### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **distázō**, represented by `{{G1365}}`, is defined as properly, to duplicate, i.e. (mentally) to waver in opinion, or to **doubt**. This term, derived from δίς, appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting specific moments of wavering belief among Christ's followers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1365}}` is used in two key instances. First, when Peter attempts to walk on water towards Jesus, his faltering faith leads him to sink, prompting Jesus's question, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou **doubt**?" [[Matthew 14:31]]. Later, after the resurrection, when the disciples see Jesus, the scripture states, "they worshipped him: but some **doubted**" [[Matthew 28:17]], illustrating that even in the face of the risen Lord, some still experienced mental wavering.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of doubt, faith, and sight:
* `{{G3640}}` **oligópistos** (of little faith): This term for being incredulous or lacking confidence in Christ is directly paired with doubt in Jesus's rebuke of Peter [[Matthew 14:31]].
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (to see, know): This word is used when the disciples **saw** Jesus after the resurrection, an act that prompted worship from most but still allowed for doubt in some [[Matthew 28:17]].
* `{{G4352}}` **proskynéō** (worship): This word describes the disciples' act of homage to the resurrected Christ, an act that occurred even as some among them **doubted** [[Matthew 28:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1365}}` is focused on the internal state of a believer.
* **Doubt vs. Faith:** The term is explicitly set in opposition to faith. In Jesus's question to Peter, doubt is the direct cause of his failure and is linked to having "little faith" [[Matthew 14:31]].
* **Doubt Amidst Revelation:** The appearance of `{{G1365}}` in [[Matthew 28:17]] demonstrates that seeing and even worshipping is not a complete antidote to doubt. It reveals the complex reality that a person can perform an outward act of reverence while simultaneously experiencing internal uncertainty.
* **A Divided Mind:** The root meaning of "to duplicate" captures the essence of this doubt as a wavering or divided opinion. It is not an outright rejection of belief but a state of mental hesitation that undermines confident action and assurance.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1365}}` provides a precise definition for the experience of wavering in one's belief. Though used infrequently, its context in the scriptures is powerful, illustrating the direct conflict between doubt and faith. It shows that doubt can surface even during miraculous events and can exist alongside acts of worship, highlighting the profound internal struggles that can be part of a believer's journey.
TRV