Brief Overview of πιστεύω (Strong’s G4100: pisteuō)

Strong’s G4100: A verb meaning “to believe, trust, have faith in.” Central to New Testament theology, expressing active trust and commitment rather than mere intellectual assent. Emphasizes relational faith that combines belief, trust, and faithful response to God’s revelation in Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πιστεύω (pisteuō) represents more than intellectual belief; it encompasses trust, commitment, and faithful response. In the New Testament, it describes saving faith that transforms life through relationship with Christ. The word implies both the initial act of believing and ongoing trust. Early church writers emphasized its active, transformative nature. Today, it continues to express the comprehensive nature of Christian faith as trust, commitment, and life-changing relationship with Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πιστεύω, pisteuō, pist-yoo’-o
• Detailed pronunciation: pist (as in “pissed”) + yoo (as in “you”) + o (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:
From πίστις (pistis) meaning “faith, trust”

• -ευω (-euō) verbal suffix indicating ongoing action

D – Defining Meanings

• To believe
• To trust
• To have faith in
• To commit to
• To entrust oneself

Translation Options:

1. Believe – traditional but may miss full meaning
2. Trust in – emphasizes relational aspect
3. Put faith in – captures active commitment

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πείθω (peithō) [pi’-tho] – to persuade, convince
• ἐμπιστεύω (empisteuō) [em-pist-yoo’-o] – to entrust to
• πιστόω (pistoō) [pist-o’-o] – to make faithful

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:
Present: πιστεύω (I believe)
Future: πιστεύσω (I will believe)
Aorist: ἐπίστευσα (I believed)

Cross-references:

• Noun: πίστις (faith)
• Adjective: πιστός (faithful)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes active trust. Thayer’s notes its comprehensive meaning. LSJ documents pre-Christian usage. Vine’s connects it to saving faith. Strong’s highlights its relational aspect. Moulton and Milligan note its strength in religious contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you as you have believed [πιστεύω].’ And the servant was healed at that very moment.” (Matthew 8:13)

Additional References:
John 3:16
John 11:25-26
Acts 16:31
Romans 10:9
Ephesians 1:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πιστεύω powerfully expresses the comprehensive nature of saving faith. The good news of King Jesus calls for more than mental assent; it demands trust, commitment, and transformation. This word reminds us that true faith involves our whole being in relationship with Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient legal documents for trust relationships.
2. Key term in early Christian baptismal confessions.
3. Influenced development of Christian creeds.

Strong’s G4100: A verb expressing active faith, trust, and commitment. Central to New Testament soteriology, describing saving faith that combines intellectual belief, heart trust, and life transformation through relationship with Christ.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #faith #belief #trust #salvation #commitment #relationship #Jesus #gospel #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #transformation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​