from Α (as a negative particle) and πιστός; (actively) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing):--that believeth not, faithless, incredible thing, infidel, unbeliever(-ing).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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