δειλός (G1169) — Greek Lexicon

δειλός

deilós

G1169 predicate adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Fundamentally, denoting one who lacks courage, is fainthearted or cowardly; used to describe someone who shrinks from danger, difficulty, pain, or moral challenge out of fear. In specific contexts, the term may convey personal timidity, hesitancy in the face of adversity, or a failure to act bravely when circumstances demand resolve. It can also imply, in moral or rhetorical usage, an individual whose fear leads to inaction, withdrawal, or inability to maintain commitment under pressure.

Semantic Range

timid, cowardly, lacking courage, fainthearted, shrinking from danger or difficulty, morally weak, hesitant or withdrawing under threat

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root δειλ- (deil-), associated with dread or cowardice; possibly related to δέος (deos, 'fear') in classical usage. The formation follows standard Greek nominal and adjectival patterns, but is not directly derivable from a specific earlier Greek verb or noun; thus, some uncertainty about its ultimate origin remains.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek literature, δειλός most often referred to physical cowardice, especially in the context of battle or honorable conduct. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the word retained this core meaning but broadened to include general faintheartedness or lack of moral fortitude. In the New Testament, δειλός is used negatively, particularly in lists of vices or character flaws (e.g., Matthew 8:26, Revelation 21:8), usually in contrast to active trust or courage; sometimes it is juxtaposed with positive moral qualities (like faith or bravery), suggesting not merely fearfulness but also a deficiency in trust or resolve. Standard English translations often render δειλός as 'fearful' or 'cowardly', which may not fully capture the social and moral disapproval implied. Unlike φόβος (phobos, 'fear'), which may describe an emotion or state, δειλός is primarily an adjective denoting character or disposition.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (dread); timid, i.e. (by implication) faithless:--fearful.

Root Family

δειλός (deilos) — cowardly, fainthearted, lacking courage

Root δειλ- to be cowardly, to lack courage, to be fainthearted

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G1169-01`	δειλοί	deiloi	`ADJ.P NOM M PL`	are you fearful	cowardly ones	cowardly ones	2
`G1169-02`	δειλοῖς	deilois	`ADJ.S DAT M PL`	cowardly	to the cowardly	to the cowardly	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G1169-01`	Matthew 8:26	δειλοί	deiloi	`ADJ.P NOM M PL`	are you fearful	cowardly ones	cowardly ones
`G1169-01`	Mark 4:40	δειλοί	deiloi	`ADJ.P NOM M PL`	fearful	cowardly ones	cowardly ones
`G1169-02`	Revelation 21:8	δειλοῖς	deilois	`ADJ.S DAT M PL`	cowardly	to the cowardly	to the cowardly

← G1168 Greek Lexicon G1170 →