διστάζω (distazō)
distazō
to doubt
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb distazō describes a state of wavering or hesitation, capturing the moment when faith falters under pressure. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting specific instances where disciples struggle with certainty. In Matthew 14:31, Jesus uses it to address Peter as he begins to sink while walking on water, noting that his doubt arose from looking at the strong winds rather than focusing on Christ.
Its root suggests a splitting or division of mind, implying an internal conflict between belief and fear. This nuance distinguishes it from simple ignorance; it is a hesitation born of conflicting impressions. The word conveys the tension of holding two opposing thoughts simultaneously, which causes spiritual instability. Translators typically render it as "doubt," though this English term can sometimes imply intellectual skepticism rather than the emotional wavering present in the Greek text.
In Matthew 28:17, the same verb describes the reaction of some disciples when they saw the risen Jesus. While others worshipped, these individuals experienced a lingering hesitation, perhaps due to awe or confusion. This usage shows that even after witnessing profound miracles, human faith can remain fractured. The word serves as a realistic portrait of the believer’s experience, acknowledging that trust in God often involves navigating moments of uncertainty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word distazō paints a vivid picture of the human heart caught between belief and fear. It describes a wavering that feels like being pulled in two directions at once, much like Peter stepping out of the boat only to sink when he focused on the wind instead of Jesus. This is not a failure of character but a natural response to overwhelming circumstances. Even after the resurrection, some disciples stood in awe yet still felt that inner hesitation, showing that faith often grows through moments of uncertainty rather than replacing them entirely.
When you find yourself wavering, this word reminds you that Jesus meets you in your instability. He did not rebuke Peter for trying; He reached out while he was sinking. Your doubts do not disqualify you from His care. Instead, they invite Him to steady your hands and guide your eyes back to what is true. You are never alone in these moments of split attention.
Grace covers the times when your trust feels fractured. Jesus calls those who hesitate "of little faith" with compassion, not condemnation. He invites you to look past the storm and rest in His presence. Let this word encourage you that uncertainty is part of the journey, not the end of it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- doubted.1×
- did you doubt?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐδίστασας;1×
- ἐδίστασαν.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 14:31
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
This verse captures the immediate cause of wavering when Peter shifts his focus from Jesus to the wind.
-
Matthew 28:17
When they saw him, they bowed down to him; but some doubted.
Here the word shows that even direct encounters with the risen Christ can leave some disciples in a state of hesitant awe.