unbelief

Dictionary of Biblical Words:

The besetting sin of man, from the simple fact that mistrust of God’s word was the first evil seed sown in man’s heart by the enemy in Eden, and it has flourished ever since. Indeed, so remarkable is man’s mistrust of God, that He has had to send His Holy Spirit down to cause men to believe that which He has written, and thus the fact of believing God is a proof of the divine work, of eternal life. Unbelief is common amongst believers, that is to say, many have trust in God concerning their soul’s salvation, but in very little else. This is most dishonoring to God, and must greatly grieve the Lord, even as the unbelief of his brethren right down to the very end grieved the tender heart of Joseph of old (Gen. 1.)

Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:

Number:

570 (find all occurrences in KJV Bible)

Greek:

ἀπιστία

Transliteration:

apaistia

Phonic:

ap-is-tee’-ah

Meaning:

from 571; faithlessness, i.e. (negatively) disbelief (lack of Christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience)

KJV Usage:

unbelief