ὀλιγόψυχος
oligópsychos
G3642 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having little courage or determination; faint-hearted. The term primarily denotes a state of emotional weakness, timidity, or lack of resolve, especially under pressure or in response to challenges. In some contexts, may also refer to being easily discouraged or lacking in steadfastness.
Semantic Range
faint-hearted, timid, discouraged, lacking perseverance, emotionally weak, lacking courage or resolve, easily disheartened
Root / Etymology
Adjective formed from ὀλίγος ('little, few') and ψυχή ('soul, spirit, life'). Thus, etymologically, 'having little soul' or 'lacking spirit.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὀλιγόψυχος appears only once in the New Testament (1 Thessalonians 5:14) and is rare in Greek literature generally. Its usage conveys the sense of someone who is discouraged, timid, or lacking resilience, particularly in the face of adversity. In Hellenistic and Koine contexts, the concept of 'soul' (ψυχή) is often associated with the seat of courage or inner strength. English translations historically rendered this term as 'faint-hearted' or 'feeble-minded,' but the latter can misleadingly suggest intellectual incapacity, which is not implied in the Greek. The primary reference is emotional or volitional weakness rather than mental disability. The word aligns broadly with other Greek terms like ἀθυμία ('despondency, lack of spirit') and ἀνδρία ('courage') as antonymy. ὀλιγόψυχος was not a technical term but conveyed a general sense of lacking perseverance or boldness. In the New Testament, it describes those who are in need of encouragement and support, rather than rebuke. The nuance is best captured as 'timid,' 'discouraged,' 'faint-hearted,' or 'lacking in courage.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὀλίγος and ψυχή; little-spirited, i.e. faint-hearted:--feebleminded.
Root Family
ὀλιγ-ψυχ- (oligópsychos) — little, few, spirit, soul
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3642-01 |
ὀλιγοψύχους | oligopsuchous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
fainthearted | the faint-hearted ones | faint-hearted ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3642-01 |
1 Thessalonians 5:14 | ὀλιγοψύχους | oligopsuchous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
fainthearted | the faint-hearted ones | faint-hearted ones |