1365. distazo

Lexicon

distazo: To doubt, to waver

Original Word: διστάζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: distazo
Pronunciation: dis-tad'-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (dis-tad'-zo)
Definition: To doubt, to waver
Meaning: I waver, doubt, hesitate.

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

Word Origin: From δίς (dis), meaning "twice" or "double," and a derivative of στάζω (stázō), meaning "to stand" or "to take a stand."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for διστάζω, the concept of doubt or wavering can be related to Hebrew terms such as סָפֵק (safek), meaning "doubt," or רָפָה (raphah), meaning "to let go" or "to weaken," which can imply a lack of firmness in faith or resolve.

Usage: The verb διστάζω is used in the New Testament to describe a state of doubt or hesitation, often in the context of faith or belief.

Context: The Greek verb διστάζω appears in the New Testament primarily to convey the concept of doubt or wavering, particularly in matters of faith. It is used in contexts where individuals are confronted with situations that challenge their belief or trust in divine power.

In Matthew 14:31, διστάζω is used in the account of Peter walking on water. When Peter sees the wind, he becomes afraid and begins to sink. Jesus immediately reaches out to him and says, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Here, διστάζω captures Peter's momentary lapse in faith, illustrating the human tendency to falter when faced with fear or uncertainty.

Another instance is found in Matthew 28:17, where the disciples see the resurrected Jesus. The verse states, "When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted." This use of διστάζω highlights the struggle to fully comprehend and accept the miraculous, even when confronted with direct evidence.

The term διστάζω underscores the importance of steadfast faith and the challenges believers face in maintaining it. It serves as a reminder of the human propensity to question and the need for reliance on divine assurance.

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.