1365. distazo

Lexical Summary

distazo: To doubt, to waver

Original Word: διστάζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: distazo
Pronunciation: dis-tad'-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (dis-tad'-zo)
KJV: doubt
Word Origin: [from G1364 (δίς - twice)]

1. (properly) to duplicate
2. (mentally) to waver (in opinion)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

doubt.

From dis; properly, to duplicate, i.e. (mentally) to waver (in opinion) -- doubt.

see GREEK dis

HELPS Word-studies

1365 distázō (from 1364 /dís, "two, double" and 4714 /stásis, "stance, standing") – properly, going two ways, shifting between positions; choosing "a double-stance" and hence vacillate (waver); (figuratively) uncertain at a crossroad because refusing to choose one way over the other – "wanting to have our cake and eat it too"; to halt between two opinions (views, beliefs).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1365: διστάζω

διστάζω: 1 aorist ἐδίστασα (δίς); to doubt, waver: Matthew 14:31; Matthew 28:17. (Plato (Sophocles), Aristotle, Plutarch, others.)

Topical Lexicon

Term Overview

Strong’s Greek 1365 highlights a momentary hesitation of the heart—a split-second wavering that interrupts wholehearted trust. Although Scripture records the verb only twice, each setting distills a vital lesson on the nature of saving faith versus paralyzing doubt.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Matthew 14:31 — During the storm on the Sea of Galilee Peter steps out to Jesus, then falters: “Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. ‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt?’ ”.
2. Matthew 28:17 — After the Resurrection the Eleven behold the risen Lord on a Galilean mountain: “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.”.

Faith Development in Matthew’s Gospel

Matthew alone records both occurrences, framing his narrative with two stages of discipleship. The first takes place in the terror of a midnight gale; the second, in the brilliance of resurrection morning. The literary symmetry underscores Matthew’s pastoral aim: true disciples may hesitate, yet Jesus remains present, instructing, and ultimately commissioning them (Matthew 28:18-20).

Theological Implications of Doubt

• Doubt is not merely intellectual uncertainty; it is a divided heart that momentarily loses single-minded allegiance (compare James 1:6).
• In both passages Jesus does not reject the doubter; instead He extends His hand or His authority, shifting attention from circumstances to Himself.
• The remedy is engagement with the risen Christ. Worship (Matthew 28:17) and obedience (Matthew 14:29) are portrayed as the antidotes to vacillation.

Historical Context: First-Century Discipleship

First-century Jewish expectations of Messiah were political and terrestrial. Jesus’ water-walking and resurrection challenged entrenched paradigms, producing a brief internal conflict even among eyewitnesses. The Gospel record thus authenticates, rather than glosses over, the disciples’ humanity, strengthening the credibility of their later unwavering testimony (Acts 4:20).

Christological Significance

Both scenes magnify Jesus’ divine prerogatives:
• Sovereignty over creation (treading the waves).
• Sovereignty over death (appearing alive after crucifixion).

In each, the disciples’ hesitation contrasts sharply with His absolute authority, directing readers to rest faith not in circumstances but in the Son of God (John 20:31).

Intertextual Parallels

• Exodus 14—Israel, hemmed in by sea and chariots, vacillates until the Lord parts the waters.
• 1 Kings 18:21—Elijah challenges Israel: “How long will you hesitate between two opinions?” Both texts reveal covenant faith calling for decisive allegiance.

By using the rare verb, Matthew quietly links his readers to these earlier patterns of redemptive history.

Doctrinal Harmony and Assurance

The two occurrences affirm that temporary hesitation does not equate to apostasy. Jesus rescues Peter before the water engulfs him and commissions the hesitant disciples before ascending. Subsequent Scripture depicts them emboldened by the Spirit (Acts 2), illustrating perseverance of genuine faith despite momentary wavering (Philippians 1:6).

Pastoral Application

• Encourage believers to cry out, “Lord, save me!” when faith falters; Jesus’ immediate grasp is assured.
• Cultivate corporate worship; beholding the risen Christ together dispels lingering doubts.
• Ground teaching in the whole counsel of God; doubt often thrives in isolation from revealed truth.

Homiletical Insights

A sermon series might trace Peter’s journey: from wavering on water (Matthew 14) to preaching with certainty at Pentecost (Acts 2). Highlighting this trajectory comforts congregations that present weakness does not determine future usefulness.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1365 illumines the fragile moments when disciples teeter between fear and faith. Matthew records that Jesus meets such vacillation with grace and authority, transforming hesitant followers into heralds of the Gospel. The same Lord remains faithful to steady His people today.

Forms and Transliterations

εδιστασαν εδίστασαν ἐδίστασαν εδιστασας εδίστασας ἐδίστασας edistasan edístasan edistasas edístasas

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 14:31 V-AIA-2S
GRK: εἰς τί ἐδίστασας
NAS: why did you doubt?
KJV: wherefore didst thou doubt?
INT: of why did you doubt

Matthew 28:17 V-AIA-3P
GRK: οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν
NAS: [Him]; but some were doubtful.
KJV: him: but some doubted.
INT: some however doubted

Strong's Greek 1365
2 Occurrences

ἐδίστασαν — 1 Occ.
ἐδίστασας — 1 Occ.