Bible Dictionary
FEEBLE-MINDED
Feeble-minded in the older biblical translation means fainthearted or weak in purpose, not intellectual disability. Believers are instructed to encourage and support such persons patiently.
Definition
Feeble-minded, in the older biblical translation, means fainthearted, weak in will, or vacillating in purpose. It does not refer to intellectual disability or morbid imbecility.
Biblical Usage
The term occurs in the instruction to encourage and support the fainthearted. It describes weakness of spirit and uncertainty of purpose rather than lack of intelligence.
Historical Background
The Greek word means small-souled or fainthearted. The Revised Version renders the expression “fainthearted,” and related Septuagint usage connects it with anguish of spirit and trouble.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>fe'-b'-l-min'-ded (oligopsuchos): Only in 1Th 5:14 the King James Version, in the sense of "fainthearted," as in the Revised Version (British and American). In Septuagint it is used as the equivalent of koshel, the tottering or feeble-kneed in Isa 35:3; 54:6; oligopsuchia occurs in Septuagint twice (Ex 6:9; Ps 54:7), for "anguish of spirit" and "trouble." The term refers to weakness of will and vacillation of purpose rather than to idiocy or morbid imbecility.</p>