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Revelations 21:8 says, "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Cowardly is sometimes translated to fearful. Why should someone be punished for fear when it is a natural/normal emotion? If a person saw a snake or if a child was abused throughout his childhood and is fearful of trusting people, is it not only natural that they would be afraid?

Cowardly does not refer to someone who is afraid for a reason, but rather someone who lacks courage and oppresses others through various despicable means. School bullies, terrorists, rapists, etc., can be referred to as cowards. Rather than confronting their own insecurities, they inflict pain on others.