### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ὀλιγόπιστος (oligópistos, `{{G3640}}`) is a compound word derived from ὀλίγος (oligos, `{{G3641}}`), meaning "little" or "few," and πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`), meaning "faith" or "trust." Therefore, its literal and primary meaning is "of little faith" or "having little faith." This term does not signify a complete absence of faith (which would be ἀπιστία, apistia, `{{G570}}`), but rather a deficiency, weakness, or wavering in the quality or quantity of one's trust. The base definition emphasizes "lacking confidence (in Christ)," pointing to a practical, rather than purely intellectual, deficiency in reliance upon divine power and providence. It often implies an anxious or worried state resulting from this lack of confidence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ὀλιγόπιστος (oligópistos, `{{G3640}}`) appears exclusively in the Gospels, and notably, it is always spoken by Jesus Himself, addressing His disciples. This consistent usage highlights a recurring challenge faced by those who followed Him:
* **Worry about Provisions:** In [[Matthew 6:30]] and [[Luke 12:28]], Jesus uses the term in the context of His teaching on anxiety regarding material needs (food and clothing). He contrasts the fleeting nature of human life and the lavish care God shows for creation (birds, lilies) with the disciples' worry, asking, "If God so clothes the grass... how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?" Here, "little faith" signifies a lack of trust in God's providential care for daily necessities.
* **Fear in the Face of Danger:** In [[Matthew 8:26]], during the calming of the storm, Jesus rebukes His disciples who are terrified by the tempest: "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Their "little faith" is a failure to trust in His presence and power to protect them from physical harm, despite witnessing His authority.
* **Wavering Trust in Miraculous Power:** [[Matthew 14:31]] records Jesus' words to Peter after Peter begins to sink while walking on water. "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Peter's initial faith in Jesus' command was strong enough to step onto the water, but it wavered when confronted by the strong wind, demonstrating a faith that was insufficient to sustain him through the trial.
* **Misunderstanding Divine Provision:** In [[Matthew 16:8]], Jesus addresses the disciples' concern about not having bread after they have forgotten to bring any. He reminds them of the miraculous feedings of the thousands, asking, "O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread?" Their "little faith" here indicates a failure to grasp His ongoing power of provision, leading them to worry about earthly concerns rather than recognizing His divine ability.
In each instance, Jesus uses "oligópistos" not as an accusation of unbelief, but as a gentle yet firm challenge to His followers to deepen their practical trust in Him and in the Father's care, particularly in situations that provoke fear, anxiety, or doubt.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ὀλιγόπιστος (oligópistos, `{{G3640}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other key terms:
* **πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`):** The root word itself, signifying faith, trust, belief, or faithfulness. ὀλιγόπιστος describes a diminished state of this core quality.
* **ἀπιστία (apistia, `{{G570}}`):** Unbelief, faithlessness, or distrust. While ὀλιγόπιστος indicates weak faith, ἀπιστία denotes a more severe lack or outright rejection of belief. Jesus' disciples were "of little faith," but they were not "unbelievers" in the sense of rejecting Him entirely.
* **πιστεύω (pisteuo, `{{G4100}}`):** To believe, to trust, to have faith. This verb describes the action of having faith, which the ὀλιγόπιστος struggles to maintain consistently.
* **ὀλίγος (oligos, `{{G3641}}`):** Little, few, small. This component emphasizes the quantitative or qualitative deficiency of faith.
* **Concepts:** The term relates to the broader biblical themes of divine providence (God's active care for His creation), the power and authority of Christ, the nature of doubt and anxiety, and the call to unwavering trust in God amidst life's challenges.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of ὀλιγόπιστος (oligópistos, `{{G3640}}`) by Jesus reveals profound theological insights into the nature of discipleship and faith.
* **A Disciples' Struggle:** It underscores that even those who closely follow Jesus and believe in Him can experience lapses in practical faith. It is not an indictment of their salvation but a recognition of their human frailty and tendency towards anxiety and doubt.
* **Practical Trust vs. Intellectual Assent:** Jesus' use of the term highlights that true faith is more than mere intellectual assent to theological truths; it requires active, practical trust in God's power and provision in daily life and challenging circumstances.
* **Invitation to Deeper Reliance:** Each instance serves as an invitation for the disciples (and by extension, all believers) to cultivate a deeper, more robust, and resilient trust in God. Jesus' question, "O you of little faith?" is not merely a rebuke but a pedagogical tool, prompting self-reflection and growth.
* **God's Sovereignty and Care:** The contexts in which the term appears (worry about provisions, fear of storms, misunderstanding of miracles) consistently point to the need to trust in God's sovereign control and meticulous care over all aspects of life.
* **The Power of Christ:** The term implicitly affirms the immense power and authority of Christ, against which the disciples' "little faith" is a stark contrast. Their lack of confidence is not due to His inability but their own limited perception and trust.
### Summary
The Greek word ὀλιγόπιστος (oligópistos, `{{G3640}}`) means "of little faith," denoting a deficiency or weakness in one's trust or confidence. Exclusively spoken by Jesus in the Gospels, it addresses His disciples' recurring struggles with anxiety, fear, and doubt when faced with practical concerns (like provision) or challenging circumstances (like storms). It does not signify a complete absence of faith, but rather a wavering or insufficient reliance on God's providential care and Christ's divine power. Theologically, ὀλιγόπιστος serves as a gentle yet firm challenge to believers to move beyond superficial belief to a deeper, more consistent, and practical trust in God, encouraging growth in faith that overcomes worldly anxieties and fears.
TRV