Who are the 'fearful' in Revelation 21:8?
Rev. 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 21:8
ESV - 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.
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Asked December 12 2022
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Jack Gutknecht
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Tim Maas
In my opinion, the term "fearful" (which is perhaps better translated by other versions of the same verse as "cowardly") is applied here to individuals who ultimately refused to follow Jesus because of their fear of any of the consequences of that decision, and their unwillingness to endure the opposition and persecution that they would face (particularly if it would ultimately result in the need to sacrifice their lives), and who did not subsequently repent (as Peter did after denying Jesus out of fear).
Jeremy Volland
According to Strong's, the Greek word translated here as “fearful” or “cowardly” is “deilos”, which means “timid”. It is only used here and in two other places in the New Testament, Matthew 8:26 and Mark 4:40. "And he saith unto them, ‘Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?’ Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." (Mat 8:26) "And he said unto them, ‘Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?’" (Mar 4:40) In both of these cases, "fearful" is connected to a lack of faith. It should also be noted that in both of these cases (which is really the same case in two different gospel accounts) Jesus was referring to the disciples. They were “fearful” because they lacked faith during the storm. Such a small number of usages hardly confirms its connection with those of little faith, but it is certainly reasonable and I lean in that direction. What it does confirm, however, is that those on the list of Rev 21:8 are in good company (as well as bad). In fact, we are all on this list in one way or another until we overcome as mentioned in the preceding verse. "He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son." (Rev 21:7)
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