The meaning of “πιστός”
Understanding pistós reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true. - objectively, trustworthy - subjectively, trustful
πιστός
believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true. - objectively, trustworthy - subjectively, trustful
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 25:21 | “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Word: πιστός (pistós) | |
| Acts 16:1 | “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:” Word: πιστός (pistós) | |
| Galatians 3:9 | “So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.” Word: πιστός (pistós) | |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:24 | “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” Word: πιστός (pistós) | |
| 2 Timothy 2:11 | “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: ” Word: πιστός (pistós) |
Usage Statistics
Theological Word Study: Faith
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Faithfulness, trust
The Hebrew emunah (אֱמוּנָה) encompasses both faith and faithfulness—trusting God and being trustworthy. It implies steadfast reliability, as in 'The just shall live by his faith' (Habakkuk 2:4).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Faith, belief, trust
The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1).