Topical Encyclopedia
The term "fainthearted" refers to those who are timid, lacking in courage, or easily discouraged. In the context of the Bible, it often describes individuals who are hesitant or fearful in the face of challenges, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical. The concept of being fainthearted is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, where believers are encouraged to find strength and courage in their faith and in God's promises.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "fainthearted" is "rak levav," which literally means "soft of heart." This term is used in
Deuteronomy 20:8, where Moses instructs the officers of Israel to send home any man who is fainthearted before going into battle: "Then the officers shall add, 'Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.'" . Here, the concern is that the fear of one could spread to others, weakening the resolve of the entire group.
The concept is also seen in
Isaiah 35:4, where the prophet encourages those who are fainthearted: "Say to those with anxious hearts: 'Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.'" . This passage highlights the assurance that God will intervene on behalf of His people, providing them with the strength they need.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the Greek word "oligopsuchos" is used, which means "small-souled" or "fainthearted." This term appears in
1 Thessalonians 5:14, where Paul exhorts the church: "And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone." . Here, the fainthearted are those who need encouragement and support from their fellow believers to persevere in their faith.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of courage and steadfastness in the face of trials. In
2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." . This verse underscores the belief that God equips His followers with the necessary strength to overcome fear and timidity.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, being fainthearted is seen as a natural human response to uncertainty and danger, but one that can be overcome through faith in God. The Bible consistently encourages believers to trust in God's power and presence, which can transform fear into courage. The fainthearted are not condemned but are instead called to rely on the community of faith and the promises of God for support and encouragement.
The biblical narrative presents numerous examples of individuals who overcame their faintheartedness through faith. Gideon, for instance, initially doubted his ability to lead Israel against the Midianites, but through God's reassurance, he became a mighty warrior (Judges 6-7). Similarly, the disciples of Jesus, who often displayed fear and doubt, were transformed into bold proclaimers of the Gospel after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
In summary, the Bible acknowledges the reality of being fainthearted but offers a pathway to courage through faith, community, and reliance on God's promises. Believers are encouraged to support one another, drawing strength from their shared faith and the assurance of God's presence and power.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Wanting in courage; depressed by fear; easily discouraged or frightened; cowardly; timorous; dejected.
Greek
3642. oligopsuchos --fainthearted...fainthearted. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: oligopsuchos Phonetic Spelling:
(ol-ig-op'-soo-khos) Short Definition: faint-hearted Definition: faint
...1169. deilos -- cowardly, fearful
... 1169 ("fearful of losses") refers to an excessive fear (dread) of "losing," causing
someone to befainthearted (cowardly) -- hence, to fall short in following...
Strong's Hebrew
7401. rakak -- to be tender, weak or soft... 7400, 7401. rakak. 7402 . to be tender, weak or soft. Transliteration: rakak
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-kak') Short Definition:
fainthearted. Word Origin a prim
...7390. rak -- tender, delicate, soft
... tender one (1), timid* (1), weak (2).fainthearted, soft, tender hearted,
one, weak. From rakak; tender (literally or figuratively...
4127. mug -- to melt
... melted away (4), melts (1), soften (1). consume, dissolve, befainthearted,
melt away, make soft. A primitive root; to melt, ie Literally...
3824. lebab -- inner man, mind, will, heart
... will, heart NASB Word Usage anger (1), breasts (1), conscientious* (1), consider*
(5), courage (1), desire (1), encouragingly* (1),fainthearted* (3), heart...
Library
Whether Pusillanimity is a Sin?
... For every sin makes a man evil, just as every virtue makes a man good. But a
fainthearted man is not evil, as the Philosopher says (Ethic....
Whether Pusillanimity is Opposed to Magnanimity?
... For the Philosopher says (Ethic., 3) that "thefainthearted man knows not himself:
for he would desire the good things, of which he is worthy, if he knew...
On Accusations, and the Treatment of Accusers.
... them: "Be strengthened, ye weak hands and feeble knees." [2770] For we ought to
comfort those that mourn, and afford encouragement to thefainthearted, lest by...
Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on...
... things being in hope and after death, their evils in hand, though they had patiently
endured much, it was likely that many would befainthearted;"hereon he...
Discouragement
... One would think that in the face of such assertions as these not even the most
fainthearted among us could find any loophole for discouragement....
Of the Indifference which we are to have as to Our Advancement in...
... We must be sorry for faults with a repentance which is strong, settled, constant,
tranquil, but not troubled, unquiet orfainthearted....
What Diversity There Ought to be in the Art of Preaching.
... Servants and masters. The wise of this world and the dull. The impudent and the
bashful. The forward and thefainthearted. The impatient and the patient....
September 4 Morning
... Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither befainthearted."Be still, and know that
I am God."Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou...
Whether Fear is a Mortal Sin?
... fear does not make one lapse from a precept, but only from perfection; for a gloss
on Dt.20:8, "What man is there that is fearful andfainthearted?" says: "We...
Whether Fortitude is a Gift?
... i) that "fortitude encourages thefainthearted against hardships, which will be
altogether absent from heaven." Therefore fortitude is not a gift....
Thesaurus
Fainthearted (7 Occurrences)... cowardly; timorous; dejected. Multi-Version Concordance
Fainthearted (7
Occurrences). 1 Thessalonians 5:14 We exhort you, brothers
...Fainteth (11 Occurrences)
Faint-hearted (7 Occurrences)
Faint-hearted.Fainthearted, Faint-hearted. Fainting . Multi-Version Concordance...
(WBS).Fainthearted, Faint-hearted. Fainting . Reference Bible.
Urge (34 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 5:14 We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage
thefainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. (See NAS NIV)....
Idlers (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 5:14 We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage
thefainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. (See RSV)....
Idle (33 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Thessalonians 5:14 We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly,
encourage thefainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all....
Feeble-minded (2 Occurrences)
... fe'-b'-l-min'-ded (oligopsuchos): Only in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 the King James Version,
in the sense of "fainthearted," as in the Revised Version (British and...
Feebleminded (1 Occurrence)
... fe'-b'-l-min'-ded (oligopsuchos): Only in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 the King James Version,
in the sense of "fainthearted," as in the Revised Version (British and...
Firebrands (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 7:4 And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither befainthearted
for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of...
Resources
What is a Calebite? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean not to give the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)? | GotQuestions.orgFainthearted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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