### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apistía**, represented by `{{G570}}`, defines a state of **faithlessness** or **unbelief**. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. The term carries a negative connotation of disbelief, signifying a lack of Christian faith, and can also point to unfaithfulness or disobedience.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G570}}` is frequently presented as a barrier to God's power and a reason for divine rebuke. Jesus's ministry was affected by it, as he "did not many mighty works there because of their **unbelief**" ([[Matthew 13:58]], [[Mark 6:6]]). He upbraided the eleven disciples for their "**unbelief** and hardness of heart" when they failed to believe the reports of his resurrection [[Mark 16:14]]. This condition is described as an "evil heart of **unbelief**," which leads to "departing from the living God" [[Hebrews 3:12]] and was the reason the Israelites could not enter into His rest [[Hebrews 3:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of unbelief and its opposite, faith:
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (persuasion... faith, fidelity): This is the direct antonym of `apistía`. Scripture contrasts them directly, stating that while some were broken off because of unbelief, "thou standest by **faith**" [[Romans 11:20]].
* `{{G569}}` **apistéō** (to be unbelieving, i.e. (transitively) disbelieve, or (by implication) disobey): The verb form of `apistía`. Paul uses it to ask if, when some "did not **believe**," their unbelief makes God's faith void [[Romans 3:3]].
* `{{G4641}}` **sklērokardía** (hard-heartedness, i.e. (specially), destitution of (spiritual) perception): This condition is explicitly linked to unbelief. Jesus rebuked the disciples for both their "unbelief and **hardness of heart**" [[Mark 16:14]].
* `{{G868}}` **aphístēmi** (to remove... desist, desert... depart, draw (fall) away): This word describes a potential result of unbelief. An evil heart of unbelief is characterized by "**departing** from the living God" [[Hebrews 3:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G570}}` is significant, highlighting a critical spiritual condition.
* **Hindrance to Divine Power:** Unbelief acts as an obstacle. The disciples' inability to perform a miracle was attributed to their "**unbelief**" [[Matthew 17:20]], and a father cried out for Jesus to "help thou mine **unbelief**" [[Mark 9:24]].
* **A Source of Separation:** It is presented as the reason for exclusion from God's promises. The Israelites "could not enter in because of **unbelief**" [[Hebrews 3:19]], and branches were "broken off" from the olive tree for the same reason [[Romans 11:20]].
* **A Condition of the Heart:** The term is associated with an internal state, connected to an "evil heart" [[Hebrews 3:12]] and coupled with "hardness of heart" [[Mark 16:14]].
* **A State Requiring Mercy:** Paul identifies his past actions as a blasphemer and persecutor as being done "ignorantly in **unbelief**," a condition from which he "obtained mercy" [[1 Timothy 1:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G570}}` is more than simple doubt; it is a profound state of faithlessness that carries severe spiritual consequences. It is depicted as a condition of the heart that hinders God's work, warrants rebuke, and leads to separation from divine promises. Its presence in Scripture serves as a stark contrast to faith, underscoring faith's essential role in a believer's relationship with God.
TRV