In the Bible, the term “coward” or references to cowardice are occasionally used, though not frequently.

The concept is generally discussed in terms of fear, lack of faith, or failure to stand firm in one’s beliefs.

Here are a few examples:

1. Revelation 21:8: This verse includes a list of those who will be excluded from the New Jerusalem, stating, “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.” Here, “cowardly” is often interpreted as those who, out of fear, fail to remain faithful to God.
2. Proverbs 28:1: “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” This proverb contrasts the behavior of the wicked, who are seen as cowardly, with the righteous, who are described as bold.
3. 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” While this verse doesn’t directly mention cowards, it implies that the opposite of being courageous and strong in faith is to be cowardly.
4. Deuteronomy 20:8: In the context of preparing for battle, officers are instructed to ask, “Is anyone afraid or faint-hearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.” This suggests that fear or cowardice can be contagious in challenging situations.

In these examples, cowardice is often associated with a lack of faith or moral fortitude, rather than simply fear in the face of danger.

The Bible tends to emphasize the importance of trust in God, courage, and steadfastness in the face of trials and challenges.

Revelation 21:8

Revelation 21:8, found in the last book of the New Testament, presents a strong and vivid image of divine judgment. The verse is a part of the vision received by John, where he describes the final judgment and the fate of different groups of people in apocalyptic terms.

In this verse, several categories of people are listed who are said to be excluded from the New Jerusalem, the symbolic representation of the ultimate paradise or heavenly city in Christian eschatology. The categories include “the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars.”

The term “cowardly” in this context is particularly noteworthy. In the biblical perspective, especially in the context of Revelation, cowardice is not simply about being scared in the face of physical danger. It is more deeply connected to spiritual and moral courage. The “cowardly” are those who, out of fear, fail to remain faithful to God, especially under persecution or in the face of challenges to their faith. This can include denying one’s faith to avoid persecution or refusing to stand up for Christian values because of fear of societal or personal loss.

This interpretation fits with the overall theme of Revelation, which includes encouragements to Christians to remain faithful despite persecution and trials. The early Christian communities, to whom the book was originally addressed, faced significant persecution, and one of the key messages of Revelation is the exhortation to remain steadfast in faith, even under the threat of death.

Therefore, “cowardly” in Revelation 21:8 is seen as a spiritual and moral failing, a lack of perseverance in faith, rather than simply a natural human emotion of fear. It is juxtaposed with other serious moral failings such as murder, sexual immorality, sorcery, idolatry, and lying, indicating the seriousness with which this lack of faithfulness is viewed in the Christian eschatological narrative.

The phrase “the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” is a symbolic representation of eternal damnation or exclusion from God’s presence, further emphasizing the gravity of the sins listed, including cowardice as a failure of faith.

Proverbs 28:1

Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion,” offers a profound insight into the nature of righteousness and wickedness from a biblical perspective. This proverb, like many others in the Book of Proverbs, contrasts two types of people or behaviors to impart wisdom and moral guidance.

1. The Wicked and Fear: The first part of the proverb, “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,” suggests that those who are wicked live in a constant state of fear and paranoia. This could be interpreted as a psychological consequence of their wickedness; they are always anxious and afraid, even when there is no apparent threat or danger. This might be due to a guilty conscience or the understanding that their actions could bring repercussions. The term “wicked” in biblical Proverbs often refers to those who are morally corrupt, unjust, or those who habitually engage in harmful or deceitful behaviors.
2. The Righteous and Boldness: The second part, “but the righteous are bold as a lion,” presents a stark contrast. It suggests that those who are righteous, who live their lives in accordance with moral and ethical principles, have a boldness and confidence similar to that of a lion. This boldness is not about physical strength or aggressiveness but is a metaphor for moral courage, confidence, and the absence of fear when it comes to standing up for what is right. The righteous, in the wisdom of Proverbs, are those who trust in God and live by His laws, and this gives them a sense of security and fearlessness.
3. Moral Implications: This proverb has a moral and ethical dimension, suggesting that one’s inner moral state affects their external experience of fear or confidence. It’s a reflection on how living a life of integrity and righteousness can bring peace and boldness, whereas a life of wickedness leads to fear and insecurity.
4. Context in Proverbs: The Book of Proverbs in the Bible is a collection of sayings and teachings that are meant to impart wisdom and guide people in living a life that is pleasing to God. This particular proverb is consistent with the book’s themes of contrasting the ways and fates of the righteous and the wicked.

Proverbs 28:1 uses the imagery of fleeing and boldness to illustrate the inner states of the wicked and the righteous.

It teaches that moral integrity and righteousness bring confidence and security, while wickedness leads to fear and instability, even in the absence of external threats.

1 Corinthians 16:13

1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong,” is a verse from one of the letters of the Apostle Paul, addressed to the Christian community in Corinth. This verse, while not explicitly mentioning cowardice, does indeed imply a contrast between courage and cowardice, particularly in the context of maintaining one’s faith and moral integrity.

Let’s break down the components of this verse:

1. “Be on your guard”: This phrase suggests vigilance and awareness. Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to be alert to spiritual and moral dangers. It implies that threats to one’s faith and integrity can come unexpectedly and that one needs to be constantly watchful.
2. “Stand firm in the faith”: This is a call to steadfastness in Christian beliefs. Standing firm means not wavering in the face of challenges, doubts, or persecution. It implies endurance and resilience in maintaining one’s faith.
3. “Be courageous; be strong”: Courage and strength here are likely meant in a spiritual and moral sense rather than physical. Paul is urging the Corinthians to be brave in living out their faith, even when it might be difficult or unpopular. This courage includes the willingness to face persecution, to speak the truth, and to act in accordance with one’s beliefs, despite potential negative consequences.

In the context of the early Christian church, believers often faced persecution, social ostracism, and various forms of hardship because of their faith. Paul’s exhortation can be seen as an encouragement to remain committed and bold in such circumstances.

The implication regarding cowardice is that failing to be on guard, not standing firm in faith, and lacking courage and strength could lead one to compromise their beliefs, yield to external pressures, or abandon their faith out of fear. In this sense, cowardice is understood as a failure to uphold one’s faith and convictions in the face of trials and adversities.

Therefore, while 1 Corinthians 16:13 doesn’t directly address cowardice, it implicitly sets up a dichotomy between the courage and strength required to maintain one’s faith and the cowardice of failing to do so. It is a call to moral and spiritual fortitude, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, resilience, and bravery in the Christian life.

Deuteronomy 20:8

Deuteronomy 20:8 is part of a passage in the Old Testament that provides instructions to the Israelites on how to conduct themselves in times of war. This specific verse addresses the issue of fear and its potential impact on a group, especially in the context of a military campaign.

The verse reads: “And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.'”

Here’s a deeper look into its implications:

1. Context of Ancient Warfare: In ancient times, warfare was predominantly a physical, close-quarters endeavor. The morale and psychological state of soldiers were crucial in such battles. Fear in one soldier could indeed spread rapidly among the ranks, leading to panic or a breakdown in military discipline and effectiveness.
2. Fear and Cowardice as Contagious: The verse recognizes that fear or cowardice is not just an individual issue but can have a collective impact. If one soldier is fearful, it might affect the morale of others. The text suggests a practical solution: allowing those who are afraid to leave the battlefield. This isn’t necessarily a judgment on their character but a pragmatic approach to maintaining the overall courage and morale of the army.
3. Moral and Psychological Realism: This directive demonstrates an understanding of human psychology. It acknowledges that not every individual is suited for the stress and dangers of battle. By allowing those who are afraid to leave, it ensures that those who remain are more likely to be committed and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
4. Leadership and Management of Troops: This verse also reflects a form of leadership and management of troops. The leaders are instructed to proactively address the issue of fear among their soldiers. It’s an early example of psychological readiness being considered important in military planning.
5. Broader Spiritual Implications: In the broader biblical context, trust in God is often highlighted as a source of strength and courage. In various instances, the Israelites are reminded to have faith in God’s protection and guidance, especially in daunting situations like war. This verse, while practical, also fits within the larger theological framework where reliance on God is seen as key to overcoming fear.

Deuteronomy 20:8 addresses the reality of fear in a challenging situation like warfare and acknowledges its potential contagious effect.

It provides a practical solution for managing fear within a group, emphasizing the importance of collective morale and psychological readiness in achieving success in communal endeavors.