[Greek] ἀπείθεια (apeitheia), [Latin] incredulitatem, [Latin] diffidentia: disobedience, disbelief, unbelief, obstinancy; Rom.11:30,32, Eph.2:2, Eph.5:6, Col.3:6, Heb.4:6,11
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means disobedience. Xenophon’s Memorabilia 3.5.5 states “Ah, I am aware of that, answered Socrates, ‘but the disposition of our city is no more to a good ruler’s liking. For confidence breeds carelessness, lackness, and disobedience; fear makes men more attentive, more obedient, more amenable to discipline.’”
New Testament: This term means disobedience and rejection of belief. Both Israel and Gentiles, who have been disobedient, have been delivered through God’s mercy. Where sin has increased, mercy increases ever more. The age of this world is filled with disobedience in contrast to the age to come. God’s wrath may also come upon the disobedient. For those who have received the good news, some will not enter into this rest because of disobedience. God’s word can bring salvation or judgment because of disobedience.
Scripture:
“Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience.” Rom.11:30
Israel and the Gentiles, who have been disobedient, are also delivered by God’s mercy.”
“For God delivered all to disobedience, that He might have mercy upon them all.” Rom.11:32
Where sin increases, mercy increases ever more.
“Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience.” Heb.4:11
Jesus leads His people into this rest. The author states that God’s word can bring salvation or judgment because of disobedience.
Etymology: The Latin incredulitas originally meant disbelief or unbelief. Now this term means unbelievable, surpassing belief, and extraordinary. The Latin diffidentia means distrustful and not confident. The Greek apeitheia scripturally means unbelief. However, apeithea also means indifference, freedom from suffering, and without feeling.
Conclusion:
Apathy, diffidence, incredible, incredulous
This term essentially can mean disobedient in any time in history.
God’s mercy is much more than any one’s disobedience. The age of this world (including modern times) is still filled with disobedience in many forms. Even hearing the good news, one still may not enter into God’s rest because of disobedience.