rather than an internal feeling. Its biblical usage reveals a crucial theological spectrum: from righteous, Spirit-empowered courage in proclaiming the gospel and acting in faith (e.g., Paul, Joseph of Arimathea), to a necessary, reverent restraint that acknowledges divine authority and avoids presumption (e.g., Michael the archangel, the disciples with Jesus), and finally, to a negative, impudent audacity that oversteps proper bounds (e.g., 1 Corinthians 6:1, 2 Peter 2:10). The word thus serves as a vital indicator of how believers are called to act decisively and courageously in their faith, while simultaneously exercising discernment and reverence to avoid reckless or inappropriate behavior.
TRV