from πείθω; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful:--believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true.
Transliteration:pistós
Pronunciation:pis-tos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective πιστός (pistós, `{{G4103}}`) is derived from the verb πείθω (peithō, `{{G3982}}`), which means "to persuade" or "to be persuaded." This etymological root illuminates the dual semantic range of πιστός, encompassing both an objective and a subjective dimension of trust and reliability.
1. **Objective Sense:** "Trustworthy," "reliable," "faithful," "sure," "true." In this sense, πιστός describes a person, thing, or statement that is worthy of trust or confidence. It denotes dependability, integrity, and adherence to promises. For example, God is πιστός because He is true to His word and character.
2. **Subjective Sense:** "Trusting," "believing," "faithful." Here, πιστός describes one who exercises faith, believes, or is loyal and steadfast. It denotes the active posture of reliance upon someone or something, particularly God. This is often translated as "believer" when referring to those who have come to faith in Christ.
The interplay between these two senses is vital: one is πιστός (trusting) because God is πιστός (trustworthy), and one demonstrates their πίστις (faith) by being πιστός (faithful).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πιστός appears frequently in the New Testament, used to describe both divine and human attributes:
**Describing God and Christ (Objective Sense):**
* God's unwavering reliability and covenant-keeping nature are frequently affirmed. [[1 Corinthians 1:9]] declares, "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." Similarly, [[1 Corinthians 10:13]] assures believers that "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able."
* His faithfulness is the basis for forgiveness and cleansing: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" ([[1 John 1:9]]).
* Christ is also described as πιστός, embodying divine truth and dependability. He is the "faithful witness" ([[Revelation 1:5]]) and the one who is "called Faithful and True" ([[Revelation 19:11]]). His faithfulness ensures the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
**Describing Humans (Subjective and Objective Sense):**
* **Subjective (Trusting/Believing):** πιστός is often used as a noun, referring to those who have believed in Christ, i.e., "believers." Examples include [[Acts 10:45]] ("the believers from among the circumcised") and [[Ephesians 1:1]] ("to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus").
* **Objective (Trustworthy/Faithful in Conduct):** Believers are called to embody faithfulness in their lives, demonstrating reliability and steadfastness.
* In the Parable of the Talents, the master commends his servants, "Well done, good and faithful servant" ([[Matthew 25:21]], [[Matthew 25:23]]). This signifies a servant who has been trustworthy in their assigned duties.
* [[Luke 16:10]] states, "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much." This highlights the principle that faithfulness in small matters predicts faithfulness in larger ones.
* Paul speaks of being "considered faithful" by Christ for ministry ([[1 Timothy 1:12]]) and instructs Timothy to "entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" ([[2 Timothy 2:2]]).
* Even the qualifications for church leadership include being πιστός ([[Titus 1:9]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`):** This is the noun form, meaning "faith," "belief," or "trust." πιστός (faithful/trustworthy) is the adjective derived from πίστις. One possesses πίστις and thereby *is* πιστός. The noun describes the act or state of believing/trusting, while the adjective describes the quality of being trustworthy or trustful.
* **πείθω (peithō, `{{G3982}}`):** The verbal root from which πιστός is derived, meaning "to persuade" or "to be persuaded." This connection emphasizes that faith and faithfulness involve a response to persuasion, particularly the divine persuasion of the Gospel.
* **ἀπιστία (apistia, `{{G570}}`) and ἄπιστος (apistos, `{{G571}}`):** These are the direct antonyms, meaning "unbelief/faithlessness" and "unbelieving/unfaithful/untrustworthy," respectively. The contrast vividly highlights the positive qualities of πιστός.
* **Truth (ἀλήθεια, alētheia, `{{G225}}`):** πιστός is often closely associated with truth, especially when describing God or Christ. A faithful being or statement is inherently truthful and reliable.
* **Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`):** God's faithfulness is intrinsically linked to His righteousness and justice. He is faithful because He acts justly and consistently with His holy character.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πιστός is profound and multifaceted:
* **Foundation of Trust in God:** The faithfulness of God (πιστός) is a cornerstone of biblical theology. It assures believers of His unwavering character, His commitment to His covenant promises, and the certainty of His word. This divine attribute provides the ultimate ground for human faith and hope ([[Hebrews 10:23]]). Without a πιστός God, human faith would be baseless and without security.
* **Assurance of Salvation and Perseverance:** God's faithfulness guarantees the security of salvation and His commitment to preserving His people. His πιστός nature ensures that He will complete the work He began in believers and will not allow them to be tempted beyond their endurance ([[1 Thessalonians 5:24]], [[1 Corinthians 10:13]]).
* **Christ as the Exemplar:** Jesus Christ perfectly embodies πιστός in both senses: He is supremely trustworthy as the Son of God and the faithful mediator, and He lived a life of perfect faithfulness to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross. His faithfulness is foundational to the New Covenant.
* **Call to Human Discipleship:** Believers are called to mirror God's πιστός character in their own lives. This means living a life characterized by active trust in God, obedience to His commands, and steadfastness in their walk. It encompasses integrity, reliability, and perseverance in the face of trials. This faithfulness is not merely an emotional state but a lived reality that impacts all aspects of one's life and service.
* **Ethical Imperative:** πιστός carries a strong ethical dimension, emphasizing the importance of integrity, reliability, and constancy in human relationships and responsibilities. It is a virtue essential for healthy community and effective ministry.
### Summary
The Greek word πιστός (pistós, `{{G4103}}`) is a deeply significant term in the New Testament, derived from πείθω (peithō, `{{G3982}}`). It carries a dual meaning: objectively, it describes someone or something that is "trustworthy," "reliable," or "true"; subjectively, it describes one who is "trusting," "believing," or "faithful." This word profoundly defines the character of God and Christ, highlighting their unwavering dependability and commitment to their promises, which forms the bedrock of Christian faith. Simultaneously, πιστός describes those who have placed their faith in Christ (the "believers") and underscores the biblical call for them to live lives marked by active trust, integrity, and steadfast obedience to God. It is a virtue that encompasses both a reliance on God's character and a demonstration of one's own fidelity in all aspects of life.
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