ἀπιστέω (apisteō)
apisteō
to disbelieve
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apisteō describes a state of disbelief or faithlessness, rooted in the negative prefix “a-” and the word for faith. In the New Testament, it appears eight times, primarily in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, as well as in Romans. It captures more than simple intellectual doubt; it signifies a refusal to believe or a breach of trust. For instance, the women report Jesus’ resurrection words, but the disciples “did not believe” them (Mark 16:11), highlighting a stubborn rejection of testimony.
Thayer’s Lexicon notes that this word can also mean to be unfaithful or to betray a trust, linking it closely to disobedience. This dual sense is visible in Romans 3:3, where human faithlessness is contrasted with God’s fidelity, and in 2 Timothy 2:13, where even if we are faithless, He remains faithful. The term thus carries significant theological weight, describing a relational failure that stands in direct opposition to the trust required for salvation.
Translators typically render apisteō as “disbelieve” or “unbelieving,” though these English terms can sometimes feel passive. The Greek implies an active stance of unbelief or faithlessness. In Luke 24:41, Jesus asks His disciples if they have any food, and while they are still unbelieving, He invites them to touch Him, showing that genuine belief requires engagement with reality. This word underscores the critical role of trust in the Christian life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apisteō describes more than just a lack of information; it points to a refusal to trust what God has revealed. In Mark 16:11, the disciples hear that Jesus is alive but disbelieve, showing how hard it can be to accept good news when our expectations are shattered. This term highlights that faith is not merely an intellectual agreement but a relational trust in God's character and promises.
Even when we struggle with doubt or fail to keep our word, God remains steadfast. Romans 3:3 reminds us that human unfaithfulness does not cancel out God’s faithfulness. His nature does not depend on our performance. We can bring our honest struggles to Him, knowing He meets us with grace rather than condemnation.
This truth offers deep comfort. You do not need to manufacture perfect belief to approach Jesus. Instead, you can admit your doubts and let Him reveal Himself. His faithfulness stands firm regardless of our fluctuating confidence, inviting us into a relationship built on His reliability, not ours.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- while are disbelieving1×
- were disbelieving.1×
- we are faithless,1×
- they were not believing1×
- having disbelieved1×
- disbelieved.1×
- disbelieved1×
- [for those] disbelieving1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠπίστουν.1×
- ἠπίστουν1×
- ἠπίστησάν1×
- ἠπίστησαν.1×
- ἀπιστήσας1×
- ἀπιστοῦσιν1×
- ἀπιστοῦμεν,1×
- ἀπιστούντων1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 16:11
When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they disbelieved.
This verse shows the disciples' initial refusal to accept the women's testimony about the resurrection, illustrating how disbelief can block recognition of God's work.
-
Luke 24:41
While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
Here Jesus addresses the disciples while they are still unbelieving for joy, inviting them to engage with His physical reality to confirm His identity.
-
Romans 3:3
For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?
Paul uses this concept to argue that human faithlessness cannot nullify God's covenant faithfulness, highlighting the stability of divine promises.
-
II Timothy 2:13
If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t deny himself.”
This verse assures believers that even if we are faithless, God remains faithful because He cannot deny His own nature.