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ἀπείθεια

apeítheia

G543 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A state of (active or passive) refusal to be persuaded, particularly characterized by resistance or opposition to authority, exhortation, or instruction; the core meaning is persistent unwillingness to respond positively to justified demands or appeals. In varying contexts, it shades into willful disobedience, obstinate noncompliance, or stubborn resistance to persuasive words, especially in social, moral, or religious domains.

Semantic Range

unpersuadableness, obstinacy, willful disobedience, refusal to comply, stubborn resistance to persuasion, recalcitrance, persistent noncompliance

Root / Etymology

From the adjective ἀπειθής (apeithēs, 'unpersuaded, disobedient'), itself formed from ἀ- (a-, not) + πείθω (peithō, 'to persuade, convince'). The ending -εια (-eia) forms an abstract noun, indicating a state or quality. Thus, ἀπειθεία signifies the condition of being unwilling to be persuaded or convinced.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, the term is rare, but when used, it points to a refusal to comply or a state of unreceptiveness to persuasion. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek (notably the Septuagint and New Testament), its usage becomes more common and expresses not mere casual neglect or inadvertence, but a deliberate, enduring attitude of resistance—especially regarding exhortations associated with divinely authorized messengers or instructions. The Septuagint uses it for Israelite stubbornness or resistance to prophetic or divine appeals. In the New Testament writings, particularly those of Paul, ἀπειθεία describes persistent refusal to accept or adhere to the proclaimed message (often contrasted with πίστις, 'trust/faith' or ὑπακοή, 'obedience'), emphasizing stubborn nonacceptance of what is presented as right or authoritative rather than mere lack of mental assent. Standard English translations using 'disobedience' or 'unbelief' risk missing the term’s focus on willfulness and relational resistance rather than purely intellectual disbelief. The semantic scope sits between 'disobedience' (noncompliance in action) and 'unpersuadableness' (willful interior resistance).

Translation Consistency

primary "disobedience" 4 occurrences

ʻDisobedienceʼ is the most natural, commonly used English noun that captures the typical sense of ἀπειθεία in the NT — a willful refusal or persistent unwillingness to comply or be persuaded. It fits the SILEX range (willful disobedience, refusal to comply, obstinacy) better than alternatives like ‘stubbornness’ (adjectival tone) or ‘unbelief’ (theologically narrower), and aligns with standard lexica and typical English translations.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"stubborn refusal to be persuaded" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀπειθής; disbelief (obstinate and rebellious):--disobedience, unbelief.

Root Family

ἀπείθεια (apeitheia) — refusal to be persuaded, obstinacy, willful disobedience, resistance to persuasion

Root πειθ- to persuade, to convince, to trust

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G543-03 ἀπειθείας apeitheias N GEN F SG disobedience of stubborn resistance to persuasion of disobedience 3
G543-02 ἀπείθειαν apeitheian N ACC F SG disobedience stubborn refusal to be persuaded stubborn refusal to be persuaded 2
G543-01 ἀπειθείᾳ apeitheia N DAT F SG disobedience to stubborn unpersuadableness disobedience 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G543-01 Romans 11:30 ἀπειθείᾳ apeitheia N DAT F SG disobedience to stubborn unpersuadableness disobedience
G543-02 Romans 11:32 ἀπείθειαν apeitheian N ACC F SG disobedience stubborn refusal to be persuaded stubborn refusal to be persuaded
G543-03 Ephesians 2:2 ἀπειθείας apeitheias N GEN F SG disobedience of stubborn resistance to persuasion of disobedience
G543-03 Ephesians 5:6 ἀπειθείας apeitheias N GEN F SG disobedience of stubborn resistance to persuasion of disobedience
G543-02 Hebrews 4:6 ἀπείθειαν apeitheian N ACC F SG unbelief stubborn refusal to be persuaded stubborn refusal to be persuaded
G543-03 Hebrews 4:11 ἀπειθείας apeitheias N GEN F SG of disobedience of stubborn resistance to persuasion of disobedience
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