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 verb πιστεύω (pisteúō, `{{G4100}}`) derives directly from the noun πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`), meaning "faith" or "trust." At its core, pisteúō signifies "to have faith," "to believe," or "to trust." Its semantic range extends beyond mere intellectual assent to a proposition. It encompasses a full-orbed reliance, commitment, and entrusting of oneself to a person or truth. The base definition highlights this duality: "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)."
This implies an active, volitional engagement rather than a passive acceptance. When one "believes" in the biblical sense, it denotes a profound conviction that leads to a corresponding action or way of life. The nuance often depends on the preposition used with the verb. For instance, πιστεύω εἰς (pisteúō eis, "believe into") signifies a dynamic movement of trust and commitment directed toward an object or person, often Christ, implying union or vital relationship. πιστεύω ἐν (pisteúō en, "believe in") can also convey trust and reliance, while πιστεύω ὅτι (pisteúō hoti, "believe that") typically refers to assenting to a fact or statement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Pisteúō is one of the most crucial verbs in the New Testament, appearing over 240 times. Its theological weight is immense, particularly in the Gospels and Pauline epistles.
In the Gospel of John, pisteúō is central to understanding salvation and eternal life. John frequently uses the construction πιστεύω εἰς (believe into) to describe the saving relationship with Jesus. For example, [[John 3:16]] states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him [ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτόν] should not perish but have eternal life." Here, belief is not just acknowledging Jesus' existence, but a transformative trust that results in salvation. Similarly, [[John 6:29]] records Jesus saying, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." The very act of believing is framed as divine work. In [[John 11:25-26]], Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me [ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμέ], though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." This highlights belief as the condition for experiencing spiritual life and overcoming death.
Pauline theology also heavily emphasizes pisteúō as the means of justification and salvation by grace. In [[Romans 10:9-10]], Paul writes, "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes [καρδίᾳ γὰρ πιστεύεται] and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." Here, belief is an internal, heartfelt conviction leading to righteousness. [[Ephesians 2:8-9]] famously states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith [διὰ πίστεως]. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." While πίστις (faith) is used here, the underlying concept is that salvation is received by believing.
Beyond salvation, pisteúō can also refer to believing a report ([[John 5:47]]), believing God's word ([[Romans 4:3]] citing [[Genesis 15:6]]), or even believing in human testimony ([[1 John 5:10]]). However, the predominant and most theologically significant usage is concerning belief in Christ for salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`):** The noun form, meaning "faith," "trust," or "fidelity." Pisteúō is the verbal expression of pistis. One "has faith" (pistis) and therefore "believes" (pisteúō). They are inextricably linked, with the verb describing the act and the noun the state or quality.
* **πιστός (pistos, `{{G4103}}`):** The adjective, meaning "faithful," "trustworthy," or "believing." This word describes someone who is full of pistis (faith) or someone who is worthy of pisteúō (being believed). It can describe God's faithfulness or the faithfulness of a believer.
* **ἀπιστία (apistia, `{{G570}}`):** The antonym of pistis, meaning "unbelief" or "faithlessness." Its verbal counterpart is ἀπιστέω (apisteō, `{{G569}}`), "to disbelieve." This contrast highlights the critical choice presented in the Gospel.
* **ἔργα (erga, `{{G2041}}`):** "Works" or "deeds." In Pauline theology, pisteúō is often contrasted with erga as the means of justification, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith, not by human effort ([[Galatians 2:16]]).
* **δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`):** "Righteous" or "just." Belief is the means by which one is declared righteous before God ([[Romans 3:28]]).
* **σῴζω (sōzō, `{{G4982}}`):** "To save." The act of pisteúō is the condition for sōzō (being saved) from sin and its consequences.
* **γνῶσις (gnōsis, `{{G1108}}`):** "Knowledge." While belief often involves knowledge, pisteúō is more than mere intellectual knowledge. Even demons "believe" (pisteúō) that God is one, yet they tremble ([[James 2:19]]), indicating that intellectual assent without trust or commitment is insufficient for saving faith.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pisteúō cannot be overstated. It is the primary human response to God's redemptive initiative in Jesus Christ.
1. **Means of Salvation:** Pisteúō is consistently presented as the indispensable condition for receiving eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and justification before God. It is the channel through which God's grace is apprehended. This highlights God's sovereignty (grace) and human responsibility (faith).
2. **Relational Commitment:** Far from a detached intellectual exercise, pisteúō denotes a deep, personal commitment and reliance on God and Christ. It involves the whole person—intellect, emotion, and will—entrusting one's eternal destiny to the person and work of Jesus. This transforms one's relationship with God from alienation to adoption.
3. **Foundation for Christian Life:** Pisteúō is not only the entry point into the Christian life but also the ongoing principle by which believers live. The righteous "live by faith" (ἐκ πίστεως), as stated in [[Romans 1:17]] and [[Galatians 3:11]]. It is through continued trust that believers walk in the Spirit, overcome the world, and persevere in obedience.
4. **Divine Enablement:** While pisteúō is a human act, Scripture also suggests that the ability to believe is itself a gift from God or enabled by the Holy Spirit ([[Ephesians 2:8]], [[Philippians 1:29]]). This underscores that faith is not a meritorious work but a divinely empowered response to God's call.
5. **Contrast with Unbelief:** The gravity of pisteúō is underscored by the dire consequences of ἀπιστία (unbelief). Unbelief is portrayed as a rejection of God's truth and a refusal to trust in His provision, leading to condemnation ([[John 3:18]]).
### Summary
The Greek verb πιστεύω (pisteúō, `{{G4100}}`) signifies much more than simple intellectual agreement; it denotes active trust, profound reliance, and a whole-person commitment. Derived from πίστις (faith), it is the dynamic act of entrusting oneself, particularly one's spiritual well-being, to God through Jesus Christ. Throughout the New Testament, pisteúō is consistently presented as the essential human response for receiving salvation, justification, and eternal life, especially prominent in the writings of John and Paul. It stands in contrast to works as a means of righteousness and is the foundational principle for both entering and living the Christian life. Ultimately, pisteúō encapsulates the transformative act of placing one's complete confidence in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, leading to a vibrant, saving relationship with God.
TRV