Pistis
/ˈpɪstɪs/noun
An ancient Greek noun meaning faith, trust, confidence, or faithfulness, especially in religious and philosophical contexts.
Did you know?In the New Testament, *pistis* can signify not only belief but also faithfulness, trust, and reliability—making its meaning broader than the English word “faith.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeydʰ-
“To trust, rely on, or persuade.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πείθω (peíthō)
“I persuade; I convince; I cause someone to trust.”
Classical Greek
Greek
πίστις (pístis)
“Trust, confidence, faith, reliability, or proof.”
Koine Greek
Greek
πίστις (pístis)
“Faith, belief, trust, or faithfulness; a major theological term in early Christianity.”
16th–17th Century
English
pistis
“A scholarly English borrowing used in discussions of Greek religion, philosophy, rhetoric, and theology.”
Modern English
English
pistis
“A specialized term referring to Greek faith, trust, conviction, or persuasive assurance.”