Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 176: איום (ayom) • meaning "threat" or "terror."
• Strong's Hebrew 2778: חרף (charaph) • meaning "to reproach" or "to taunt," often used in contexts of verbal threats or insults.

These Hebrew entries provide a parallel understanding of the concept of threats and intimidation as seen in the Old Testament, offering a broader biblical perspective on the theme of threatening behavior and its implications for the people of God.

Usage: The verb ἀπειλέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of threatening or issuing threats. It is often used in contexts where individuals or groups are attempting to intimidate or coerce others through verbal threats.

Context: The Greek verb ἀπειλέω appears in the New Testament in contexts where individuals or authorities are attempting to exert control or instill fear through threats. This term is used to describe actions that are intended to intimidate or coerce others into compliance or submission.

In Acts 4:17, the Jewish leaders, concerned about the spread of the apostles' teaching, decide to "warn them not to speak to anyone in this name." The use of ἀπειλέω here underscores the leaders' attempt to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement through intimidation.

Similarly, in Acts 9:1, Saul (later Paul) is described as "still breathing out threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord." This usage highlights Saul's zealous efforts to persecute the early Christians, employing threats as a means of instilling fear and discouraging the spread of the faith.

The use of ἀπειλέω in the New Testament reflects the broader cultural and historical context of the early Christian church, which often faced opposition and persecution. The term captures the tension between the nascent Christian community and the established religious and political authorities of the time.