ῥιπίζω (rhipizō)
rhipizō
to toss about
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb rhipizō describes a violent tossing or agitation, derived from a root related to fanning or bellows. While its literal sense involves moving air to stoke a fire or cool oneself, the New Testament uses it in the passive voice to depict objects being driven about by strong winds. This imagery captures a lack of stability, where external forces dictate movement rather than internal direction.
James employs this word uniquely in Scripture to describe the unstable person who wavers between hope and fear (James 1:6). Just as waves are tossed by the wind, the individual with double-mindedness is agitated by shifting circumstances. The term conveys more than simple uncertainty; it suggests a chaotic state of being blown about by opposing impulses.
Translators typically render this as "tossed" or "agitated," emphasizing the physical instability that mirrors spiritual indecision. The word highlights how a lack of firm resolve leaves a person vulnerable to every change in direction, much like chaff driven by the breeze. This vivid picture underscores the need for steadfast faith to remain unmoved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rhipizō paints a vivid picture of being violently tossed about, much like a small boat caught in a sudden storm or a wave driven by unpredictable winds. In James 1:6, this imagery is used to describe the inner state of someone who doubts. It suggests that when our hearts are divided, we become unstable, swept away by every shifting circumstance or opposing impulse. This instability does not come from a lack of strength, but from a lack of fixed direction.
For your faith life, this offers a gentle invitation to seek stability rather than perfection. You do not need to have all the answers right now. Instead, you can anchor yourself in trust. When you ask for wisdom or guidance, doing so with a steady heart helps you remain calm even when external pressures rise. This steadiness is not about ignoring your feelings, but about letting your core trust guide you through them.
As you face moments of uncertainty, remember that stability comes from focusing on what remains constant. You are invited to rest in the assurance that your worth and direction are not defined by every passing wind. Peace is found when we stop trying to control the storm and instead fix our eyes on the One who holds it all together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being tossed by the wind.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥιπιζομένῳ.1×
Key Verses
-
James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.
This verse uniquely applies rhipizō to the human soul, illustrating how doubt creates a chaotic inner state similar to waves driven by wind.