The Concept of Doubt in the New Testament

The purpose of this research paper is to present the New Testament concept of doubt. Such a study necessitates a detailed examination of the various words that directly or indirectly mean or refer to doubt. By the word doubt is not meant an intellectual inquiry in search fora greater understanding—every Christian must do this to grow in the knowledge of his faith. Rather, by doubt is meant a wavering between faith and unbelief wherein one’s reason and personal desires try to be autonomous. Some Greek words can be translated directly into the word “doubt. If only these words were studied, however, the many other phrases that refer to the idea of doubt would be missed. Furthermore, in a few instances, neither specific words or phrases directly refer to doubt but the situation or context in general issues the concept of doubt. These three, then, specific words, phrases, and situations that speak or refer to doubt, must be studied if an adequate picture of doubt in the New Testament is going to be obtained