The Use of “Pistis: (πίστις) in the Bible
From a discussion at Pub Theology, as brought by Julie Hall from Pistis Sophia - The Way of Wisdom, a 4th Century Manuscript.
The Greek word pistis (πίστις) is one of the richest and most influential terms in the New Testament, carrying layers of meaning shaped by classical Greek thought, rhetorical theory, and early Christian theology. At its core, pistis expresses the ideas of faith, trust, belief, confidence, and faithfulness, but each of these English words captures only part of its depth.
In classical Greek, pistis most commonly referred to trust or confidence—a relational reliance on a person, agreement, or promise. It could describe the trustworthiness of a friend, the reliability of an oath, or the confidence placed in a leader. In rhetorical contexts, especially in Aristotle’s Rhetoric, pisteis were the means of persuasion, the proofs by which an argument convinces—ethos, pathos, and logos. This rhetorical nuance highlights the dimension of pistis as conviction, the inner persuasion that something is true.
In earlier Greek literature, such as Homeric texts, pistis leaned toward meanings like pledge, guarantee, or trustworthiness, emphasizing fidelity and reliability. This sense of loyalty and steadfastness becomes especially important in later Jewish and Christian writings, where pistis can describe not only human trust in God but also God’s own faithfulness toward humanity.
In the New Testament, pistis becomes a foundational theological term. While usually translated as “faith,” it does not simply mean intellectual belief or assent to doctrines. Instead, it conveys relational trust, a commitment to God revealed in Christ consciousness and a fidelity that shapes one’s entire way of life. It is both the act of trusting and the quality of being trustworthy.
The word appears 244 times in the Greek New Testament, demonstrating its centrality. Representative examples show how translators render it:
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Matthew 9:22 – "hē pistis sou" (“your faith has made you well”): trust in Jesus’ healing power.
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Matthew 15:28 – “your faith is great”: strong confidence in Christ.
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Mark 5:34 – “your faith has healed you”: reliance that results in restoration.
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Mark 10:52 – “your faith has made you well”: trust leading to transformation.
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Luke 7:50 – “your faith has saved you”: saving trust.
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Luke 8:25 – “Where is your faith?”: confidence in God amid danger.
English translations overwhelmingly render pistis as faith (239 times), with rare translations such as assurance, belief, or fidelity.
In biblical theology, pistis encompasses personal trust in God, God’s own faithfulness, and the Christian faith as a lived, relational reality. It is not merely a concept but a dynamic posture of the heart—persuasion, loyalty, and trust woven together into a life of commitment to God.
01/18/26