ἀπειθέω (apeitheō)
apeitheō
to disobey
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apeitheō describes a state of stubborn refusal to believe or obey. It goes beyond simple disobedience by emphasizing an active resistance to persuasion. The sources note that it often appears in contexts where God’s message is met with hardened hearts, as seen when Paul preached in synagogues and some refused to believe (Acts 14:2; 19:9).
Its root connects to the adjective apeithēs, meaning "unpersuadable" or "disobedient." This linguistic link highlights that the core issue is a failure of trust rather than just a breach of rules. In Romans 10:21, Paul uses it to describe Israel’s ongoing rejection of God’s offer of righteousness, framing their unbelief as a deliberate turning away from divine invitation.
This word carries significant theological weight in the New Testament, particularly in passages discussing salvation history. It appears in 1 Peter 3:20 to describe the spirits in Noah’s time who disobeyed God’s warning, and in Romans 11:30–31 to contrast the disobedience of Israel with the mercy shown to Gentiles. Translators typically render it as "disobey" or "disobedient," capturing both the intellectual refusal to believe and the practical rejection of authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἀπειθέω (apeitheō) describes more than a simple refusal to follow rules; it points to a stubborn heart that resists truth even when it is clearly presented. In the New Testament, this term often highlights the tragedy of hearing God’s invitation yet choosing to turn away. It reminds us that unbelief is not merely an intellectual disagreement but a relational rejection of divine grace.
For believers, this word serves as a gentle warning to examine our own hearts. Are we resisting God’s gentle nudges? The text in 1 Peter 3:20 shows that God waited patiently during Noah’s time, offering opportunity despite the surrounding disobedience. This patience is extended to us today, inviting trust rather than demanding immediate perfection.
Understanding this term deepens our appreciation for the gospel. When we see how hard it can be to believe, we recognize salvation as a gift of mercy, not a reward for stubborn compliance. Let this knowledge draw you closer to the One who stretches out His hands daily, seeking your willing response and eternal life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- disobeying4×
- were disobedient2×
- having disobeyed2×
- they were disbelieving1×
- refusing to be persuaded1×
- not obeying1×
- having disobeyed?1×
- being disobedient,1×
- are disobedient1×
- [being] disobedient1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπειθοῦσιν2×
- ἀπειθούντων2×
- ἠπείθουν1×
- ἠπείθησαν1×
- ἠπειθήσατε1×
- ἀπειθῶν1×
- ἀπειθήσασίν1×
- ἀπειθήσασιν;1×
- ἀπειθήσασιν1×
- ἀπειθήσαντες1×
- ἀπειθοῦντες,1×
- ἀπειθοῦντες1×
Key Verses
-
John 3:36
One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
This verse contrasts eternal life with remaining wrath, directly linking disobedience to the Son with a permanent separation from God's promise.
-
Romans 10:21
But about Israel he says, “All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
Paul quotes Isaiah to show that Israel’s disobedience was a deliberate rejection of God’s persistent, daily invitation to righteousness.
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Acts 19:9
But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
Here the word describes those who hardened their hearts against the Way, forcing Paul to separate from them and focus on willing disciples.