Bible Encyclopedia: Doubt

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International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

DOUBT

dout: This word, found only a score of times in the Bible, translates nevertheless about half as many different Hebrew and Greek originals with a corresponding variety of meanings.

In Genesis 37:33 "without doubt" is to be taken in the common sense of "certainly"; in Job 12:2 in the sarcastic sense of "indeed!" In Daniel 5:12, 16, it is used as a difficult problem or mystery to be explained, and these are the only cases of its employment in the Old Testament.

In the New Testament it is about equally used to translate diaporeo, and diakrino, and their cognates. The first means "to be without resource," "utterly at a loss," "nonplussed"; and the second, "to judge diversely." For the first, see John 13:22 Acts 2:12 the King James Version; Acts 5:24 the King James Version; Acts 10:17 the King James Version; Acts 25:20 the King James Version; and Galatians 4:20 the King James Version. For the second see Matthew 21:21 Mark 11:23 Acts 10:20 Romans 14:23. The last-named is deserving of particular attention. "He that doubteth is condemned (the King James Version "damned") if he eat," means that in a case of uncertainty as to one's Christian liberty, it were better to err on the side of restraint. In Luke 12:29 "to be of doubtful mind" (meteorizo, literally, "to suspend"; see Thayer, under the word), means "to be driven by gusts," or "to fluctuate in mid-air."

Here, as in Matthew 14:31, "doubt" does not indicate a lack of faith, but rather "a state of qualified faith": its weakness, but not its absence.

In John 10:24 "doubt" translates airo psuchen, which literally means "to lift up the soul" or "to keep one in suspense"; so the Revised Version (British and American). See also DISPUTATION.

James M. Gray

Greek

1365b. distazo -- to duplicate, waver, doubt
... 1365a, 1365b. distazo. 1366 . to duplicate, waver, doubt. Transliteration:
distazo Short Definition: doubt. Word Origin from dis ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1365b.htm - 5k

1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge
... to judge. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diakrino Phonetic Spelling:
(dee-ak-ree'-no) Short Definition: I distinguish, discern, doubt, hesitate Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1252.htm - 9k

1280. diaporeo -- to be greatly perplexed or at a loss
... or at a loss. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diaporeo Phonetic Spelling:
(dee-ap-or-eh'-o) Short Definition: I am in trouble, doubt, difficulty Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1280.htm - 7k

1365. distazo -- twenty thousand
... twenty thousand. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: distazo Phonetic Spelling:
(dis-tad'-zo) Short Definition: I waver, doubt Definition: I waver, doubt ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1365.htm - 6k

639. aporeo -- to be at a loss, be perplexed
... aporeo Phonetic Spelling: (ap-or-eh'-o) Short Definition: I am in difficulties,
am at my wits end Definition: I am at a loss, am perplexed; mid: I am in doubt. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/639.htm - 6k

3843. pantos -- altogether, by all means
... Origin adverb from pas Definition altogether, by all means NASB Word Usage all
(3), all means (1), altogether (1), certainly (1), no doubt (1), undoubtedly (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3843.htm - 6k

686. ara -- therefore (an illative particle)
... well then (1). no doubt, perhaps, then, therefore, truly, wherefore. Probably
from airo (through the idea of drawing a conclusion ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/686.htm - 7k

640. aporia -- perplexity
... of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aporia Phonetic Spelling: (ap-or-ee'-
a) Short Definition: perplexity, anxiety Definition: perplexity, anxiety, doubt ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/640.htm - 6k

993. Boanerges -- Boanerges, an epithet applied to the two sons of ...
... We don't know why Jesus named these brothers (James, John), "sons of tumult,"
but their passion and boldness in the past no doubt ! ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/993.htm - 8k

142. airo -- to raise, take up, lift
... specially, to sail away (ie Weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare nasa') to expiate
sin -- away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/142.htm - 9k

Strong's Hebrew

7001. qetar -- a joint, knot
... doubt, joint. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to qatar; a knot (as tied up),
ie (figuratively) a riddle; also a vertebra (as if a knot) -- doubt, joint. ...
/hebrew/7001.htm - 6k

8511. tala -- to hang
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition to hang NASB Word Usage bent
(1), hang (1). be bent, hang in doubt. A primitive root ...
/hebrew/8511.htm - 6k

551. omnam -- verily, truly
... indeed, no doubt, surely, it is. Adverb from 'omen; verily -- indeed, no doubt,
surely, (it is, of a) true(-ly, -th). see HEBREW 'omen. 550, 551. omnam. 552 ...
/hebrew/551.htm - 6k

2963. taraph -- to tear, rend, pluck
... catch, without doubt, feed, rend in pieces, surely, tear in pieces. A
primitive root; to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively ...
/hebrew/2963.htm - 6k

Library

What to do with Doubt
... Chapter 12 What to Do with Doubt. ... Yet God has never removed the possibility of
doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 12 what to do.htm

There was Doubt in the Councils of the Gods How that Unyielding ...
... Book V. 11 There was doubt in the councils of the gods how that unyielding
and fierce violence� There was doubt in the councils ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/11 there was doubt in.htm

It is a Matter of Doubt, Whether the Faith by which Abraham is ...
... ARTICLE III It is a matter of doubt, whether the faith by which Abraham is said
to be justified, was a faith in Jesus Christ who was still to come. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article iii it is a.htm

It is a Matter of Doubt, Whether Believers under the Old Testament ...
... ARTICLE XI It is a matter of doubt, whether believers under the Old Testament
understood that the legal ceremonies were types of Christ and of his benefits. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xi it is a.htm

The Routing of Giant Doubt
... CHAPTER ELEVEN THE ROUTING OF GIANT DOUBT. THE ROUTING OF GIANT DOUBT Doubts! doubts! ...
He had a great encounter with old Giant Doubt; so let us pay him a visit. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter eleven the routing of.htm

Poetry of Doubt. October 17.
... Poetry of Doubt. October 17. The "poetry of doubt" of these days, however pretty,
would stand us in little stead if we were threatened by a second Armada. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /poetry of doubt october 17.htm

No Doubt the Apostle Admonishes the Romans to be Subject to all ...
... Chapter XIV. No doubt the apostle admonishes the Romans to be subject
to all power� No doubt the apostle admonishes the Romans ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter xiv no doubt the.htm

He Vainly Thinks that the Doubt About the Energies is to be Solved ...
... Book I. Section 29. He vainly thinks that the doubt about the energies is to be
solved by the beings, and reversely. Now let us see what comes next. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 29 he vainly thinks.htm

A Doubt Raised About Divine Appearances.
... Book II. Chapter 7."A Doubt Raised About Divine Appearances. 12. The Holy
Spirit, then, is also said to be sent, on account of ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 7 a doubt raised about.htm

AN APPEAL To all that Doubt
AN APPEAL To all that Doubt. <. AN APPEAL To all that Doubt William Law. Table
of Contents. Title Page. Favor of the Reader. Of Creation in general. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/law/an appeal to all that doubt/

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (v. i.) To waver in opinion or judgment; to be in uncertainty as to belief respecting anything; to hesitate in belief; to be undecided as to the truth of the negative or the affirmative proposition; to b e undetermined.

2. (v. i.) To suspect; to fear; to be apprehensive.

3. (v. t.) To question or hold questionable; to withhold assent to; to hesitate to believe, or to be inclined not to believe; to withhold confidence from; to distrust; as, I have heard the story, but I doubt the truth of it.

4. (v. t.) To suspect; to fear; to be apprehensive of.

5. (v. t.) To fill with fear; to affright.

6. (n.) A fluctuation of mind arising from defect of knowledge or evidence; uncertainty of judgment or mind; unsettled state of opinion concerning the reality of an event, or the truth of an assertion, etc.; hesitation.

7. (v. i.) Uncertainty of condition.

8. (v. i.) Suspicion; fear; apprehension; dread.

9. (v. i.) Difficulty expressed or urged for solution; point unsettled; objection.

Topical Bible Verses

James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Topicalbible.org

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Topicalbible.org

Thesaurus

Doubt (49 Occurrences)
... to; to hesitate to believe, or to be inclined not to believe; to withhold confidence
from; to distrust; as, I have heard the story, but I doubt the truth ...DOUBT. ...
/d/doubt.htm - 24k

Transfiguration
... 28-36). The fullest account is given by Luke, who, no doubt, was informed
by Peter, who was present on the occasion. What these ...
/t/transfiguration.htm - 17k

Artaxerxes (14 Occurrences)
... It seems more probable, however, that Artaxerxes I is the king referred to; and
there is little doubt that the identification of the Artaxerxes of Ezra 4:7 ...
/a/artaxerxes.htm - 16k

Assurance (16 Occurrences)
... The "full assurance [Gr. plerophoria, `full bearing'] of faith" (Hebrews 10:22)
is a fulness of faith in God which leaves no room for doubt. ...
/a/assurance.htm - 16k

Doubting (13 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Doubt. 2. (a.) That is uncertain; that distrusts or hesitates; having
doubts. ... (BBE). Jude 1:22 And have pity on those who are in doubt; (See NAS). ...
/d/doubting.htm - 10k

Oak (22 Occurrences)
... of the same verb and means "one who practices augury," though there is some doubt
as to the exact connotation of the word. See under DIVINATION. ...
/o/oak.htm - 33k

Joram (26 Occurrences)
... On his question, "Is it peace, Jehu?" he received a brutal reply that no longer
left him in doubt as to the intention of the conspirator. ...
/j/joram.htm - 27k

Owl (11 Occurrences)
... kippod, instead of kippoz. There is no reason to doubt the correctness of
the rendering of the Authorized Version. Tristram says: "The ...
/o/owl.htm - 18k

Certainly (415 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) Without doubt or question; unquestionably. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CERTAIN; CERTAINLY; CERTAINTY. ...
/c/certainly.htm - 37k

Gifts (144 Occurrences)
... xxiii; Origen, Contra Celsum, vii.4). The free exercise of these gifts gradually
ceased, partly, no doubt, through loss of the early faith and spirituality ...
/g/gifts.htm - 61k

Bible Concordance

Doubt (49 Occurrences)

Matthew 14:31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" The Good News According to Mark
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith, and don't doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain,'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it would be done.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 28:17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Mark 11:23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain,'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 4:23 He said to them, "Doubtless you will tell me this parable,'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in your hometown.'"
(Root in WEB WEY ASV BBE NAS RSV)

Luke 9:7 Now Herod the king had news of all these things: and he was in doubt, because it was said by some people that John had come back from the dead;
(BBE)

Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
(KJV WBS)

Luke 21:25 And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and on the earth, fear among the nations and doubt because of the loud noise of the sea and the waves;
(BBE)

Luke 23:47 And when the captain saw what was done, he gave praise to God, saying, Without doubt this was an upright man.
(BBE)

Luke 24:4 And while they were in doubt about it, they saw two men in shining clothing by them:
(BBE)

Luke 24:38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts?
(Root in WEB BBE NAS NIV)

Luke 24:41 And because, for joy and wonder, they were still in doubt, he said to them, Have you any food here?
(BBE)

John 6:6 This he said, testing him: for he had no doubt what he himself would do.
(BBE)

John 7:40 After listening to these discourses, some of the crowd began to say, "This is beyond doubt the Prophet."
(WEY)

John 10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
(KJV BBE WBS)

John 13:22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
(Root in KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT)

John 16:1 I have said these things to you so that you may not be in doubt.
(BBE)

John 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, Put out your finger, and see my hands; and put your hand here into my side: and be no longer in doubt but have belief.
(BBE NIV)

Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
(KJV BBE WBS YLT)

Acts 2:36 "Therefore let the whole House of Israel know beyond all doubt that God has made Him both LORD and CHRIST--this Jesus whom you crucified."
(WEY)

Acts 9:26 So he came to Jerusalem and made several attempts to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, being in doubt as to whether he himself was a disciple.
(WEY)

Acts 10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
(Root in KJV BBE DBY WBS)

Acts 12:11 When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I truly know that the Lord has sent out his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were expecting."
(See NIV)

Acts 15:24 Because we have knowledge that some who went from us have been troubling you with their words, putting your souls in doubt; to whom we gave no such order;
(BBE)

Acts 28:4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live."
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV)

Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
(Root in KJV BBE WBS)

Romans 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. (24) Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, (25) but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; (26) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
(Root in WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 2:3 And I was with you without strength, in fear and in doubt.
(BBE)

1 Corinthians 9:26 That is how I run, not being in any doubt as to my goal. I am a boxer who does not inflict blows on the air,
(WEY)

2 Corinthians 13:6 But it is my hope that you will have no doubt that we are truly Christ's.
(BBE)

Galatians 4:20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Hebrews 7:7 But there is no doubt that the less gets his blessing from the greater.
(BBE NIV)

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.
(Root in WEB WEY ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
(KJV WBS)

Jude 1:22 And on some have mercy, who are in doubt;
(ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 37:33 He recognized it, and said, "It is my son's coat. An evil animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS RSV)

Numbers 5:14 If the spirit of doubt comes into her husband's heart, and he has doubts of his wife, with good cause; or if he has doubts of her without cause:
(BBE)

Numbers 5:25 And the priest will take from her hand the meal offering of doubt, waving it before the Lord, and will take it to the altar;
(BBE)

Deuteronomy 17:4 If word of this comes to your ears, then let this thing be looked into with care, and if there is no doubt that it is true, and such evil has been done in Israel;
(BBE)

Deuteronomy 23:21 When you take an oath to the Lord, do not be slow to give effect to it: for without doubt the Lord your God will make you responsible, and will put it to your account as sin.
(BBE)

Deuteronomy 28:66 and your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you shall fear night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV)

1 Samuel 23:23 So take care to get knowledge of all the secret places where he is taking cover, and be certain to come back to me, and I will go with you: and without doubt, if he is anywhere in the land, I will get him, among all the families of Judah.
(BBE)

1 Samuel 26:25 Then Saul said to David, May a blessing be on you, David, my son; you will do great things and without doubt you will overcome. Then David went on his way, and Saul went back to his place.
(BBE)

2 Kings 19:11 No doubt the story has come to your ears of what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, putting them to the curse; and will you be kept safe?
(BBE)

Job 12:2 "No doubt, but you are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS RSV NIV)

Job 38:21 Doubtless', thou knowest, for thou wast then born, And the number of thy days is great!
(Root in ASV BBE)

Psalms 13:2 How long is my soul to be in doubt, with sorrow in my heart all the day? how long will he who is against me be given power over me?
(BBE)

Proverbs 23:18 For without doubt there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
(BBE)

Isaiah 37:11 No doubt the story has come to your ears of what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, putting them to the curse: and will you be kept safe from their fate?
(BBE)

Subtopics

Doubt

Related Terms

Transfiguration

Artaxerxes (14 Occurrences)

Assurance (16 Occurrences)

Doubting (13 Occurrences)

Oak (22 Occurrences)

Joram (26 Occurrences)

Owl (11 Occurrences)

Certainly (415 Occurrences)

Gifts (144 Occurrences)