In the context of the Bible, "disbelieved" refers to the act of not accepting or trusting in the truth of God's word, promises, or the testimony of His messengers. This concept is significant throughout Scripture, as disbelief often leads to spiritual consequences and serves as a barrier to experiencing the fullness of God's blessings.

Old Testament Instances

1. Israel's Unbelief in the Wilderness: One of the most notable examples of disbelief is found in the narrative of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, including the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna, the Israelites frequently disbelieved God's promises. In Numbers 14:11 , the Lord expresses His frustration: "And the LORD said to Moses, 'How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?'"

2. The Spies' Report: In Numbers 13-14, the disbelief of the ten spies who brought back a negative report about the Promised Land led to the Israelites' refusal to enter Canaan. Their lack of faith resulted in a 40-year period of wandering in the wilderness, as God declared that the disbelieving generation would not enter the land He had promised.

New Testament Instances

1. Jesus' Ministry: During His earthly ministry, Jesus encountered disbelief from various groups, including the religious leaders and even His own hometown. In Mark 6:6 , it is recorded, "And He was amazed at their unbelief." This disbelief limited the miracles He performed there, illustrating how a lack of faith can hinder the work of God.

2. Thomas' Doubt: The Apostle Thomas is famously known for his initial disbelief in the resurrection of Jesus. In John 20:25 , Thomas states, "Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe." However, upon seeing the risen Christ, Thomas' disbelief turned to faith, leading him to proclaim, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

Theological Implications

Disbelief is often contrasted with faith, which is central to the Christian life. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes the importance of faith: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Disbelief, therefore, is not merely a lack of faith but an active rejection of God's truth and promises.

Consequences of Disbelief

The Bible consistently warns of the spiritual dangers associated with disbelief. In Hebrews 3:12-19, the author warns believers to guard against an unbelieving heart, using the example of the Israelites who were unable to enter God's rest due to their disbelief. This passage serves as a cautionary reminder that disbelief can lead to spiritual stagnation and separation from God's intended blessings.

Encouragement to Believe

Despite the prevalence of disbelief, Scripture offers hope and encouragement to those who struggle with faith. In Mark 9:24 , a father seeking healing for his son cries out to Jesus, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" This plea reflects the heart of many believers who desire to overcome disbelief and grow in faith. The Bible assures that God is patient and willing to strengthen the faith of those who seek Him earnestly.(imp. & p. p.) of Disbelieve.544. apeitheo -- to disobey
... See 543 (). Word Origin from apeithes Definition to disobey NASB Word Usage
disbelieved (1), disobedient (10), do not obey (1), obey (2). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/544.htm - 7k

569. apisteo -- to disbelieve, be faithless
... Word Origin from apistos Definition to disbelieve, be faithless NASB Word Usage
believe (3), disbelieve (1), disbelieved (1), faithless (1), refused to believe ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/569.htm - 8k

It is Said Then in the Psalms, "I Laid Me Down and Slept, and Rose ...
... the great Shepherd of the sheep." Then, that the women were to see His resurrection,
while the Scribes and Pharisees and the people disbelieved, this also ...
/.../30 it is said then.htm

The Empty Tomb. Ch. 24:1-12
... James: and the other women with them told these things unto the apostles.11 And
these words appeared in their sight as idle talk; and they disbelieved them.12 ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/k the empty tomb ch.htm

Acts xx. 17-21
... David also, when disbelieved, says, "I was with the flock keeping my father's sheep:
and when the bear came, I scared her away with my hands" (1 Samuel 17:34 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xliv acts xx 17-21.htm

Faith the Foundation of all Knowledge.
... And he who has believed the Word knows the matter to be true; for the Word is truth.
But he who has disbelieved Him that speaks, has disbelieved God. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iv faith the foundation of.htm

Matt. xxiv. 33, 34
... For since He was speaking of the end, a thing disbelieved by many, He brought forward
Heaven and earth, indicating His unspeakable power, and showing with ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxvii matt xxiv 33.htm

The Time of the Reckoning.
... who did not wish Him to reign over them when He was a citizen in the world in respect
of His incarnation, [6130] are perhaps Israel who disbelieved Him, and ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/12 the time of the.htm

He Further Shows that the Pretemporal Generation of the Son is not ...
... also surely begin: for the cessation of generation establishes a beginning of begetting
and being begotten: and these facts cannot be disbelieved, on the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 3 he further shows.htm

First and Second Appearances of the Risen Christ. The Resurrection ...
... these things unto her. ^b 11 And they, when they heard that he was alive,
and had been seen of her, disbelieved. [It is likely that ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxv first and second appearances.htm

Ezekiel xx. 49
... not believe it; their language he thought was clear enough, upon the point; but
the notion appeared to him so unreasonable in itself, that he disbelieved it in ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxvii ezekiel xx 49.htm

Christ Risen
... She went and told them that had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And they,
when they heard that He was alive, and had been seen of her, disbelieved. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 16 1-18 christ risen.htm

Disbelieved (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Disbelieved (9 Occurrences). Mark 16:11 When they heard
that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they disbelieved. (WEB ASV DBY). ...
/d/disbelieved.htm - 8k

Believed (135 Occurrences)
... him? (DBY). Mark 16:11 When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen
by her, they disbelieved. (Root in WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS). ...
/b/believed.htm - 35k

Talk (164 Occurrences)
... And he gave him to his mother. (See NIV). Luke 24:11 And these words appeared in
their sight as idle talk; and they disbelieved them. (ASV YLT). ...
/t/talk.htm - 36k

Refused (89 Occurrences)
... He refused it. (WEY). Mark 16:11 When they heard that he was alive, and
had been seen by her, they disbelieved. (See NAS). Luke 13 ...
/r/refused.htm - 33k

Disbelieve (4 Occurrences)

/d/disbelieve.htm - 7k

Disbelieves (1 Occurrence)

/d/disbelieves.htm - 6k

Persuaded (40 Occurrences)
... arguments; (WEY NAS). Acts 28:24 And some were persuaded of the things which
were said, but some disbelieved. (DBY NAS). Romans 2:19 ...
/p/persuaded.htm - 18k

Alive (166 Occurrences)
... Mark 16:11 When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they
disbelieved. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/a/alive.htm - 38k

Appeared (137 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Luke 24:11 And these words appeared in their
sight as idle talk; and they disbelieved them. (ASV DBY YLT NAS). ...
/a/appeared.htm - 35k

Believe (239 Occurrences)
... Mark 16:11 When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they
disbelieved. (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/believe.htm - 35k

Disbelieved: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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