King James Version

What Does James 1:6 Mean?

James 1:6 in the King James Version says “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and toss...” — study this verse from James chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Faith

Context

4

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing .

5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6

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.

7

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

8

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Read James 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Faith (pistis, πίστις) is the channel for wisdom; James demands asking without "wavering" (diakrinomenos, διακρινόμενος), a participle describing divided judgment. The image of a wave (kludōn, κλύδων) driven and tossed depicts spiritual instability—the opposite of steadfast patience. Prayer that hesitates between trusting God's character and clinging to self-reliance undermines itself.

The Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty safeguards us from superstition: faith does not manipulate God but receives what He freely gives in Christ. Yet James insists that unbelief is no minor lapse; it reveals a heart trying to keep one foot in worldly calculation and another in covenant trust. True wisdom flows only when believers plant both feet firmly on the promises secured by Jesus.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Diaspora believers were surrounded by competing philosophies—Stoic resignation, Cynic cynicism, and pagan divination. James, writing from Jerusalem soon after the Jerusalem Council debates, steers them toward wholehearted dependence rather than syncretistic bargaining. His language parallels Paul in Romans 4, where Abraham does not "waver" but grows strong in faith.

These persecuted saints needed assurance that asking God in faith was not futile even when circumstances seemed bleak. James reinforces that in the new covenant era, wisdom is mediated through Christ's lordship, not temple rituals or magic formulae.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you sense a tug-of-war between trusting God and hedging bets with worldly security?
  2. How can specific promises of Scripture steady your prayers this week?
  3. What action would demonstrate that you believe God will supply the wisdom you asked for?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
αἰτείτω1 of 15

“let him ask”

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν3 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πίστει4 of 15

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

μηδὲν5 of 15

“nothing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

διακρινόμενος6 of 15

“he that wavereth”

G1252

to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,

ὁ7 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ8 of 15

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

διακρινόμενος9 of 15

“he that wavereth”

G1252

to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,

ἔοικεν10 of 15

“is like”

G1503

to resemble

κλύδωνι11 of 15

“a wave”

G2830

a surge of the sea (literally or figuratively)

θαλάσσης12 of 15

“of the sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ἀνεμιζομένῳ13 of 15

“driven with the wind”

G416

to toss with the wind

καὶ14 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ῥιπιζομένῳ15 of 15

“tossed”

G4494

to breeze up, i.e., (by analogy) to agitate (into waves)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

James 1:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to James 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 21:21-22Hebrews 11:6Mark 11:22-24Ephesians 4:14Hebrews 10:23Hebrews 13:9

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