Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "doubtful" often refers to a state of uncertainty or lack of conviction regarding faith, God's promises, or His will. This concept is addressed in various passages, highlighting both the human tendency to doubt and the call to trust in God's faithfulness.Biblical Instances of Doubt: 1. Thomas the Apostle: One of the most well-known instances of doubt in the New Testament is that of Thomas, one of Jesus' twelve apostles. After Jesus' resurrection, Thomas expressed skepticism about the reports of Jesus being alive. 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." Jesus later appears to Thomas, inviting him to touch His wounds, leading Thomas to believe and exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). 2. Peter Walking on Water: Another example is Peter's experience of walking on water. In Matthew 14:29-31 , Peter steps out of the boat to walk toward Jesus but becomes frightened by the wind and begins to sink. Jesus immediately reaches out to save him, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" This incident illustrates the struggle between faith and doubt, even among those closest to Jesus. 3. The Father of the Demon-Possessed Boy: 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 internal conflict between belief and doubt, a common experience for many believers. Teachings on Doubt: 1. Faith and Assurance: The Bible encourages believers to have faith and not be swayed by doubt. James 1:6-8 warns, "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." This passage underscores the importance of unwavering faith in prayer and reliance on God. 2. God's Faithfulness: Scripture reassures believers of God's steadfastness and reliability. In Hebrews 10:23 , it is written, "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." This verse encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's promises despite circumstances that may cause doubt. 3. Encouragement to Seek Understanding: The Bible also acknowledges the human struggle with doubt and encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage highlights the importance of relying on God's wisdom rather than one's own limited perspective. Practical Implications: Believers are encouraged to confront doubt through prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other Christians. Engaging with the Word of God and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit can strengthen faith and provide clarity in times of uncertainty. Additionally, sharing experiences of doubt and faith within a community can offer support and encouragement, helping individuals to grow in their spiritual journey. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Not settled in opinion; undetermined; wavering; hesitating in belief; also used, metaphorically, of the body when its action is affected by such a state of mind; as, we are doubtful of a fact, or of the propriety of a measure.2. (a.) Admitting of doubt; not obvious, clear, or certain; questionable; not decided; not easy to be defined, classed, or named; as, a doubtful case, hue, claim, title, species, and the like. 3. (a.) Characterized by ambiguity; dubious; as, a doubtful expression; a doubtful phrase. 4. (a.) of uncertain issue or event. 5. (a.) Fearful; apprehensive; suspicious. Greek 1365b. distazo -- to duplicate, waver, doubt ... Word Origin from dis Definition to duplicate, waver, doubt NASB Word Usage doubt (1), doubtful (1). 1365a, 1365b. distazo. 1366 . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1365b.htm - 5k 3349. meteorizo -- to raise on high, fig. to be in suspense 1261. dialogismos -- a reasoning Strong's Hebrew 5204. niy -- wailing... wailing A doubtful word; apparently from nahah; lamentation -- wailing. see HEBREW nahah. 5203, 5204. niy. 5204a . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/5204.htm - 5k 2992. yabam -- to perform the duty of a husband's brother 1718. dadah -- perhaps to move slowly 4336. Meshak -- a Bab. name 5868. ayam -- perhaps a glow 6217. ashuqim -- oppression, extortion Library Doubtful Fragments on the Pentateuch. Manich??us Promises the Knowledge of Undoubted Things, and Then ... There Is, Again, an Ambiguity Arising Out of the Doubtful Sound of ... Argument: C??cilius Begins his Argument First of all by Reminding ... it is Safer to Explain a Doubtful Passage by Other Passages of ... When, However, a Meaning is Evolved of Such a Kind that what is ... Certain Neutral Character, Then, and Undecided and Doubtful Nature ... Of the Fact that the Question Suggested Ought to be Included among ... How a Soul is to Behave Herself to Obtain Light in Doubtful Cases ... Argument: C??cilius at Length Concludes that the New Religion is ... Thesaurus Doubtful (4 Occurrences)... wavering; hesitating in belief; also used, metaphorically, of the body when its action is affected by such a state of mind; as, we are doubtful of a fact, or ... /d/doubtful.htm - 8k Debir (12 Occurrences) Coral (3 Occurrences) South (170 Occurrences) Selah (76 Occurrences) Scrupulous (1 Occurrence) Wild (147 Occurrences) Chaldeans (82 Occurrences) Burden (111 Occurrences) Beast (243 Occurrences) Resources Who was John Calvin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christianization? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Hebrews - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Doubtful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Doubtful (4 Occurrences)Matthew 28:17 Luke 12:29 Romans 14:1 2 Corinthians 13:7 Subtopics Related Terms |