θαρσέω

From the study of John 16:33

Range of meaning

To be bold, confident, of good courage, unafraid, especially when facing danger. In the imperative (θάρσει / θαρσεῖτε) it is a standard call: "take heart, don't be afraid."

Against the English

"Take courage" (BSB, YLT, NASB) and "take heart" (NIV, ESV) are accurate. KJV's "be of good cheer" was accurate in 1611, when "cheer" meant one's mood or spirit, but now sounds like "be cheerful." WEB's "cheer up!" goes further toward a casual pep talk.

How it drifted

English "cheer" moved from "face, disposition" (Old French chiere, "face") to "gladness, happiness."

Used elsewhere in the period

Greek Old Testament Exod 14:13: Moses at the Red Sea, "θαρσεῖτε, stand and see the salvation of the Lord." In the Gospels Jesus says it to the paralysed man (Matt 9:2), the bleeding woman (Matt 9:22), and the terrified disciples on the lake, "θαρσεῖτε, it is I" (Mark 6:50). Greek gravestones often carry θάρσει, "take heart," as consolation in the face of death.

From the study of Acts 23:11

Range of meaning

θαρσέω (the older Attic form is θαρρέω) means to be bold, confident or unafraid. The command form θάρσει / θαρσεῖτε was the standard Greek way to say “courage!” or “don't be afraid!” to someone facing danger or bad news.

Against the English

BSB, NIV and ESV have “Take courage,” which is accurate. KJV's “Be of good cheer” and WEB's “Cheer up” can sound like an order to feel happy. The Greek is about courage and confidence in the face of threat, not mood.

How it drifted

In 1611 “cheer” still kept its older sense of face, bearing or spirits, so “be of good cheer” meant “keep a brave face / good heart.” Modern English “cheer” has narrowed to happiness and celebration.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament (LXX), Moses tells Israel at the sea, “θαρσεῖτε, stand and see the salvation of God” (Exod 14:13). In the Gospels Jesus uses it to the paralysed man (Matt 9:2), the woman with bleeding (9:22), and the disciples terrified on the lake (“θαρσεῖτε, it is I, do not be afraid,” Matt 14:27). In John 16:33 he says, “take courage, I have overcome the world.” It is common in classical and papyrus Greek as a word of encouragement before danger.

From the study of Matthew 14:27

Range of meaning

To be bold, confident, or of good courage; to have the nerve to face danger. In older Greek the word belongs to courage in battle and in hardship. In the New Testament it appears almost only as a command, θάρσει / θαρσεῖτε ("take heart!"), spoken to someone who is afraid, ashamed, or in trouble (BDAG s.v. θαρσέω).

Against the English

BSB and NASB have "take courage" and ESV has "take heart", which are accurate. KJV's "be of good cheer" was accurate in 1611, when "cheer" meant one's mood or bearing. Today it sounds like "be cheerful." WEB's "Cheer up!" leans further toward "stop being sad." YLT's "be of good courage" is closest to the Greek.

How it drifted

In Early Modern English, "cheer" (from Old French chiere, "face") meant countenance or state of mind, so "good cheer" meant a steady, brave spirit. Over time the word narrowed to mean gladness, and "cheer up" came to mean "stop being glum." The Greek word is about courage, not mood.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint), Moses at the Red Sea says: "θαρσεῖτε, stand and see the salvation that is from God" (Exod 14:13). God's reassurance to his people uses the same word: Haggai 2:5; Zephaniah 3:16 (θάρσει, Σιων); Joel 2:21–22; Baruch 4:5, 21, 27, 30 ("θαρσεῖτε, my people"). In Matthew, Jesus says θάρσει to the paralysed man (9:2) and to the bleeding woman (9:22). In John 16:33: "θαρσεῖτε, I have conquered the world." Classical writers use it for soldiers steadying themselves.