NAS Word Usage – Total: 52

1. persuade
   1. to persuade, i.e. to induce one by words to believe
   2. to make friends of, to win one’s favour, gain one’s good will, or to seek to win one, strive to please one
   3. to tranquillise
   4. to persuade unto i.e. move or induce one to persuasion to do something
2. be persuaded
   1. to be persuaded, to suffer one’s self to be persuaded; to be induced to believe: to have faith: in a thing
      1. to believe
      2. to be persuaded of a thing concerning a person
   2. to listen to, obey, yield to, comply with
3. to trust, have confidence, be confident

What Does Peitho Mean in Greek in Context of the Bible?

Peitho is a fascinating Greek word that appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. Its meaning captures the essence of persuasion, trust, and alignment. In the context of the Bible, understanding Peitho can offer deeper insights into human relationships, faith, and divine interactions. Let’s delve into its meanings, usages, and relevance according to biblical passages.

The Meaning of Peitho

The word “Peitho” (πεῖθω) derives from the Greek root that implies persuasion or trust. Broadly, it can be translated into English as “to persuade,” “to trust,” or even “to compel.” This term emphasizes not just the act of convincing someone but also highlights the relationship between the persuader and the one being persuaded—implying a bond of faith and confidence.

In classical Greek literature, Peitho often refers to the act of convincing someone of a particular viewpoint or path. Within the realm of ancient Greek philosophy, this word is connected to rhetoric and the art of persuasion, where a speaker employs various techniques to influence an audience.

Peitho in the New Testament

Peitho appears several times in the New Testament, mainly in the writings of Paul and in the book of Hebrews. Its presence in these texts sheds light on how early Christians understood faith and persuasion in relation to God and one another.

Paul’s Letters

In Paul’s letters, Peitho often refers to the trust that believers have in God and the persuasive power of the Gospel. For example, in Romans 10:17, Paul writes that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Here, the idea of Peitho is present, as faith involves trust in the message of Jesus Christ, which persuades hearts towards belief.

Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 5:11, Paul mentions, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.” This highlights the importance of Peitho as an active engagement—where sharing the message of Christ is not just about conveying facts, but about influencing others to trust in God’s plan.

Hebrews and the Concept of Assurance

The book of Hebrews also encapsulates the meaning of Peitho through the lens of assurance and hope in faith. Hebrews 11 talks about the great faith exemplified by figures like Abraham and Moses. Their trust in God’s promises showcases the essence of Peitho—believing and being persuaded that what God says will come to pass.

Peitho in the Septuagint

The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, also provides context for understanding Peitho. The term is used in situations where trust and reliance on God are essential. For example, in the Psalms, the idea of putting trust in God captures the meshing of faith and persuasion together, as believers are encouraged to adhere to God’s guidance and promises.

Example from Psalms

In Psalm 37:5, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Here, “trust” translates to Peitho, indicating a deep-seated faith that is not merely intellectual but involves a heartfelt commitment to God’s will. This reflects that Peitho’s meaning encompasses a faithful response to God’s authority.

The Relationship Between Peitho and Faith

Understanding Peitho provides insights into the relationship between faith, persuasion, and divine interaction. Faith in the biblical sense is not blind; it is a persuaded heart that recognizes God’s promises and responds accordingly. In the Christian faith, Peitho emphasizes the significance of proclamation and testimony.

The Act of Persuasion in Sharing Faith

When believers share their stories or testimonies, they use Peitho as a way to persuade others about the truth of God’s word and His love. This relational aspect of Peitho fosters community and strengthens the bonds among believers. It highlights how sharing personal experiences can effectively draw others toward faith in Christ.

Community and Trust

Within the early Christian community, Peitho served as a cornerstone for building trust among members. The act of persuading one another in faith not only encouraged individual believers but also helped knit the community closer together. In leadership roles, the persuasive aspect is critical—leaders are often called to inspire trust and confidence in God’s guidance for both individuals and the collective body of believers.

Theological Implications of Peitho

Looking at the theological implications of Peitho, we see it resonates deeply with God’s interaction with humanity. From the creation narrative to the New Testament, God’s desire is for His people to place their trust in Him, to believe in His goodness, and to be persuaded of His faithfulness.

God as the Ultimate Persuader

In biblical terms, God is often seen as the one who persuades humanity to turn back to Him, showcasing mercy and grace despite human fallibility. Through the prophets, wisdom literature, and ultimately Jesus Christ, God communicates persuasive messages of love and redemption, drawing people into a trust-filled relationship.

The Call to Respond

The relevance of Peitho extends to how believers today are called to respond to God’s invitation. Accepting the gift of salvation through faith involves a personal decision—a conviction that God is trustworthy. This response aligns with the biblical narrative, demonstrating that faith is an active engagement rather than a passive acceptance.

Conclusion

The exploration of Peitho in the context of the Bible offers profound insights into trust, persuasion, and faith. This Greek word encapsulates a dynamic relationship between God and humanity and emphasizes that true belief requires both heart and mind. Understanding Peitho deepens our appreciation of biblical texts and encourages a personal journey of faith marked by trust in God’s promises.

Common Questions Related to What Does Peitho Mean In Greek In Context Of The Bible

Q. What is the primary definition of Peitho in the Bible?
A. Peitho primarily means to persuade or to trust, emphasizing conviction in faith and relationship dynamics.

Q. Where in the New Testament is Peitho found?
A. Peitho appears in various letters by Paul and in the book of Hebrews, highlighting themes of persuasion and trust in God.

Q. How does Peitho relate to faith?
A. Peitho signifies a form of faith that is relational and involves active trust in God and His promises.

Q. Can you give an example of Peitho in the Psalms?
A. Psalm 37:5 illustrates Peitho as it calls believers to commit their ways to the Lord and trust in His actions.

Q. How does Peitho influence Christian communities?
A. Peitho fosters trust and strengthens community bonds as believers encourage and persuade each other in faith.

Q. What is the difference between Peitho and simple belief?
A. Peitho encompasses a deeper relational trust and persuasion, whereas belief can sometimes denote mere intellectual agreement.

Q. How did Jesus exemplify Peitho in His teachings?
A. Jesus often used parables and personal testimonies to persuade His listeners to trust in God’s kingdom and His teachings.

Q. Why is understanding Peitho important for modern believers?
A. Understanding Peitho helps believers engage in deeper relationships with God and encourages active faith in their lives.

Q. Is Peitho used in the Old Testament?
A. While Peitho is a Greek word, similar concepts of persuasion and trust are captured in the Hebrew texts that predate the New Testament.

Q. How does Peitho relate to evangelism?
A. In evangelism, Peitho is crucial as it helps believers effectively share their faith, aiming to persuade others of God’s love and truth.