📖 Biblical Definition
A fearful heart, in the bad sense, is the spirit of cowardice and craven timidity that paralyzes obedience. Paul warns Timothy directly: "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). The fearful are listed first in Revelation 21:8: "the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire." This is not the fear of God (which is the beginning of wisdom) nor the natural startle of danger; it is the settled cowardice that refuses to obey God because of what man might do. The remedy is the cross of Christ remembered, the presence of Christ rehearsed, and the call of Christ obeyed in spite of trembling knees.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Webster 1828: a heart governed by cowardice, shrinking from duty and faith.
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There is a fear of the LORD that is the beginning of wisdom, and there is a fear of man that brings a snare. The fearful heart confuses the two and shrinks from God to placate man.
📖 Key Scripture
2 Timothy 1:7 — "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Proverbs 29:25 — "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe."
Isaiah 41:10 — "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God."
Revelation 21:8 — "But the fearful, and unbelieving...shall have their part in the lake which burneth."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
The age preaches authenticity but practices cowardice; God gives a different spirit.
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Cancel culture has taught us to fear the wrong things. We dread headlines and shrug at hell.
God did not give a spirit of fear. Power, love, and a sound mind are His gift to those who refuse the snare.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek deilia (cowardice) and Hebrew yare (to fear).
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G1167 — Deilia — timidity, cowardice, fear
H3372 — Yare — to fear, be afraid
Usage
"God has not given a spirit of fear, but of power."
"The fear of man brings a snare."
"Fear thou not—I am with thee."