Original Word: δίψυχος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: dipsuchos
Pronunciation: dip'-soo-khos
Phonetic Spelling: (dip'-soo-khos)
Definition: Double-minded
Meaning: (lit: of two souls, of two selves), double-minded, wavering.

double minded.

From dis and psuche; two-spirited, i.e. Vacillating (in opinion or purpose) -- double minded.

see GREEK dis

see GREEK psuche

1374 dípsyxos (an adjective, derived from 1364 /dís, "two" and 5590 /psyxḗ, "soul") – properly, "two souled"; (figuratively) "double-minded," i.e. a person "split in half," vacillating like a "spiritual schizophrenic." This term may have been coined in the NT (R. Lenski, P. Davids).

Word Origin
from dis and psuché
Definition
of two minds, wavering
NASB Translation
double-minded (2).

STRONGS NT 1374: δίψυχος

δίψυχος, διψυχον (δίς and ψυχή), double-minded;

a. wavering, uncertain, doubting: James 1:8 (οἱ δίψυχοι καί οἱ δισταζοντες περί τῆς τοῦ θοῦ δυνάμεως, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 11, 2 [ET]; ταλαίπωροι εἰσιν οἱ δίψυχοι, οἱ δισταζοντες τήν ψυχήν (others τῇ ψυχή), ibid. 23, 3 [ET]; μή γίνου δίψυχος ἐν προσευχή σου, εἰ ἔσται ἤ οὐ, Apostolic Constitutions 7, 11; μή γίνου δίψυχος ἐν προσευχή σου, μακάριος γάρ ὁ μή διστασας, Ignatius ad. Heron. 7; (cf. references in Muller's note on the Epistle of Barnabas, 19, 5 [ET])).

b. divided in interest namely, between God and the world: James 4:8. Not found in secular writings. (Philo, fragment 2:663).

Word Origin: From δίς (dis, meaning "twice" or "double") and ψυχή (psuche, meaning "soul" or "mind").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for δίψυχος, the concept of divided loyalty or a double heart can be related to Hebrew terms such as לֵב וָלֵב (lev va-lev, "a heart and a heart"), which appears in Psalm 12:2, describing deceitful and insincere speech. The idea of a divided heart is also echoed in passages like 1 Kings 18:21, where Elijah challenges the Israelites to choose between God and Baal, highlighting the danger of wavering between two opinions.

Usage: The word δίψυχος appears in the New Testament in the context of spiritual instability and lack of faith. It is used to describe individuals who are not fully committed or are inconsistent in their beliefs and actions.

Context: The term δίψυχος is found in the New Testament in the Epistle of James, where it is used to highlight the spiritual condition of being divided in one's mind or heart. In James 1:8, the author writes, "He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways" (BSB). This verse emphasizes the instability and unreliability of a person who is not fully committed to God, illustrating the internal conflict that arises from trying to serve two masters or holding onto contradictory beliefs.

James further elaborates on this concept in James 4:8, where he exhorts believers to "purify your hearts, you double-minded" (BSB). Here, the call to purification suggests a need for single-minded devotion and sincerity in one's relationship with God. The double-minded person is contrasted with the faithful believer who is steadfast and unwavering in their trust and obedience to God.

The notion of being double-minded is not merely about intellectual indecision but also involves a moral and spiritual dimension. It reflects a divided allegiance that hinders one's ability to fully experience the peace and assurance that comes from a wholehearted commitment to God. The call to avoid being δίψυχος is a call to spiritual integrity and wholehearted devotion.

διψυχοι δίψυχοι διψυχος δίψυχος dipsuchoi dipsuchos dipsychoi dípsychoi dipsychos dípsychosInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts