James 1 · Verse 8

James 1:8

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
James 1:8, King James Version

James 1:8 in other translations

BSBHe is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
WEBHe is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
ASVa doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways.
YLTa two-souled man is unstable in all his ways.
DARBYhe is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
BBEFor there is a division in his mind, and he is uncertain in all his ways.
WebsterA man unsettled in his opinions is unstable in all his ways.

What does James 1:8 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. double-minded--literally, "double-souled," the one soul directed towards God, the other to something else. The Greek favors Alford's translation, "He (the waverer, Jas 1:6) is a man double-minded, unstable," &c.; or better, Beza's. The words in this Jas 1:8 are in apposition with "that man," Jas 1:7; thus the "us," which is not in the original, will not need to be supplied, "A man double-minded, unstable in all his ways!" The word for "double-minded" is found here and in Jas 4:8, for the first time in Greek literature. It is not a hypocrite that is meant, but a fickle, "wavering" man, as the context shows. It is opposed to the single eye (Mt 6:22).

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 8. A double-minded man. The word here used (διψυχος) occurs only here and in Jas 4:8. It means, properly, one who has two souls; then one who is wavering or inconstant. It is applicable to a man who has no settled principles; who is controlled by passion; who is influenced by popular feeling; who is now inclined to one opinion or course of conduct, and now to another.

Is unstable in all his ways. That is, not merely in regard to prayer, the point particularly under discussion, but in respect to everything. From the instability which the wavering must evince in regard to prayer, the apostle takes occasion to make the general remark concerning such a man, that stability and firmness could be expected on no subject. The hesitancy which he manifested on that one subject would extend to all; and we might expect to find such a man irresolute and undetermined in all things. This is always true. If we find a man who takes hold of the promises of God with firmness; who feels the deepest assurance when he prays that God will hear prayer; who always goes to him without hesitation in his perplexities and trials, never wavering, we shall find one who is firm in his principles, steady in his integrity, settled in his determinations, and steadfast in his plans of life--a man whose character we shall feel that we understand, and in whom we can confide. Such a man eminently was Luther; and the spirit which is thus evinced by taking firmly hold of the promises of God is the best kind of religion.

(+) "unstable" or, "unsteady"

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 8 A double-minded man - Ανηρ διψυχος· The man of two souls, who has one for earth, and another for heaven; who wishes to secure both worlds; he will not give up earth, and he is loth to let heaven go. This was a usual term among the Jews, to express the man who attempted to worship God, and yet retained the love of the creature. Rabbi Tanchum, fol. 84, on Deu 26:17, said: "Behold, the Scripture exhorts the Israelites, and tells them when they pray, לא יהיה להם שתי לבבות lo yiyeh lahem shetey lebaboth, that they should not have two hearts, one for the holy blessed God, and one for something else." A man of this character is continually distracted; he will neither let earth nor heaven go, and yet he can have but one. Perhaps St. James refers to those Jews who were endeavoring to incorporate the law with the Gospel, who were divided in their minds and affections, not willing to give up the Levitical rites, and yet unwilling to renounce the Gospel. Such persons could make no progress in Divine things.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on James 1:1-11

Chapter Outline How to apply to God under troubles, and how to behave in prosperous and in adverse circumstances. (1-11) To look upon all evil as proceeding from ourselves, and all good from God. (12-18) The duty of watching against a rash temper, and of receiving the word of God with meekness. (19-21) And of living according thereto. (22-25) The difference between vain pretences and real religion. (26-27) Verses…

Read the full comment on James 1:1-11 →

James 1:8 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ἀνὴρanēr[He is] a manG435
δίψυχοςdipsuchosdouble-mindedG1374
ἀκατάστατοςakatastatosunstableG182
ἐνeninG1722
πάσαιςpasaisallG3956
ταῖςtaistheG3588
ὁδοῖςhodoiswaysG3598
αὐτοῦ.autouof him.G846

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for James 1:8

  • 1 Kings 18:21

    And 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 6:24

    No 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 4:8

    Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

  • Isaiah 29:13

    Wherefore 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 2:14

    Having 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 17:41

    So 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 3:16

    As 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 17:33

    They feared the Lord, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.

  • Hosea 7:8-11

    Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not. And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek him for all this. Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
4:8; 1Ki 18:21; 2Ki 17:33,41; Isa 29:13; Ho 7:8-11; 10:2; Mt 6:22,24
2Pe 2:14; 3:16

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • James 1:7

    For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

  • James 1:8

    A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

  • James 1:9

    Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

Read all of James 1

James 1:8 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		El hombre de doblado ánimo es inconstante en todos sus caminos.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		il est un homme incertain dans ses pensées, inconstant dans toutes ses voies.
German
Elberfelder 1871		er ist ein wankelmütiger Mann, unstet in allen seinen Wegen.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Vir duplex animo inconstans est in omnibus viis suis.