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Our article elucidates the variations in translating the Greek verb ‘Pisteuo’ in the New Testament, expounding the depths of ‘believing in’, ‘into’, or ‘on’ Jesus Christ. Understand the profound nuances of faith as conveyed through the original Greek language.

John 3:16 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that whoever believes in [trusting in] him will not be destroyed but have eternal life.

John 3:36 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

³⁶The one believing in [trusting in] the Son has eternal life, but the one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Edward D. Andrews — EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored 220+ books. Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

Believe, faith, Trust in: (Gr. pisteuo) If pisteuo is followed by the Greek preposition eis, (“into, in, among,” accusative case), it is normally rendered “trusting in” or “trust in.” (John 3:16, 36; 12:36; 14:1) The grammatical construction of the Greek verb pisteuo “believe” followed by the Greek preposition eis “into” in the accusative gives us the sense of having faith into Jesus, putting faith in, trusting in Jesus. – Matt. 21:25, 32; 27:42; John 1:7, 12; 2:23–24; 3:15-16, 36; 6:47; 11:25; 12:36; 14:1; 20:31; Acts 16:31; Rom. 4:3.

A Grammar of New Testament Greek series, by James Moulton, says, “The importance of the difference between mere belief … and personal trust.”[1] Both these senses can be conveyed using the Greek word pisteuo. The context helps us to identify the different senses of the meaning of pisteuo. Then again, we also have the different grammatical constructions that also convey what the Bible author had meant by his use of the word. When pisteuo is simply followed by a noun in the dative case, it is merely rendered as “believe,” such as the chief priest and elders response to Jesus at Matthew 21:25, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ However, in Romans 4:3 we have pisteuo follow by a noun in the dative in the Updated American Standard Version, yet it is rendered “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham put faith in God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (The ASV, RSV, ESV, NASB, and others have “Abraham believed God”)

If pisteuo is followed by the Greek preposition epi, “on,” it can be rendered “believe in” or believe on.” At Matthew 27:42, it reads, “we will believe in him [i.e., Jesus].” At Acts 16:31, it reads “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved …” (KJV, UASV similarly) What is the difference between “believing in Jesus” and “believing on Jesus”? Believing in Jesus is a merely acknowledging that he exists while believing on Jesus is to accept absolutely, having no doubt or uncertainty, trusting in, putting faith in or trust in, exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Faith is NOT so much something Christians have but rather something Christians do.

What is the Difference Between Believing “in” Jesus Christ and Believing “into” Jesus Christ and Believing “on” Jesus Christ?

The subtleties of the original Greek language in the New Testament reveal distinct shades of meaning behind the English translation of believing “in”, “into”, or “on” Jesus Christ. This differentiation enriches our understanding of faith in the Christian context.

When one believes “in” Jesus Christ (with the Greek preposition “epi” accompanying “pisteuo”), it represents a recognition or acceptance of His existence. It’s akin to acknowledging the historical reality of Jesus as a person, and His teachings. It might also involve a degree of respect or reverence for His life and teachings, but it does not necessarily indicate a personal commitment or a trust in Jesus for salvation. For example, even the demons acknowledge the existence of God and Jesus Christ (James 2:19).

However, when one believes “into” Jesus Christ (with the Greek preposition “eis”), the concept takes on a more profound connotation. This implies not just believing in the existence of Jesus, but placing complete trust and reliance on Him. It’s a matter of entrusting one’s life, future, and eternal destiny to Him. This is the kind of faith that leads to salvation. John 3:16 exemplifies this idea: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that whoever believes in [trusting in] him will not be destroyed but have eternal life.”

Believing “on” Jesus Christ (also with “epi”) carries a similar weight to believing “into” Him. It implies an absolute acceptance, without doubt or uncertainty, and full trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This is more than mere belief; it’s a confident, personal faith that acts on the trust in Jesus, recognizing Him as the Lord and Savior. This form of belief is beautifully encapsulated in Acts 16:31: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

In summary, while believing “in” Jesus acknowledges His existence and perhaps His teachings, believing “into” and “on” Jesus signifies a deeper level of trust and personal commitment. They imply a faith that embraces Jesus as Lord and Savior, relies on Him for salvation, and commits to following His teachings and commands.

[1] James Moulton, A Grammar of New Testament Greek, Vol. 1: Prolegomena (London, England: T & T Clark International, 2006), 68.