ἀπιστέω
I am unfaithful, I disbelieve
Definition
The verb ἀπιστέω primarily means 'to disbelieve' or 'to be unfaithful.' In its most common sense, it describes a refusal to accept something as true, especially regarding the message of the gospel or the resurrection of Jesus (e.g., Mark 16:11, Luke 24:11). In a relational or covenantal context, it can mean 'to be unfaithful' or 'to prove untrustworthy,' as seen in Romans 3:3, where it questions if human unfaithfulness nullifies God's faithfulness. The word encompasses both intellectual rejection and a failure in trust or fidelity.
Biblical Usage
ἀπιστέω is used 7 times in the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, Acts, and Epistles. In the Gospels, it consistently describes the disciples' and others' initial disbelief in Jesus' resurrection (Mark 16:11, 16; Luke 24:11, 41). In Acts 28:24, it describes some who were 'convinced' versus others who 'disbelieved' Paul's message. Theologically, Romans 3:3 uses it for human 'unfaithfulness' in contrast to God's steadfastness, and 2 Timothy 2:13 famously states that even 'if we are faithless, he remains faithful.'
Etymology
Derived from the alpha-privative ἀ- (meaning 'not' or 'without') combined with the verb πιστεύω (pisteuō, G4100), meaning 'to believe, trust, or be faithful.' Thus, ἀπιστέω literally means 'to not believe' or 'to not be faithful.' It is the direct opposite of the central NT concept of faith (πίστις, pistis).
Semantic Range
This word is crucial for understanding the biblical tension between human faithlessness and divine faithfulness. It highlights the human condition of doubt and unfaithfulness, especially in response to God's revelation (e.g., the resurrection). Its use in Romans 3:3 and 2 Timothy 2:13 powerfully contrasts human failure with God's unwavering covenant loyalty, a cornerstone of grace. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying whether a passage addresses intellectual disbelief or relational infidelity.
In the Greco-Roman world, 'faith' (pistis) often carried strong connotations of personal loyalty, trustworthiness, and fidelity within relationships, not just intellectual assent. Therefore, 'disbelieving' (apisteō) could imply a breach of relational trust or loyalty, not merely a cognitive rejection. This cultural nuance helps explain its dual meaning of 'disbelieve' and 'be unfaithful' in the New Testament.
ἀπειθέω (apeitheō, G544) — focuses on disobedience and willful rejection of authority. ἀσυνέτως (asunetōs, G801) — describes being 'without understanding' or senseless. ἄπιστος (apistos, G571) — the adjective form meaning 'unbelieving' or 'unfaithful.'
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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