Who Are the “Cowardly” in Revelation 21:8?

Who Are the “Cowardly” in Revelation 21:8?
by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 10:48am

Question: In Revelation 21:8, why is “cowardly” in the list of people that will not enter heaven? What does this word mean? What is John getting at?

Answer: This well-known verse says, “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” (ESV, throughout). Thus it seems clear that the “cowardly” indeed will not enter heaven.

Who are the “cowardly”? The Greek word is “deilos,” which is from a family of words that occur only rarely in the NT. This is the adjective; it is found here in Rev. 21:8 and in the parallel accounts in Matt. 8:26 and Mark 4:40. These texts are reporting the incident where Jesus and His disciples are in a boat in a great storm, and the disciples cry out, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” Jesus rebukes them thus: “Why are you afraid [deilos], O you of little faith?” (Matt.), or “Why are you so afraid [deilos]? Have you no faith?” (Mark).

The noun “deilia” is used just once, in 2 Tim. 1:7, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear [deilia] but of power and love and self-control.” The verb “deiliao” is also used just once, in John 14:27b, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid [deiliao].”

The basic meaning of the adjective thus is cowardly, fearful, timid, fainthearted. In these and in Christian writings in general the word does not refer to specific and usually mundane fears such as fear of water, fear of spiders, fear of heights, or fear of speaking in public. Rather, the word is used in a context of persecution, where one has to choose between taking a stand for Jesus and denying faith in Him. C. Spicq says this: “When Rev. 21:8 places the fainthearted and the unbelieving in the lake of fire, it has in view Christians during times of persecution who, out of a fear of suffering, renounce their faith. It is a commonplace that human courage and cowardice are revealed in the face of death” (“Theological Lexicon of the NT,” Hendrickson 1994, I:301).

In effect, then, such cowardice is similar to or even the same as unbelief. Rev. 21:8 lists the cowardly and the faithless together. In the texts of Matthew and Mark, Jesus equates the disciples’ fear with a lack of faith. The issue is whether we will continue to trust in Jesus and in God’s sustaining power even in the face of persecution and death.

God’s people have always been commanded to live boldly and not to be afraid of our enemies. As Moses exhorted the Israelites in reference to their physical enemies, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). And God kept His promises: “He led them in safety; so that they were not afraid, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies” (Psalm 78:53). David exhibits this spirit of boldness: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).

This attitude of boldness, courage, and faithfulness is the point of Rev. 2:10, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (ESV). “Be faithful unto death” surely can mean simply “Hold on to your faith as long as you live.” But it can also mean, as someone has said, “Keep believing in Jesus even if it kills you.” J. B. Phillips translates it, “Be faithful in the face of death.” The Weymouth NT says, “Be faithful to the End, even if you have to die.” In this kind of situation, as the first part of Rev. 2:10 shows, the cowardly are those who renounce their faith in Jesus in order to avoid persecution and even martyrdom. (See Matt. 20:28.)

The bottom line is that this cowardice that condemns one to hell is the opposite of continuing to confess the Lordship of Jesus in the face of trials. Making the “good confession” that Jesus is Lord is necessary for salvation (Rom. 10:9-10). We must continue to make this confession throughout our Christian lives, especially when our faith is challenged. It is well known that the early Christians were often forced to make a choice between pagan gods (such as Caesar) and their Christian faith. Those who held fast to their faith in Jesus through the power of the indwelling Spirit were the opposite of the cowardly. In 1 Cor. 12:3 Paul speaks of this contingency and of the necessity of trusting in the power of the Spirit to remain faithful: “Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says ‘Jesus is accursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit” (ESV).

Even today, in some anti-biblical cultures such as communism and Islam, Christians sometimes have to choose between cowardice and courage at the risk of their very lives. As of now, in the American culture, we have not yet come to this; but Christians are often called upon to take more subtle risks for Christ’s sake. Sometimes we must choose between faithfulness on the one hand, and such things as social popularity and acceptance, the respect of the intelligentsia, good grades in a college science course, or even our job. May we be faithful in these relatively small things now, so that we may be prepared to confess Jesus as Lord even in the worst of circumstances.

Comments

Who Are the “Cowardly” in Revelation 21:8? — 30 Comments

  1. Thank you! I have been researching about this and i thought cowardly or fearful are similar to the one referred to in 1 John 4:18 “Perfect love drives out fear” However, the fear in that text is “phobos”. Are they somehow similar? God bless!

  2. Sir, I do thank you so much for your words. They really have given me hope and an inspiration. Thank you and God Bless…

  3. Jesus said that those who are persecuted in his named will be blessed. Jesus wants his followers to profess their faith and to share the gospel. He knew that his disciples would be persecuted and even killed for their beliefs. It was clearly going to happen because of what happened to him.

    Peter denied Jesus three times. He denied Jesus out of the fear of bodily harm. He was forgiven for this and strengthened his faith later. Luke 22 talks about this.

    We will all likely be tested at some point in our lives. It is important that we stand strong with our faith and that we do not fear in this situation. If you find yourself in a situation like this, remember the words of Jesus and that he has asked us to not fear. He will give you the strength that you need if you ask. He will never leave you alone in a fight against Satan.

  4. Hello sir I’m a follower of Christ but I have fear of going to hell Because of lack of faith Trust doubts and lack of love for the Lord?

    • Weak faith is not the same as lack of faith; weak love is not the same as lack of love. You should concentrate on making your faith and love stronger. Follow a routine or pattern of Bible reading and prayer daily.

    • 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

      Dear Pius…i was once like u afraid of going to hell, I always cried and prayed to GOD not to cast me to hell and as I always prayed my GOD also always helped me through bible reading.
      The more I read the bible the more my faith increased in GOD because of one thing.. that GOD does not want anyone to perish but have eternal life..I came to know that GOD loves me even after my sinful deeds and dark sins I always did before I became a born again. I repented and my God forgave me of my sins and now I am free from my sins simply because through the BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. But before all that I always thought that am going to hell because of my sins but I came to know that GOD is there for you.. HE will forgive you if u confess your sins to HIM and not hiding any from him. Because of Jesus Christ i have come to know that my God always loves me and will always be there for me even when i let him down by sinning..but if I confess my sins to HIM and promise not to do it again, He forgives me and I love on.. therefore my advice to u bro is do not fear hell… TRUST IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST because it is by HIS BLOOD we are saved and have eternal life.. just continue serving, worshiping and following JESUS CHRIST all your life time bro … whenever u scared of hell…just say to yourself the BLOOD OF my GOD JESUS CHRIST in HEAVEN will forgive me and grant me eternal life….TRUST only in Jesus Christ through whom we are saved.. he loves you and won’t let u perish if u trust him and do everything HE TELLS U TO DO..let him change your life through reading the bible by becoming into a better person through bible reading… I hope u blessed. The bible is GOD’S love latter to u… so that it may direct u all your life and know your GOD more..so only God’s love will perfect u even if when u fail him through sinning his ready to forgive u your sons on condition you confess them to HIM… it is from our mistakes we learn to b better in GOD by applying God’s grace from the bible into our lives about a particular place u want GOD to help u… U go to the bible or Google and type in that particular area in your life you want GOD to help u by searching scriptures. GOD bless you bro and I PRAY u never loose loose your faith in JESUS CHRIST and GOD grant u eternal life . Hope to meet u in heaven. Take care bro

      • The Bible is God’s love letter to His people. How beautiful. I always say it’s a parents instruction manual,but I like yours better!

  5. I m a believer i accept jesus as my saviour. My husband is a unbeliever.. i try talking to him but he stands for his hindusim.. i wake up early morning and pray ..read bible …n listen to christian songs.. i was anointed by his holy spirit n i do speak in tongue… but my husband against me… he forces me to follow the temple and pray to his god… i do act infront of him… i dont pray to his god… i always think jesus in my heart… m i coward… will i be thrown in fiery lake.. i m secret christian… i believe one day jesus will touch himmm…. someone pls answer my question. Tq in advance

    • I’m sorry, but only God knows the answer to this question. Remember 1 Peter 3:1-7.

    • What you are describing is exactly what is being referenced in the verse. You are acting out a lie to keep your husband from persecuting you and at the same time are showing a lack of faith. In times such as this, you should not act contrary to your own beliefs, but should take a stand for God. There is nothing to fear when it comes to God. The worst thing that could happen is that you are physically injured because of your faith. The disciples all died because of their faith. They were all blessed due to this. By professing your faith and not fearing the retribution from your husband, you will be demonstrating your faith in a way that is much greater than words coming out of your mouth. Jesus wants you to love him with all of your heart and there is no better way to show this than by not fearing your husbands persecution and maintaining your belief system.

      I am not saying this as to judge you. It is not my place to do so. I am just pointing out that what you have described is exactly what John was referring to.

      The good thing is that you have the power to stand up to your husband and to profess your faith. If you show your faith, others will see this and they will know that you are a true follower of Christ. This will help others with their own faith. Hiding your faith is the wrong thing to do. Be proud to be a follower of Christ.

    • Hey marrias… Well from the Bible I can suggest you advice… In Isaiah 42:8 ” I am the lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols…. Therefore the advice I personally can give u is that Jesus Christ is our true God and only HIM deserves praise glory and worship… U see obeying God is better than obeying men and human beings because God is greater than all and only HIM we have to live for and serve him all our lives and not other small gods,,,, so it’s a choice for you to make…. I know u may love your husband and want him to know about GOD but if u have tried your best and has not changed…. Just leave him to what he thinks is right….BUT AS FOR YOU….u have got to stick with Jesus Christ as your True GOD and worship him alone….. Don’t let your husband stop you from serving GOD, don’t let Him stop u from worshipping JESUS CHRIST because if u stop worshipping and following Jesus CHrist because your husband has told u so, it will be the worst mistake u may have done, it may cost you your eternal life and your love for GOD. It is like now u have put your husband over GOD as a special thing in your life…. Therefor please dont give up your faith in JEsus Christ. One thing I want to tell u as well is in 1 Corinthians 15:33 ” do not be deceived, bad company ruins good morals. Believing in GOD is a good thing but if u suround yourself with the ungodly or evil people… They’re going to influence your relationship with GOD.. I was going to suggest that if your husband consistently tells to stop worshiping and praising God I would urge u to leave his house and go other wise he is hindering your relationship with Jesus Christ to grow strong if he doesn’t let u pray to him, sing to him. I also strongly encourage take stand for Ur God Jesus Christ and serve him only by stopping to go to your husbands Hinduism gods… U cant serve two gods at the same time, u got to choose one to love and serve only which is Jesus Christ the only true God. So stand up for yourself and always tell him no no no no no no no all the time he tells u to serve his Hinduism gods. Do not fear. If he insists on u to worship his gods, please I know how hard it is but just live his house and go back to your family who accept u as who u are in Jesus Christ serving God than someone being with someone trying to ruin your true belief in Jesus Christ AND LEADING YOU ASTRAY by WORSHIPPING Other gods u know nothing about…. Please marrias stop going to his temple gods and worshipping his gods,,, it’s gonna lead you astray mess u up and rob u of your peace and happiness that your true God Jesus Christ wants to give u in this life and in the life to come. If your husband doesn’t change and continues to bother you, please just leave him and move on with your life serving GOD. It’s better u win Jesus Christ who is the true God who loves u and loose your husband whose trying to lead u astray by destroying your faith in Jesus Christ…. Please stop going to his Hinduism gods.. It’s of no good to u. Let’s please God than fellow human beings…

      As its said in Galatians 1:10 ” Am I now seeking the approval of men( all human beings) or of GOD? Or am I trying to please? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

      I know u love your husband by praying for him to change but don’t have fellowship with his gods,,,,,,, don’t please your husband by worshipping his Hinduism gods,, don’t please him by him stopping to praise your God Jesus Christ through songs, praise and worship and most importantly having anything to do with his Hinduism gods.

      Rather please God Jesus Christ through remaining faithfully to him alone until death, worshipping and serving him only, even if it means leaving your husband for good so that u may move on with your relationship with God, DO IT. God won’t be upset with you, he will be pleased with you because he will know that your separating from your husband was to serve him only.(GOD Jesus Christ). Our God sees our hearts and judges our motives.. He will be pleased with u that u want only to please him and not man or any human beings on this world.

      I pray that may our God Jesus Christ be with u and all your family that believe in Jesus Christ to be with u all the days of your lives and grant u eternal life in heaven. Hope we meet in heaven and be with our God Jesus Christ, Godthe father and the holy spirit all for eternity and all brethrens that do believe in our God Jesus Christ.

      One thing I live with you, u and me we play a game all our lives,…… Let’s live all our days of life persuing ways on to please God in our every day lives and we can only do this through doing what our God wants and avoiding what he hates, these we can know through bible reading. Let’s live all the days of our lives worshipping serving and PLEASING our God Jesus Christ.

      If u have any questions please feel free to ask me,,,, will do all my best to help. danielturyahebwa@yahoo.co.uk

  6. I wonder whether “cowardly” also meant people who give up on life through suicide out of fear or disappointment and unable continue their lives?

  7. @Clint don’t worry about that, buddy. Always remember Matthew 7:6, it says “Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.”

  8. What about suicide? Are christians that commit suicide considered cowardly?

    • People commit suicide for a variety of reasons; this may sometimes be a factor. It would be a huge mistake, though, to think that cowardice is always involved in suicide. It is much more complicated than that.

  9. Thanks – like many others I felt that “cowardly” did not fit with the other qualities in the list.

  10. Then what if a person has cancer, and is in great pain, and thus is afraid they are not going to heaven? Lots of us who suffer long term pain have doubts and wonder where God is. But if you’re crying out to the Lord you’re still a believer, aren’t you?

    • Just remember: God looks upon the heart. He can discern between these momentary doubts and the deep-seated faith from which the cries originate.

  11. Jack thank you so much for answering my question. This definitely makes me feel so much better and I’m glad to know this is not the type of cowardice this verse is referring to. Thank you so much!

  12. What if I am afraid of fighting (physical fist fight) and getting hurt? I am a Christian and know I’m saved but live in a very rough neighborhood with very tough way bigger than me guys who fight all the time and are extremely vivacious and mean, actually very evil people, they would literally kill me and at the least paralyze me or break my neck, make me lose my eyesight or break my bones etc and I know they can easily do it and don’t dare fight any of them and am afraid to because I know I will get severely hurt or killed, does this make me a coward and is this the type of cowardice this verse is referring to?! I have also “backed down” and walked away many times when threatened by them or trying to be made to fight them, is the the type of cowardice this verse is referring to?! Will I go to hell for this and am I a coward and is this what this verse is referring to?! Someone please help and tell me and answer this. I don’t want to have to go and stand up to these guys and be severely permanently hurt and probably killed to keep from being a coward so I won’t go to hell and not make it to heaven. Someone please answer and help me on this asap.

    • Rest assured that this is not the kind of “cowardice” this text in Revelation is referring to. We know this simply by comparing it with the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-39.

    • No, that’s not the same cowardly. Just put of curiosity what city and country are you from?

      Also stay strong brother, keep praying and read his word.

  13. I did a search on this question because I often feel cowardly & the verse Rev 21:8 worried me. Not that I would not confess my faith no matter what, but that I am generally cowardly & working on that. Thank you & God bless.

  14. Is cowardly also not mentioning what we
    know about the Gospel or The Lord because we are hoping for a better opportunity where it looks like the person
    might be more open to receive Christ and
    because partly we want them to keep on accepting us as friend or associate in the
    meantime?