James 1:6 kjv

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 1:6 nkjv

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

James 1:6 niv

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

James 1:6 esv

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

James 1:6 nlt

But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

James 1 verses

James 1 6 Meaning

When approaching God in prayer, especially when seeking His wisdom as mentioned in the preceding verse, one must do so with complete and unwavering faith. This means believing fully in God's character, His willingness to give, and His power to answer. Any form of inner hesitation, uncertainty, or doubt invalidates the prayer, for a heart that is divided in its trust is compared to a restless wave of the sea, unstable and continuously tossed about by external forces without any steadfast purpose or direction.

James 1 6 Context

James Chapter 1 introduces the theme of facing trials and temptations for believers. The initial verses (Jas 1:2-4) encourage enduring trials, which leads to perseverance and maturity. Verse 5 then offers comfort and solution: if trials expose a lack of wisdom, one should ask God, who gives generously. James 1:6 builds directly on this by specifying the condition for receiving that wisdom—it must be requested with unwavering faith. The passage highlights the practical outworking of faith in daily life and in moments of need, contrasting it sharply with indecision or "double-mindedness." Historically, James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, likely addressed Jewish Christians who were scattered and undergoing various pressures and persecutions. They needed steadfast faith to navigate their challenging circumstances. The imagery of the "wave of the sea" would have been immediately understandable to a people familiar with the turbulent Mediterranean or Galilean seas, representing chaos and lack of control.

James 1 6 Word analysis

• But (δὲ - de): A conjunction connecting this verse to the preceding one, emphasizing a critical condition or contrasting aspect concerning the asking. It shifts focus from the object (wisdom) to the manner of asking.
• let him ask (αἰτείτω - aiteitō): An imperative verb, conveying a direct command or strong exhortation. It implies an earnest, genuine petition from the individual.
• in faith (ἐν πίστει - en pistei):
  • Pistei (faith): Denotes firm conviction, trust, and full assurance. It is more than intellectual assent; it is an active reliance on God's character, promises, and power. It signifies confidence in God's willingness and ability to provide.
  • En (in): Indicates the sphere or condition within which the asking must occur – entirely encompassed by faith.
• with no doubting (μηδὲν διακρινόμενος - mēden diakrinomenos):
  • Mēden (nothing, not at all): An emphatic negation, reinforcing the absolute absence of doubt required.
  • Diakrinomenos (doubting, wavering, hesitating): Present participle, indicating a continuous state. The root meaning of diakrino involves 'to separate,' 'to discriminate,' or 'to be divided in one's mind.' Here, it vividly portrays internal conflict, uncertainty, or hesitation in one's heart regarding God's will or power.
• for he who doubts (ὁ γὰρ διακρινόμενος - ho gar diakrinomenos):
  • Gar (for): Introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding instruction, providing the negative consequence of doubting.
  • Ho diakrinomenos: Refers to the person in the active state of doubt or internal division.
• is like a wave (ἔοικεν κλύδωνι - eoiken klydōni):
  • Eoiken (is like, resembles): A comparative verb introducing the simile.
  • Klydōni (wave, surge, swell): Refers to a tumultuous, often large and unstable wave. It symbolizes lack of control, instability, and a reactive nature rather than a purposeful one.
• of the sea (θαλάσσης - thalassēs): The sea, especially in ancient Mediterranean thought, often represented powerful, uncontrollable, and sometimes chaotic forces, underscoring the raw instability of the wave.
• driven (ἀνεμιζομένῳ - anemizomenō): A passive participle from anemizō, meaning 'to be driven by the wind' or 'blown by the wind.' It conveys a sense of being externally controlled and lacking any self-direction or internal stability.
• and tossed (καὶ ῥιπιζομένῳ - kai rhipizomenō): A passive participle from rhipizō, meaning 'to be agitated,' 'to be whipped,' or 'to be thrown about violently.' It further emphasizes the erratic, unstable, and turbulent movement, like an object continually being thrown and stirred up.
• by the wind (ὑπὸ ἀνέμου - hypo anemou): Indicates the external agent causing the wave's tumultuous movement. The wind here represents external circumstances, pressures, fears, or the general anxieties of life that sway the doubting heart.

• "But let him ask in faith": This foundational statement sets the positive condition for effective prayer. "Faith" implies complete confidence in God, recognizing His power and willingness to give. It is a resolute and firm belief that aligns the believer's request with God's perfect character.
• "with no doubting": This directly addresses and forbids internal wavering. The term describes an internal struggle, a mental debate, or an inability to fully commit. It's a critical absence of an 'either/or' mindset regarding God's involvement or capacity.
• "for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea": The immediate consequence and vivid imagery of a person lacking conviction. The "wave" is inherently unstable and without its own power to direct itself, illustrating the lack of inner steadfastness in a divided mind.
• "driven and tossed by the wind": This phrase completes the metaphor, painting a picture of continuous, uncontrolled motion. Just as a wave is utterly at the mercy of external forces, so is the doubter spiritually. This person lacks an anchor in God, being instead swayed by circumstances, fear, or worldly anxieties, rendering their prayer ineffective.

James 1 6 Bonus section

• Double-Mindedness (dipsychos): The Greek word dipsychos (δίψυχος), meaning "two-souled" or "double-minded," is explicitly used in James 1:8 to describe the person who doubts. This connection illuminates the unstable nature depicted in verse 6. The doubter is fundamentally divided in their allegiances or intentions, attempting to cling to God while simultaneously entertaining unbelief or worldly solutions, hence being "unstable in all his ways."
• Contrast with God's Character: James 1:17 immediately reinforces the need for stable faith by contrasting it with God's own unwavering nature. God is described as the "Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." This perfect consistency of God serves as the very ground for confident, undoubting faith. Our instability in faith is sharply contrasted with His unchanging steadfastness.
• Faith as Trust, not Strength: James is not demanding a measure of "strong faith" but rather true faith—trust. The focus is on the object of faith, God, who is powerful and faithful, not on the human capacity for faith. The issue of doubt arises when the focus shifts from God's unchangeable character to our fluctuating circumstances or feelings.

James 1 6 Commentary

James 1:6 is a pivotal verse that highlights the non-negotiable prerequisite for answered prayer: unwavering faith. It immediately follows the exhortation to ask God for wisdom in trials, emphasizing that the manner of asking is as crucial as the request itself. The phrase "in faith" signifies a deep, single-minded conviction in God's goodness and ability to provide, devoid of any internal dispute or mental reservation. "No doubting" precisely forbids the "double-minded" state, where one's thoughts vacillate between belief and unbelief. This spiritual instability is graphically illustrated by the simile of a "wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." A wave has no self-direction; it is entirely at the mercy of external forces, embodying the instability and purposelessness of a person whose faith is compromised by doubt. Such a person cannot expect to receive from the Lord because their heart is divided, lacking the firm resolve required for true dependence on God.

Examples for practical usage:

• When praying for healing, avoid mentally debating if God can or will heal; instead, approach with full confidence in His power and love, trusting in His ultimate will.
• In seeking guidance for a major life decision, do not pray with uncertainty in God's leading, but with a settled assurance that He desires to direct your path and will make it clear.
• Facing financial hardship, instead of oscillating between trust and despair in prayer, hold fast to the conviction that God provides for His children, submitting your need with full expectation.