from πίστις; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pisteúō**, represented by `{{G4100}}`, is central to the New Testament's message. It appears **264 times** in **220 unique verses**. Derived from the word for faith, *pístis*, its base definition is **to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)**. This encompasses the concepts of crediting something as true, entrusting one's spiritual well-being to Christ, and committing something to another's trust.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4100}}` is the primary verb describing the condition for salvation. The promise of everlasting life is given to "whosoever **believeth** in him" [[John 3:16]]. This act of belief is explicitly linked to deliverance, as in "He that **believeth** and is baptized shall be saved" [[Mark 16:16]]. Beyond a one-time act, to **believe** is to enter into a new relationship, granting the power to become a son of God [[John 1:12]]. It is also an act of total trust and reliance, as when one **believes** in God and also in Jesus [[John 14:1]]. The term can also mean "to entrust" or "commit," as seen when Jesus did not **commit** himself to the crowds because he knew all men [[John 2:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and implications of what it means to **believe**:
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): As the noun form from which `{{G4100}}` is derived, **pístis** is the substance of belief itself, described as "reliance upon Christ for salvation." Scripture states that without **faith** it is impossible to please God [[Hebrews 11:6]].
* `{{G4982}}` **sṓzō** (to save): This verb describes the direct result of belief in Christ. The connection is made explicit in the command to "**Believe** on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be **saved**" [[Acts 16:31]].
* `{{G3670}}` **homologéō** (to confess): This action is presented as the outward companion to inward belief. Salvation involves both; one **believeth** with the heart and **confession is made** with the mouth [[Romans 10:10]].
* `{{G1344}}` **dikaióō** (to justify): Belief is the means by which a person is made right with God. A man is not **justified** by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, which is why "we have **believed** in Jesus Christ, that we might be **justified**" [[Galatians 2:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4100}}` is profound, forming the bedrock of soteriology.
* **The Condition for Eternal Life:** To **believe** in the Son is the dividing line between eternal life and condemnation. Those who **believe** have everlasting life, while those who do not will not see life and remain under God's wrath ([[John 3:18]], [[John 3:36]]).
* **The Basis of Righteousness:** Belief is the instrument through which God's righteousness is imputed to a person, apart from works. For the one who does not work but **believeth** on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness [[Romans 4:5]].
* **Focused on a Divine Object:** The act of believing is always directed toward a specific object: God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This is clear in phrases like "**believeth** on me" [[John 6:35]] or believing the testimony that Jesus is the Son of God [[John 20:31]]. It also includes accepting foundational truths like the resurrection [[Romans 10:9]].
* **More Than Mental Assent:** While even devils **believe** there is one God and tremble, true biblical belief is an active trust that results in a changed relationship with God and continuing in His word ([[James 2:19]], [[John 8:31]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4100}}` **pisteúō** signifies far more than simple intellectual agreement. It is a foundational New Testament term for the act of entrusting oneself completely to the person and work of Jesus Christ. This belief is the sole condition for receiving justification, avoiding condemnation, and gaining everlasting life ([[Romans 1:16]], [[John 20:31]]). It defines the very entry point into the Christian faith and the ongoing relationship of trust that characterizes the life of a disciple.
TRV