The Greek word ápistos, represented by G571, is a term for what is disbelieving or faithless. It appears 23 times in 21 unique verses and is formed from a negative particle combined with the word for faith. It describes a person without Christian faith, sometimes translated as unbeliever or infidel, or a thing that is considered incredible or untrustworthy.
In scripture, G571 is used to define a clear distinction between believers and non-believers. Paul commands believers not to be "unequally yoked together with unbelievers" 2 Corinthians 6:14, establishing a principle of spiritual separation. The term carries severe consequences, as the unbelieving are listed among those who will have their part in the lake of fire Revelation 21:8. Jesus uses the word to rebuke his generation as "faithless and perverse" (Matthew 17:17, Luke 9:41) and to challenge Thomas's doubt, telling him not to be "faithless, but believing" John 20:27. It is also used to describe something that seems unbelievable, as when Paul asks why it should be thought a thing incredible that God can raise the dead Acts 26:8.
Several related words provide deeper context for the state of being faithless:
- G4103 pistós (trustworthy; trustful): This is the direct positive counterpart to G571. Scripture often contrasts the two, as when Jesus tells Thomas to "be not faithless G571, but believing" John 20:27.
- G1294 diastréphō (to distort, i.e. (figuratively) misinterpret, or (morally) corrupt): This word is paired with G571 in Jesus's rebuke of the "faithless and perverse generation," highlighting the moral corruption associated with unbelief Matthew 17:17.
- G3392 miaínō (to sully or taint, i.e. contaminate (ceremonially or morally)): This term describes the internal state of the unbeliever. For those who are defiled and unbelieving G571, even their mind and conscience are defiled Titus 1:15.
- G5186 typhlóō (to make blind, i.e. (figuratively) to obscure): This word explains a cause of unbelief, stating that the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who believe not G571 2 Corinthians 4:4.
The theological weight of G571 is significant, defining a state of opposition to God and His truth.
- Spiritual Blindness and Defilement: The term identifies a core spiritual condition. An unbelieving person's mind is described as blinded to the light of the gospel 2 Corinthians 4:4, and their mind and conscience are considered defiled Titus 1:15.
- A Call to Holy Separation: The use of G571 establishes a boundary for believers. The command is to avoid being unequally yoked with unbelievers, as there can be no true fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness or concord between Christ and Belial 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.
- Eternal Judgment: Unbelief is directly linked to final judgment. A person who is unbelieving is grouped with the fearful, abominable, and murderers who face the second death Revelation 21:8. The unfaithful servant's portion is appointed with the unbelievers Luke 12:46.
- An Obstacle to Faith: The term is used when expressing frustration with a lack of faith that hinders understanding God's power, as seen in Jesus's cry, "O faithless generation" Mark 9:19, and Paul's challenge regarding the "incredible" nature of the resurrection Acts 26:8.
In summary, G571 is not merely about intellectual disagreement but denotes a definitive spiritual state of being faithless or an unbeliever. It functions as a critical label in scripture, establishing the division between those within the Christian faith and those outside of it. The word carries profound implications for personal holiness, community relationships, and eternal destiny, defining the state of those whose minds are blinded and whose portion is ultimately separated from God.
TRV