[Greek] θαρσέω (tharseō), [Latin] confidere, [Latin] habere fiduciam, [Latin] constans esto: to take courage, to be of good courage, to cheer up, to take heart; Mt. 9:2,22, Mt.14:27, Mk.6:50, Mk.10:49, Lk.8:48, Jn.16:33, Acts 23:11
Jesus Walks on Water: painting by Ivan Konstantinovich Aivozovsky (1888) The disciples cried out in fear thinking this was a ghost.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to be bold, to be confident, to be cheerful, and to be of good courage. This notion can include trusting in something (or someone) and being bold against something or (someone). The Greeks, often fearing death, sought courage in understanding understanding the nature of the soul (mortal or immortal?). The Greeks sought guidance from the gods concerning the mysteries which fascinated and terrified them. Herodotus’ The Histories 7.50 states “If you wanted to take everything equally into account on every occasion that happens, you would never do anything; it is better to do everything boldly and suffer half of what you dread than to fear all chances and so never suffer anything.” Plato’s Phaedo 88b states “Anyone who feels confident about death has a foolish confidence, unless he can show that the soul is immortal and imperishable.” Aeschylus’ Suppliant Woman 732 states “Courage! In good time, assuredly, and on the day ordained, he who dishonors the gods will suffer punishment.” Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus 491 states “If you should do this, I would be bold enough to come to your aid.”
Old Testament: This term becomes a summons to another in times of emergency, stress, and anxiety. This summons may come from both God or man. Such examples include promising, uttering, trusting, having confidence, being bold, being afraid, fearing, revering, and inspiring. He utters beautiful words (Gen.49:21). The declaration of him who hears the words of God (Num.24:4). And your ears to words of knowledge (Pro.23:12). He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel (2Kgs.18:5). What is this confidence that you have? (2Kgs.18:19). But the righteous are bold as a lion (Pro.28:1). Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you (Gen.15:1). Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father (Lev.19:13). And they will be afraid of you (Deu.28:10).
New Testament: This term essentially means to have courage. The people brought a paralytic lying on a stretcher to Jesus. Moved by their friends’ faith, Jesus gave encouragement in healing the man. A woman, suffering from hemorrhages, touched Jesus’ cloak. She was healed because of her faith. Jesus, walking on water, appeared like a ghost to the disciples. Jesus told them to have courage as He conquered the winds. Jesus tells His disciples to have courage even when they will have trouble in the world. Jesus tells Paul to have courage so that he will bear witness for Christ in Rome.
Scripture:
“And there people brought to Him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.’” Mt.9:2
It is because of the friends’ faith that Jesus was able to heal the paralytic.
“At one Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I , do not be afraid.’” Mt.14:27
The disciples thought they saw a ghost when Jesus was walking on water.
“The following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to My cause in Jerusalem, you must also bear witness in Rome.” Acts 23:11
Christ encourages Paul for his eventual martyrdom in Rome.
Revelations: The Letter to Symyrna: This letter provides a succinct commentary about Christians undergoing persecution and difficulties. The angel encourages the Christians, materially poor but spiritually rich, to not to be afraid to go through suffering. The angel says to remain faithful until death, and you will be given the crown of life (Esto Constans Et Dabo Tibi Coronum).
Conclusion:
Confidence, confident, fiduciary, constant
It was interesting to discover that the Greeks also were fearful of life/death issues. The Greeks pondered about the state of the soul.
In the Old Testament, this term is used extensively. The more nuanced examples include being reverent, being trusting, and being afraid.
In the New Testament, this term essentially means to have courage. However, faith (on the part of others) is necessary for Jesus’ healings. Jesus tells the disciples to have courage even when they experience troubles. It is interesting to note that in Cor.9:25 Paul also makes mention about winning an imperishable crown. The Christian life is like running a race seeking to win that eternal prize of salvation.
Update:
In recent months there have been ordinary but courageous people (teachers, kids, and parents, etc,) who have been speaking out against critical race theory, transgender sports, and election fraud. These ordinary people have become heroes in their courage in speaking in the media, at school boards, and with local, state, and city officials.
Esto Constans! (Take courage!)
Next post: being afraid and being cowardly