UNBELIEVER

un-be-lev'-er: This word follows closely the lines of "unbelief" (which see) in its relation to originals. Once only (Acts 14:2) it represents the participle apeithountes, "disobeying (ones)." Elsewhere (nine cases) it represents apistos, "faithless," "without faith." In six of these passages (all in 1 and 2 Corinthians) it denotes the unconverted pagan as distinguished from the convert. In the other passages (Luke 12:46; Titus 1:15; Revelation 21:8) the reference is to the unbelief which comes of moral resistance to God.

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.