### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποτολμάω (apotolmáō - `{{G662}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (apo - "from, away from, expressing separation or completion") and the verb τολμάω (tolmaō - `{{G5111}}`, "to dare, to be bold, to venture"). The prefix ἀπό serves here as an intensifier, elevating the meaning of mere daring to a profound level of unreserved, outright, or "very" boldness. It signifies not just the act of venturing, but doing so plainly, without hesitation, and with a complete lack of timidity or reservation. This suggests a courage that is uninhibited and forthright, often in the face of potential opposition or conventional expectations. The word encapsulates a venturing forth with an unwavering spirit, demonstrating a full commitment to an action or proclamation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀποτολμάω (apotolmáō - `{{G662}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly significant.
* **Romans 10:20**: "But Isaiah is very bold and and says, 'I was found by those who did not seek Me; I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.'" [[Romans 10:20]]
* In this passage, the Apostle Paul quotes from Isaiah 65:1-2 to underscore God's sovereign initiative in reaching out to the Gentiles. The phrase "Isaiah is very bold" (ἀποτολμᾷ δὲ Ἠσαΐας) highlights the audacious nature of Isaiah's prophecy from a Jewish perspective. It was a radical declaration that God would reveal Himself to those outside the covenant, those who had not actively sought Him or called upon His name.
* The "boldness" here refers to the prophet's unreserved and unequivocal proclamation of a truth that might have been challenging or even offensive to his contemporary audience. It emphasizes the unreserved nature of God's plan of salvation, which extends beyond the expected boundaries. Isaiah's prophetic voice, empowered by divine revelation, dared to speak plainly about God's universal redemptive purpose, demonstrating a courage that transcended human convention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἀποτολμάω (apotolmáō - `{{G662}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to other Greek terms expressing courage and confidence:
* **τολμάω (tolmaō - `{{G5111}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to dare, to be bold, to venture." Examples include Joseph of Arimathea "daring" to ask for Jesus' body ([[Mark 15:43]]), and Paul speaking of "daring" to be bold in confronting opponents ([[2 Corinthians 10:2]]). ἀποτολμάω intensifies this basic sense of daring.
* **παρρησία (parrēsia - `{{G3954}}`):** This noun signifies "boldness, frankness, confidence, freedom of speech." It often describes the characteristic of speaking openly and without fear, especially in the context of proclaiming the Gospel ([[Acts 4:13, 29, 31]]). While ἀποτολμάω emphasizes the *act* of daring, παρρησία describes the *quality* or *state* of being bold in speech.
* **θαρσέω (tharseō - `{{G2292}}`):** Meaning "to be of good courage, to be confident." This term focuses more on an inner state of courage and assurance, often used by Jesus to encourage His disciples ([[Matthew 9:2, 22]]).
* **δύναμις (dynamis - `{{G1411}}`):** "Power, strength, ability." True spiritual boldness, as exemplified by Isaiah, is not a product of human arrogance but often flows from divine empowerment and conviction in the truth of God's word.
### Theological Significance
The solitary use of ἀποτολμάω (apotolmáō - `{{G662}}`) in [[Romans 10:20]] carries profound theological weight, particularly regarding the nature of God's revelation and the prophetic office:
* **Divine Initiative and Sovereign Grace:** The word highlights God's unmerited grace and sovereign will in initiating salvation. Isaiah's "very bold" prophecy declares that God reveals Himself to those who are not actively seeking Him, challenging the notion that human effort or merit is a prerequisite for divine encounter. This underscores the radical, unearned nature of God's outreach to humanity, especially to the Gentiles.
* **Prophetic Authority and Courage:** The term underscores the immense courage and unyielding conviction required of God's prophets. Isaiah's declaration was not a timid suggestion but a forthright proclamation of God's expansive plan, even when it contradicted prevailing religious and cultural expectations. It serves as a testament to the prophet's faithfulness in delivering God's message, regardless of its potential reception.
* **Boldness in Gospel Proclamation:** By extension, ἀποτολμάω speaks to the necessary boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. The Christian message, like Isaiah's prophecy, can be counter-cultural, challenging human assumptions and self-sufficiency. Believers are called to speak the truth plainly and without reservation, trusting in the power of God's word rather than human eloquence or popularity. This boldness is not born of arrogance but of conviction in the divine origin and transformative power of the message.
### Summary
ἀποτολμάω (apotolmáō - `{{G662}}`) signifies an intensified form of daring: "to be very bold" or "to venture plainly." Its singular, impactful appearance in [[Romans 10:20]] describes the prophet Isaiah's profound courage in declaring God's sovereign initiative to reveal Himself to those who did not seek Him. This term underscores the radical nature of God's grace, extending salvation beyond human expectations. The "very bold" prophecy of Isaiah serves as a model for prophetic authority and the unreserved proclamation of divine truth. It reminds us that God's plan is often revealed through voices that dare to speak plainly, challenging conventional wisdom and demonstrating an unwavering trust in the Lord's universal redemptive purposes.
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