James 1:8
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Original Language Analysis
δίψυχος
A double minded
G1374
δίψυχος
A double minded
Strong's:
G1374
Word #:
2 of 8
two-spirited, i.e., vacillating (in opinion or purpose)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Kings 18:21And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.Matthew 6:24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.James 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.Isaiah 29:13Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:2 Peter 2:14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:2 Kings 17:41So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.2 Peter 3:16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.2 Kings 17:33They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.
Historical Context
Diaspora believers were tempted to divide their allegiance between the risen Lord and the social expectations of synagogues or trade guilds. James's pastoral authority as Jerusalem's overseer lent weight to his call for single-mindedness. His emphasis parallels Jesus' warning that no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24) and Paul's insistence on sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).
The instability mentioned may refer to communal turmoil—factions, quarrels, favoritism—that plagued early congregations. James addresses root issues rather than merely treating symptoms.
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you tempted to divide your loyalties between Christ and worldly security?
- How can spiritual disciplines cultivate single-minded affection for Jesus?
- Who in your community can help you identify and repent of hypocrisy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. The descriptor "double minded" translates dipsychos (δίψυχος), literally "two-souled," portraying a divided interior life. Such a person is "unstable" (akatastatos, ἀκατάστατος) in all ways, tottering like a trembling table. James traces gossip, favoritism, and worldliness back to inner duplicity that refuses single-hearted devotion to Christ.
Reformed spirituality emphasizes integrity of heart: sola fide faith is not fragmented but wholly oriented toward Christ. James is not calling for sinless perfection but for covenantal loyalty that resists being blown about by cultural winds. The term dipsychos reappears in 4:8, linking prayer, speech, and holiness to a unified heart.