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θάρσος

thársos

G2294 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

State of confidence or inner assurance, especially in the face of adversity; denotes a quality of cheerful courage or emboldened spirit. Can refer to boldness in the sense of having the heart or resolve to act (inward fortitude), or to the encouragement and consolation that underlies such courage. May also signify absence of fear, particularly in challenging circumstances.

Semantic Range

courage, confidence, inner assurance, boldness, cheerfulness in adversity, encouragement, absence of fear

Root / Etymology

Cognate with θαρρέω (tharreō, 'to be confident, be of good courage'), likely from the root θαρσ- which is associated with notions of courage and confidence. The root is of uncertain ultimate etymology, but is well-attested in classical and later Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, θάρσος primarily referred to inner strength, confidence, or buoyant courage, sometimes implying cheerfulness in the face of danger or challenge. Used in tragedy and prose for both literal courage (as in warfare or contests) and metaphorical resolve. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it often denotes the mental state called forth by encouragement (as in an exhortation to 'take courage'), blending the senses of being emboldened and being consoled. The term often appears in contexts where external adversity could occasion fear, but θάρσος is expressed as its opposite. English translations traditionally render it 'courage' or 'cheer,' but neither captures fully the nuance of confident assurance and uplift in trouble. The related verb θαρσέω ('to be courageous') is more frequent in the New Testament and often appears with imperatival exhortation (e.g., 'take courage!' or 'be of good cheer!'). Distinct from τολμάω ('to dare'), which stresses venturesome daring or risk-taking; θάρσος is more about inward assurance and strength.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

akin (by transposition) to (daring); boldness (subjectively):--courage.

Root Family

θαρσ- (tharséō) — to have courage, to be confident, to be bold

Root θαρσ- courage, confidence, assurance
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G2293 θαρσέω Be courageous

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2294-01 θάρσος tharsos N ACC N SG courage inner courage courage 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2294-01 Acts 28:15 θάρσος tharsos N ACC N SG courage inner courage courage
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