Abstract

This article argues that the unique element of the semantic domain of ἀπείθεια, ἀπειθέω, and ἀπειθής is the cognitive category “unpersuaded.” Consequently, the accepted gloss “disobedience” should not be the default. After reviewing the definitions in the standard lexicons, I argue, on the basis of word combinations and lexical choice, that in the New Testament the ἀπείθ- word group should have as its primary definition “being unpersuaded.” This proposal is then tested by examining every New Testament occurrence of members of the word group.

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