[Greek] δειλιάω (deiliaō), [Latin] formidare, [French] redouter: to be cowardly, to be fearful, to be timid; Jn.14:27
The blind Oedipus commending his children to the gods: painting by Beningne Gagneraux (1784). Oedipus willingly blinds himself to prevent himself from seeing what he has done.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means timidity, cowardice, vile, worthless, wretch, and miserable. Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 536 states “Come, tell me, in the name of the gods, was it courage or folly which you saw in me and which led you to plot this thing?” Homer’s Odyssey 20.351 states “Ah, wretched man, what evil is this to suffer?” Homer’s Iliad 1293 states “Achilles broke in and replied, ‘Surely I would be called cowardly and of no account, it I am to yield to you in every matter that you say.” Homer’s Odyssey 8.351 states “A sorry thing to be the same is the surely of a sorry knave.”
Old Testament: This term means to be terrified, to be in a hurry, to be dismayed, to be confounded to wander, to waver, to be in awe, to be startled, and to dread. Do not be afraid, or panic, or be terrified by them (Deu.20:3). At the sound of Your thunder, they fled in a hurry (Psa.48:5). Do not fear or be dismayed (Deu.1:21). They were shattered and put to shame (Isa.37:27). Our hearts melted and no courage remained in anyone any longer (Jos.2:11). Wander away from the midst of Babylon (Jer.50:8). And will stand in awe of the God of Israel (Isa.29:23). They are in great dread (Psa.14:5).
New Testament: This term, used only once, means being afraid. Jesus begins to speak about the Holy Spirt, the Advocate. Jesus offers the disciples the peace that the world cannot provide. Jesus calls upon them to not let their hearts be troubled or afraid.
Scripture:
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give it you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Jn.14:27
Jesus offers peace which the world cannot provide.
Etymology: The Latin verb formidare originally means to cause fear and terrible. It is very surprising that this verb would describe a person fearful or afraid. This meaning has changed over time to the notion of something so great in strength or size as to discourage effort. The related French verb redouter means to fear. The French noun doute means fear, dread, a doubt. The Latin verb dubitare means to doubt, hesitate, and to waver in opinion.
Conclusion:
Formidable, doubt, dubious
At first glance, I was afraid or doubted that I was going to be able to make a post about this term. ☺
In Greek Hellenism, this term is used more widely, often in a negative sense. The Greek plays and dramas were often a commentary on the human condition, illustrating the faults of characters. Sophocles presents Oedipus Tyrannus as a tragic character who willingly blinds himself in order to prevent himself from seeing what he has done. (Sounds very cowardly.)
This term is also extensively used in the Old Testament. This term can express one being broken, dismayed, or shattered in one’s attitude. One’s heart can figuratively melt away in fear and dread. (I think many of us are already familiar with the notion of one’s heart ‘melting’ with compassion for others). One can be filled with awe in one’s relationship with God.
Many of us oftentimes have difficulties with our trials in life. It is often difficult for some of us (including me) to have trust during these difficult times. Jesus offers us peace which the world cannot provide. It is oftentimes during these struggles, that our relationship with God (and Jesus) becomes even stronger!
The Russian novelist and psychologist, touching upon political, social, and spiritual themes, is quoted for saying, ‘Only through suffering can we find ourselves.” Quite interesting!
Update: In contrast to ordinary courageous citizens, we have a weak president and cowardly vice president. We have a president who will not or refuse to sign or approve bipartisan legislation. He now seems to be equivocating on a bipartisan infrastructure bill. Our vice president who has shown cowardice, weakness, and lack of character. This vice president has been AWOL when it comes to the border crisis. Even when CNN and NBC criticize you, you have a problem. After much criticism, she just makes a photo-op at the El Paso, far from crisis epicenter on the border. This vice president looks very fearful and unprepared. You see this when she laughs.
Unfortunately, this is no laughing matter when our nation is at stake.