Why cowardice is a serious sin in the Bible …

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In the Bible, I’ve read some strongly worded condemnation of those who show cowardice, and at first, I found the severity a bit startling. That is, until I dug deeper and began to understand why the Bible considers cowardice to be such a serious sin. It’s not just about fear, but about a failure to trust God and step forward in faith when it matters most.

Cowardice, as portrayed in the Bible, is not simply fear, but rather a deeper failure to trust God in the face of danger, opposition, or moral challenge. In the Old Testament, cowardice is often shown in stories where the people of Israel were called to step out in faith and trust God’s promises but instead recoiled in fear and unbelief. For instance, the generation that was supposed to enter the Promised Land under Moses’ leadership refused to move forward after hearing reports from the twelve spies, letting their fear overrule their faith (Numbers 13–14). Their refusal to trust God’s protection and guidance led to their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.

The New Testament continues to address cowardice, but it gives the issue even more clarity. The word for “cowardly” used in Revelation 21:8 is the Greek term “deilos,” which can be translated as “timid” or “fearful” but carries the connotation of being faithless or shrinking back in a time of testing. This term is used again in Matthew 8:26, where Jesus rebukes the disciples during the storm, saying, “Why are you afraid [deilos]? You have so little faith!” Here, we see that cowardice is directly tied to a lack of faith in God.

In contrast, the Bible frequently extols courage as the proper response to fear and uncertainty. God commands Joshua multiple times to “be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6-9) as he leads Israel into the Promised Land. This courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in faith despite it.

Biblical cowardice, then, is not mere fear. It is a heart posture of turning away from God and failing to act on His promises. It is seen in three major areas:

1. Failure to stand for truth. One of the clearest examples of cowardice is the failure to stand up for truth and righteousness in the face of opposition. Peter, who boldly declared his loyalty to Jesus, faltered when faced with the threat of persecution. In fear, he denied knowing Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62). Cowardice in this sense is not just being afraid, but allowing that fear to cause one to deny their identity in Christ and their faith.

2. Retreating in spiritual battles. Cowardice is also evident in spiritual passivity, a failure to engage in the battles God calls His people to. The Apostle Paul urges believers to “put on all of God’s armor” in Ephesians 6:10-17, illustrating the Christian life as a battle against evil forces. Cowardice is shrinking back from this call to stand firm against spiritual darkness, preferring safety and comfort over obedience and boldness in Christ.

3. Allowing fear to overrule faith. In the Bible, cowardice often manifests when God’s people allow their fear to dictate their actions instead of trusting in His provision and power. A striking example is found in the story of King Saul. When faced with the Philistine army and the giant Goliath, Saul and his army were “terrified and deeply shaken” (1 Samuel 17:11). Rather than stepping forward in faith to confront the enemy, Saul hesitated, paralyzed by fear. It took the courage and faith of the young shepherd David to defeat Goliath, showing the contrast between cowardice and bold trust in God.

This spiritual danger becomes even more clear when we consider how cowardice impacts our relationship with God and His promises.

THE SPIRITUAL DANGER OF COWARDICE
Cowardice is not just a personal flaw or emotional weakness — it is spiritually dangerous because it reflects a deeper mistrust of God. Hebrews 10:35-38 issues a sobering warning: “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. ‘For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.'” This “turning away” is linked to cowardice, the shrinking back from God’s calling due to fear. In Revelation 21:8, this rejection of faith and trust in God is placed on the same level as other forms of rebellion against God because cowardice leads to a rejection of His promises and sovereignty.

The Bible is clear that cowardice leads to judgment. Revelation 21:8, in particular, emphasizes that cowards are among those who will be cast into the “fiery lake of burning sulfur.” This verse shows that a life characterized by cowardice is incompatible with the kingdom of God. A habitual pattern of shrinking back from faith reveals a lack of trust in God’s power, provision, and plan.

SOME GOOD NEWS
The good news of the Gospel is that there is always room for repentance. Peter, who faltered in cowardice, was restored by Jesus and went on to boldly proclaim the gospel, even at the risk of his own life. For those who struggle with cowardice, the path forward is repentance and renewed faith:

    • Acknowledging cowardice. The first step toward repentance is acknowledging the sin. The Bible calls us to examine our hearts and confess where we have allowed fear to overrule faith. This requires humility and the willingness to face uncomfortable truths.
    • Renewing faith in God’s promises. Cowardice comes from focusing on our limitations and the obstacles in front of us instead of God’s power and promises. To overcome it, believers must actively renew their faith by meditating on God’s Word and His past faithfulness. Romans 10:17 states “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”
    • Relying on God’s strength. Courage does not come from human effort but from the strength that God provides. Paul, who faced immense suffering and danger, boldly declared, “… For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10b). Believers overcome cowardice by relying on the Holy Spirit’s power to enable them to stand firm in their faith.
    • The support of fellowship. Lastly, overcoming cowardice often requires the support of a family of believers who can encourage and challenge one another. Hebrews 10:23-25 reminds us to “motivate one another” so that we do not shrink back from faith when difficulties arise.

Cowardice isn’t simply a passing weakness; it’s a spiritual posture that denies the power and faithfulness of God. But the good news is that no one is doomed to remain a coward. Scripture reminds us that God equips us with His Spirit — a spirit of “power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). When we repent and turn to Him, God begins the transforming work in our hearts, planting the capacity for courage where fear once ruled. Bold faith isn’t something we’re born with; it’s the fruit of walking daily with God, trusting Him more with each step, and refusing to let fear have the final word.

Scotty