Doubt in the Bible

Last updated: February 2, 2026

This page presents biblical passages where figures express doubt, uncertainty, or questions about God.

Introduction

The Bible contains numerous passages where central figures express doubts, questions, and uncertainties. This page collects these passages for study and reflection.

Biblical Examples of Doubt

Thomas expressed doubt about Jesus' resurrection until he could see evidence.

"Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

(John 20:25)

John the Baptist doubted whether Jesus was the Messiah.

"Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"

(Matthew 11:3)

David questioned why God seemed absent in his suffering.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?"

(Psalm 22:1)

Gideon asked God for multiple signs to confirm His calling.

"If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised—look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor."

(Judges 6:36-37)

Moses questioned his ability to lead Israel.

"Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

(Exodus 3:11)

Jeremiah questioned God's justice.

"You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper?"

(Jeremiah 12:1)

Habakkuk questioned why God allowed wickedness.

"How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, 'Violence!' but you do not save?"

(Habakkuk 1:2)

Job questioned God's treatment of him in his suffering.

"Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?"

(Job 13:24)

Asaph doubted God's goodness when he saw the wicked prosper.

"But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."

(Psalm 73:2-3)

Divine Responses in the Text

Jesus invited Thomas to examine the evidence.

"Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

(John 20:27)

Jesus answered John's doubt with evidence of His works.

"Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."

(Matthew 11:4-5)

God patiently provided signs for Gideon's doubts.

"God did so that night. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew."

(Judges 6:40)

God reassured Moses with promises and signs.

"I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."

(Exodus 3:12)

God answered Habakkuk's questions with explanation.

"Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."

(Habakkuk 1:5)

God spoke directly to Job from the whirlwind.

"Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm: 'Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?'"

(Job 38:1-2)

Related Passages

Isaiah on reasoning together:

"'Come now, let us settle the matter,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'"

(Isaiah 1:18)

Hebrews on seeking:

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

(Hebrews 11:6)

Summary

The Bible preserves accounts of doubt and questioning from many of its central figures. Scholars and theologians interpret these passages in various ways, with some emphasizing divine patience with human uncertainty and others focusing on the eventual resolution of doubt through faith or encounter.


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