Fear in the New Testament is expressed through multiple Greek terms, each with unique connotations. The words δειλία, φόβος, and εὐλάβεια represent three distinct responses to danger, authority, or the divine: cowardice, terror or dread, and reverence. Their careful usage by biblical authors reflects a deep theological understanding of the human condition before God, men, and adversity. This article explores their lexical range, usage in key New Testament texts, and how they frame a biblical theology of fear.
Lexical Definitions and Etymology
- δειλία – A noun from δειλός meaning “cowardly” or “timid.” It refers to fearfulness in the sense of lack of courage, a failure to act due to dread. Always viewed negatively in Scripture.
- φόβος – The general Greek term for “fear.” It can denote fright, reverence, or awe depending on the context. Found extensively in both positive and negative theological contexts.
- εὐλάβεια – Derived from εὖ (“well”) + λαμβάνω (“to grasp”). Originally meant “carefulness,” but developed the meaning of “reverence,” particularly toward the divine. Often paired with godly fear or piety.
δειλία: Fear as Cowardice
δειλία appears only once in the New Testament—in 2 Timothy 1:7:
“Οὐ γὰρ ἔδωκεν ἡμῖν ὁ θεὸς πνεῦμα δειλίας, ἀλλὰ δυνάμεως καὶ ἀγάπης καὶ σωφρονισμοῦ.”
“For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and love and self-discipline.”
This word is always pejorative. It refers to fear that paralyzes and stems from unbelief or human weakness. In classical literature and early Christian ethics, δειλία was considered disgraceful—failing to act virtuously in danger or hardship. In biblical theology, it contrasts with the Spirit-led boldness of faith.
φόβος: Fear, Dread, and Reverence
φόβος is the most common word for “fear” in the New Testament, appearing over 40 times. It has a wide semantic range—from fear of harm to reverence toward God:
- Matthew 10:28: “Do not fear those who kill the body… rather fear (φοβήθητε) Him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”
- Acts 5:11: “Great φόβος came upon the whole church.”
- Philippians 2:12: “Work out your salvation with φόβου and trembling.”
Depending on its object, φόβος can mean terror (when directed at men or divine judgment) or holy awe (when directed toward God). The fear of God is a major theme in both Old and New Testaments and is often considered the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, Acts 9:31).
εὐλάβεια: Godly Reverence and Holy Caution
εὐλάβεια appears 4 times in the New Testament, consistently with a positive, reverential connotation. It describes a deep respect and careful posture before God:
- Hebrews 5:7: “Jesus was heard because of His εὐλαβείας (reverent submission).”
- Hebrews 12:28: “Let us worship God with εὐλαβείας and awe.”
- Hebrews 11:7: Noah, “being warned by God… moved with εὐλαβείᾳ…”
This word emphasizes not terror, but humble caution and reverent attention to God’s majesty and holiness. It is close in meaning to “godliness,” but more focused on an internal attitude of sacred fear. It is fear without dread—love-infused reverence.
Philosophical and Jewish Backgrounds
In Hellenistic philosophy, δειλία was condemned as weakness; courage was the virtue of the rational soul. φόβος was natural but needed to be mastered. Jewish tradition also made fine distinctions:
- יראה (yir’ah) – Often translated as “fear,” included both dread and reverence. The Septuagint uses φόβος for it.
- εὐλάβεια aligns with the Hebrew concept of “reverent fear” that leads to obedience—not terror, but careful awe.
The early Christians reoriented these terms under the cross: fear was no longer crippling dread (δειλία), but reverence that flows from redemption and the indwelling Spirit (εὐλάβεια and sanctified φόβος).
Semantic and Theological Comparison
| Term | Meaning | Connotation | Usage | Theological Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| δειλία | Cowardice, timidity | Negative | 2 Timothy 1:7 | Human weakness, opposed to faith |
| φόβος | Fear, dread, or awe | Neutral/Contextual | Gospels, Acts, Epistles | Both terror and reverence, depending on object |
| εὐλάβεια | Reverent fear, devout caution | Positive | Hebrews, Acts | Worshipful respect, spiritual attentiveness |
Fear Transformed by the Spirit
The New Testament reshapes our understanding of fear in light of the gospel. δειλία is rejected as incompatible with the Spirit of boldness. φόβος is sanctified into awe-filled reverence for God. εὐλάβεια becomes the posture of the redeemed soul—fear not of punishment, but of grieving the Holy One.
True fear of God is not the enemy of love, but its companion. As Hebrews 12:28 says, “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence (εὐλαβείας) and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
