ἐγκακέω

ἐγκακέω 1 aor. ἐνεκάκησα (ἐν + κακός; Polyb. 4, 19, 10; BGU 1043, 3; Sym., Gen 27:46; Num 21:5; Is 7:16; Pr 3:11 Theod.)

① to lose one’s motivation in continuing a desirable pattern of conduct or activity, lose enthusiasm, be discouraged w. ptc. foll. (B-D-F §414, 2) 2 Th 3:13 (ἐκκ-v.l.); w. ptc. preceding Gal 6:9 (ἐκκ-v. l.—both of these passages play on the opposition of τὸ καλόν and τὸ κακόν in Gr.-Rom. thought respecting civic responsibility); οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν we do not lose our enthusiasm, lose heart for ‘this service’ 2 Cor 4:1 (in contrast to falling into deceptive behavior patterns, vs. 2); 16. αἰτοῦμαι μὴ ἐγκακεῖν ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν I ask you not to be disappointed in connection with my tribulations Eph 3:13. On these three last s. 2. Abs. give up Lk 18:1.

② to be afraid in the face of a great difficulty, be afraid, of women in childbirth 2 Cl 2:2. (In all NT pass. t.r. has ἐκκακέω, q.v.) Some would put 2 Cor 4:1, 16; Eph. 3:13 here.—M-M. s.v. ἐν-. TW. Spicq.