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ἀφόβως

aphóbōs

G870 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

In a manner free from fear; acting, speaking, or existing without fear, boldly or confidently. As an adverb, ἀφόβως describes actions or attitudes that are performed or expressed without anxiety, timidity, or dread. The term emphasizes the absence of fear in behavior or disposition; depending on context, it may carry nuances of confidence, assurance, or intrepidity.

Semantic Range

fearlessly, without fear, confidently, boldly, intrepidly, without anxiety or dread

Root / Etymology

From the prefix ἀ- (alpha privative, signifying 'not, without') + φόβος (fear). Thus, 'without fear.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The adverb ἀφόβως is found in later Greek, with limited occurrences in both Hellenistic and Koine sources, including the New Testament (e.g., Philippians 1:14; Jude 1:12). Its meaning is consistent with classical Greek compounds employing the negative prefix ἀ-, denoting the absence of a state or quality. In the context of the New Testament and other Koine authors, the term often has an ethical or emotional sense, indicating a state of boldness, confidence, or freedom from fear, frequently in relation to speech, conduct, or standing before others. In LXX Greek, related forms highlight an absence of dread before God, rulers, or enemies. Standard English translations such as "fearlessly" or "boldly" generally render the sense but may not capture context-specific nuances, such as assurance or confidence rather than mere bravado.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from a compound of Α (as a negative particle) and φόβος; fearlessly:--without fear.

Root Family

ἀφόβως (aphobōs) — fear, fright, alarm; without fear

Root φοβ- to fear, to frighten, to be alarmed

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G870-01 ἀφόβως aphobos ADV without fear fearlessly fearlessly 4

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G870-01 Luke 1:74 ἀφόβως aphobos ADV without fear fearlessly without fear
G870-01 1 Corinthians 16:10 ἀφόβως aphobos ADV without fear fearlessly without fear
G870-01 Philippians 1:14 ἀφόβως aphobos ADV without fear fearlessly fearlessly
G870-01 Jude 1:12 ἀφόβως aphobos ADV without fear fearlessly fearlessly
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