Brief Overview of ἀπιστία (G570)

Meaning and Usage:

• General Definition: The Greek noun ἀπιστία (apistía) is derived from ἀπιστέω (apistéō, “to disbelieve”) and denotes “unbelief” or “faithlessness.”
• Contextual Usage: This term is used to describe a state of lacking faith or trust, especially in a religious or spiritual sense. It reflects a general disposition of doubt or rejection of belief.

Detailed Overview with Additional Concordances

Etymology and Lexicon References:

1. Strong’s Concordance (G570): Strong’s defines ἀπιστία as “unbelief” or “faithlessness.” It is used to refer to the state or condition of being without faith or trust, particularly in the context of faith in God or religious teachings.
2. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: Thayer’s describes ἀπιστία as “unbelief” or “disbelief.” It is noted as a lack of faith or trust in God, often viewed negatively in scriptural contexts where faith is a central theme.
3. BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG provides a detailed definition of ἀπιστία as “unbelief” or “lack of faith.” It emphasizes its use to denote a state of being untrusting or unfaithful, often in the context of failing to believe in God’s promises or teachings.
4. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ Greek-English Lexicon defines ἀπιστία as “unbelief” or “lack of faith.” It includes examples from classical Greek where the term is used to describe various forms of disbelief or unfaithfulness.

Biblical Context:

• Usage in Scripture: In the New Testament, ἀπιστία appears in passages such as 1 Timothy 1:13, where Paul mentions having been “formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent opponent” but having received mercy because he acted “ignorantly in unbelief” (ἀπιστία). The term underscores a state of disbelief or lack of faith in God’s message.

In summary, ἀπιστία (G570) translates to “unbelief” or “faithlessness,” highlighting a condition of lacking faith or trust. Various Greek lexicons and biblical references provide a consistent understanding of its meaning, emphasizing its significance in religious and spiritual contexts.