Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "dare" in the Bible often relates to themes of courage, faith, and the testing of one's convictions. While the specific word "dare" may not frequently appear in the text, the underlying principles are evident throughout Scripture. The idea of daring is closely associated with stepping out in faith, confronting challenges, and standing firm in the face of opposition.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, daring acts are often seen in the lives of the prophets and leaders of Israel. One notable example is David's confrontation with Goliath. In
1 Samuel 17, David, a young shepherd, dares to face the Philistine giant, Goliath, when the entire Israelite army is paralyzed with fear. David's boldness is rooted in his faith in God: "David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied'" (
1 Samuel 17:45).
Another example is found in the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who dared to defy King Nebuchadnezzar's decree to worship a golden image. Their courage is evident in their response: "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (
Daniel 3:17-18).
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the apostles often demonstrate daring faith in their proclamation of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, in particular, exemplifies this boldness. In
Acts 13:46, Paul and Barnabas speak boldly to the Jews, declaring, "It was necessary for the word of God to be spoken to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles" . Paul's daring is further highlighted in his willingness to face persecution and hardship for the sake of Christ (
2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
The early church also embodies this spirit of daring in their communal life and witness. In
Acts 4:29, the believers pray, "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness" . This prayer reflects their desire to continue proclaiming the Gospel despite external threats and opposition.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, daring in the biblical sense is not reckless or foolhardy but is characterized by a deep trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It involves taking risks for the sake of righteousness and the advancement of God's kingdom. This daring is often accompanied by prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to God's truth.
The Bible encourages believers to be bold in their faith, as seen in
Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" . This confidence is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and provision.
Practical ApplicationFor contemporary believers, the biblical concept of daring challenges them to live out their faith courageously in a world that often opposes Christian values. It calls for a willingness to stand for truth, share the Gospel, and trust God in difficult circumstances. This daring faith is not self-reliant but is anchored in the promises and power of God, who equips His people for every good work.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To have adequate or sufficient courage for any purpose; to be bold or venturesome; not to be afraid; to venture.
2. (v. t.) To have courage for; to attempt courageously; to venture to do or to undertake.
3. (v. t.) To challenge; to provoke; to defy.
4. (n.) The quality of daring; venturesomeness; boldness; dash.
5. (n.) Defiance; challenge.
6. (v. i.) To lurk; to lie hid.
7. (v. t.) To terrify; to daunt.
8. (n.) A small fish; the dace.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
DAREdar: The expression "to dare" in the Scriptures never has the meaning of "to defy," "to challenge," or "to terrify." It is always found as the translation of tolmao, "to manifest courage." This is particularly evident from2 Corinthians 10:12, "for we are not bold to number or compare ourselves" (the King James Version "for we dare not make ourselves of the number").
Greek
5111. tolmao -- to have courage, to be bold... to have courage, to be bold. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: tolmao Phonetic
Spelling: (tol-mah'-o) Short Definition: I
dare, endure, am bold Definition
...Strong's Hebrew
1013. Beth Gader -- "place of a wall," a place in Judah... Beth Gader. 1014 . "place of a wall," a place in Judah. Transliteration: Beth
Gader Phonetic Spelling: (bayth-gaw-
dare') Short Definition: Beth-gader.
...1447. gader -- a wall
... 1446, 1447. gader. 1448 . a wall. Transliteration: gader Phonetic Spelling:
(gaw-dare') Short Definition: wall. Word Origin from...
6148. arab -- to take on pledge, give in pledge, exchange
... in pledge, exchange NASB Word Usage associate (2), became surety (1), become guarantors
(1), become surety (1), becomes (1), becomes surety (2),dare to risk (1...
4576. mader -- a hoe
... mader. 4577 . a hoe. Transliteration: mader Phonetic Spelling: (mah-dare') Short
Definition: hoe. Word Origin from adar Definition a hoe NASB Word Usage hoe (...
Library
And YouDare to Charge us with Offending the Gods...
... Book III. 11 And youdare to charge us with offending the gods? And you
dare to charge us with offending the gods, although, on...
Do YouDare to Laugh at us when we Speak of Hell...
... Book II. 14 Do youdare to laugh at us when we speak of hell? Do youdare
to laugh at us when we speak of hell, [3501] and fires...
And Since, as YouDare not Deny that These Deities of Yours once...
... Chapter XI. And since, as youdare not deny that these deities of yours
once were men? And since, as youdare not deny that these...
If Anyone ShallDare to Say that the Christ is a Theophorus that...
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. V. If
anyone shalldare to say that the Christ is a Theophorus that is?...
If Anyone ShallDare Say that the Word of God the Father is the...
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. VI. If
anyone shalldare say that the Word of God the Father is the God?...
If Anyone ShallDare to Say that the Assumed Man Analephthenta...
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. VIII.
If anyone shalldare to say that the assumed man analephthenta ought to be?...
After all this YouDare to Say in Your Apology, that You are not...
... After all this youdare to say in your Apology, that you are not the defender nor
the champion of Origen, though you think that Eusebius and Pamphilus said all...
Of the Order of Bishops, that those Ordained More Recently do not...
... Canon LXXXVI. (Greek lxxxix.) Of the order of bishops, that those ordained more
recently do notdare to take precedence of those ordained before them....
I have Said This, Lest Haply Married FruitfulnessDare to vie with...
... Section 7. I have said this, lest haply married fruitfulnessdare to vie
with virgin chastity? 7. I have said this, lest haply...
Give Me the Lowest Place: not that IDare
... The Treasury of Sacred Song. Book First CCCXLI Give me the lowest place: not
that Idare. Ask for that lowest place, but Thou hast died...
Thesaurus
Dare (19 Occurrences)... 7. (vt) To terrify; to daunt. 8. (n.) A small fish; the dace. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.
DARE.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Dare (19 Occurrences).
...Dared (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (pp) ofDare. 2. (pp) ofDare. 3. (imp. & pp)
ofDare. Multi-Version Concordance Dared (9 Occurrences)....
Questions (76 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 22:46 No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any
mandare ask him any more questions from that day forth....
Venture (10 Occurrences)
... in trade. 4. (vi) To hazard one's self; to have the courage or presumption
to do, undertake, or say something; todare. 5. (vi) To...
Adventure (3 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) To risk, or hazard; jeopard; to venture. 7. (n.) To venture upon; to run
the risk of; todare. 8. (vi) To try the chance; to take the risk. Int....
Question (153 Occurrences)
... Matthew 22:46 No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man
dare ask him any more questions from that day forth. (Root...
Quaking (6 Occurrences)
... Quaking (6 Occurrences). Acts 7:32 "'I am the God of your forefathers, the God of
Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob.' "Quaking with fear Moses did notdare gaze....
Unjust (44 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 6:1Dare any of you, having a matter against another,
go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? (KJV DBY WBS)....
Ungodly (41 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 6:1Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law
before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? (See NIV)....
Resources
What is Dare 2 Share? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are Christians so judgmental? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are archangels? | GotQuestions.orgDare: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
