Original Word: ἀπειθέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: apeitheó
Pronunciation: ah-pay-THAY-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-i-theh'-o)
Definition: Disobey, be disobedient, refuse to believe
Meaning: I disobey, rebel, am disloyal, refuse conformity.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek prefix "a-" (not) and "peithō" (to persuade or obey), meaning "not to be persuaded" or "to disobey."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of disobedience in the Hebrew Bible is often captured by words like מָרָה (marah - Strong's H4784) meaning "to rebel" or "to be disobedient," and סָרַר (sarar - Strong's H5637) meaning "to be stubborn" or "to turn away."

Usage: The verb ἀπειθέω (apeitheó) is used in the New Testament to describe a state of disbelief or disobedience, particularly in relation to God's commands or the gospel message. It conveys a willful rejection or refusal to be persuaded by divine truth. This term often highlights the moral and spiritual rebellion against God's authority.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, obedience was a valued virtue, especially in the context of family and societal structures. Disobedience, therefore, was seen as a serious breach of social norms. In the Jewish context, obedience to God's law was central to religious life. The New Testament usage of ἀπειθέω reflects the tension between the early Christian message and the prevailing cultural and religious attitudes of the time, emphasizing the call to submit to the authority of Christ and the gospel.

Cognate: 544 apeithéō – literally, refuse to be persuaded (by the Lord). See 543 (apeitheia).

Word Origin
from apeithés
Definition
to disobey
NASB Translation
disbelieved (1), disobedient (10), do not obey (1), obey (2).

STRONGS NT 544: ἀπειθέω

ἀπειθέω, ἀπειθῶ; imperfect ἠπείθουν; 1 aorist ἠπείθησα; "to be ἀπειθής (which see); not to allow oneself to be persuaded; not to comply with;

a. to refuse or withhold belief (in Christ, in the gospel; opposed to πιστεύω): τῷ υἱῷ, John 3:36; τῷ λόγῳ, 1 Peter 2:8; 1 Peter 3:1; absolutely of those who reject the gospel, (R. V. to be disobedient; cf. b.): Acts 14:2; Acts 17:5 (Rec.); ; Romans 15:31; 1 Peter 2:7 (T Tr WH ἀπιστοῦσιν).

b. to refuse belief and obedience: with the dative of thing or of person, Romans 2:8 (τῇ ἀλήθεια); f (τῷ θεῷ); 1 Peter 4:17; absolutely, Romans 10:21 (Isaiah 65:2); Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 11:31; 1 Peter 3:20. (In the Sept. a common equivalent to מָרָה, סָרַר; in Greek writings often from Aeschylus Ag. 1049 down; in Homer et al. ἀπίθειν.)

to disbelieve, disobey

From apeithes; to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely) -- not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving.

see GREEK apeithes

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