James 1:6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

◄ James 1:6 ►

New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Berean Literal Bible
But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing, for the one doubting is like a wave of the sea, being blown and being tossed by the wind.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

NASB 1995
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

NASB 1977
But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Legacy Standard Bible
But he must ask in faith, doubting nothing, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Amplified Bible
But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind.

Christian Standard Bible
But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

American Standard Version
But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.

Contemporary English Version
But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm.

English Revised Version
But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When you ask for something, don't have any doubts. A person who has doubts is like a wave that is blown by the wind and tossed by the sea.

Good News Translation
But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind.

International Standard Version
But he must ask in faith, without any doubts, for the one who has doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Majority Standard Bible
But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

NET Bible
But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind.

New Heart English Bible
But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
But let him ask in faith and have no doubts; for he who has doubts is like the surge of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed into spray.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
but let him ask in faith, doubting nothing, for he who is doubting has been like a wave of the sea, driven by wind and tossed;

Berean Literal Bible
But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing, for the one doubting is like a wave of the sea, being blown and being tossed by the wind.

Young's Literal Translation
and let him ask in faith, nothing doubting, for he who is doubting hath been like a wave of the sea, driven by wind and tossed,

Smith's Literal Translation
And let him ask in faith, being at variance in nothing. For he being at variance is like the surge of the sea being moved by the wind and put in motion.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, which is moved and carried about by the wind.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But he should ask with faith, doubting nothing. For he who doubts is like a wave on the ocean, which is moved about by the wind and carried away;

New American Bible
But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind.

New Revised Standard Version
But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But let him ask in faith, not doubting. For he who doubts is like the waves of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But let him ask in faith, without wavering, for he who wavers is like the waves of the sea which the wind troubles,

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But let him ask in faith, doubting not: for he that doubts, is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind, and tossed.

Godbey New Testament
But let him ask in faith, doubting as to nothing; for he that doubts is like unto a wave of the sea driven by the winds and tossed by the tempest.

Haweis New Testament
But let him ask in faith, harbouring no doubt: for he who is doubtful is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind, and in constant agitation.

Mace New Testament
but let him be fully persuaded of the lawfulness of what he asks: for he that is diffident about that, is like the waves that fluctuate with the wind.

Weymouth New Testament
But let him ask in faith and have no doubts; for he who has doubts is like the surge of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed into spray.

Worrell New Testament
but let him ask in faith, nothing doubting; for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, wind-driven and tossed.

Worsley New Testament
But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting; for he that doubteth is like a wave of the sea blown about and tossed by the wind.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Rejoicing in Trials
…5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 21:21
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.

Mark 11:23
“Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Matthew 14:31
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”

Romans 4:20-21
Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, / being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.

Ephesians 4:14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.

1 Timothy 2:8
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.

Matthew 17:20
“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Luke 8:25
“Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!”

John 20:27
Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.”

1 John 5:14-15
And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.

Isaiah 7:9
The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’”

Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.

Treasury of Scripture

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

let.

Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Mark 11:22-24
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God…

1 Timothy 2:8
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

he.

Genesis 49:4
Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.

Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Jump to Previous

Believe Blown Doubt Doubteth Doubting Doubts Driven Faith Heart Request Sea Surge Tossed Troubled Wave Wavering Waves Wind

Jump to Next

Believe Blown Doubt Doubteth Doubting Doubts Driven Faith Heart Request Sea Surge Tossed Troubled Wave Wavering Waves Wind

James 1

1. James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;
2. exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;
5. to ask patience of God;
13. and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,
19. but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.
26. Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.

Berean Study Bible

But let him ask in faith
The phrase "let him ask in faith" emphasizes the necessity of approaching God with a confident trust in His character and promises. The Greek word for "faith" here is "pistis," which conveys a deep conviction and reliance on God. In the context of James, faith is not merely intellectual assent but a wholehearted trust that God will provide wisdom generously. Historically, faith has been the cornerstone of the Christian life, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham, who "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). This call to ask in faith is a reminder that our prayers should be rooted in a relationship with God, characterized by trust and dependence.

without doubting
The term "without doubting" translates from the Greek "diakrinomenos," which means to waver or to be divided in one's mind. Doubt, in this context, is not the honest questioning that seeks understanding but a lack of trust in God's ability or willingness to answer. Historically, doubt has been a challenge for believers, as seen in the account of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:29-31). When Peter doubted, he began to sink, illustrating the peril of a divided heart. James encourages believers to approach God with a single-minded focus, trusting fully in His goodness and power.

because he who doubts
This phrase introduces the consequence of doubting. The Greek word for "doubts" is "diakrinomenos," which suggests a person who is hesitant or uncertain. In the biblical narrative, doubt often leads to instability and a lack of spiritual progress. The doubter is contrasted with the faithful believer, who stands firm on the promises of God. This warning serves as a call to examine our hearts and ensure that our faith is steadfast and unwavering.

is like a wave of the sea
The imagery of "a wave of the sea" is vivid and powerful. Waves are subject to external forces, constantly shifting and changing. This metaphor highlights the instability and lack of direction that comes with doubt. In the ancient world, the sea was often seen as a symbol of chaos and unpredictability. By comparing the doubter to a wave, James underscores the spiritual turmoil and lack of peace that accompany a divided heart.

blown and tossed by the wind
The phrase "blown and tossed by the wind" further illustrates the instability of doubt. The Greek words "anemizomeno" (blown) and "rhipizomeno" (tossed) convey the idea of being driven and agitated by external forces. In the biblical context, wind often symbolizes trials and challenges. A person who doubts is easily swayed by circumstances, lacking the anchor of faith that provides stability. This imagery serves as a caution to believers to root their faith deeply in Christ, who is the "rock" and "fortress" (Psalm 18:2), ensuring that they remain steadfast amidst life's storms.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.--Surely this verse alone would redeem the Apostle from the charge of slighting the claims of faith. It is here put in the very forefront of necessity; without it all prayer is useless. And mark the addition--

Nothing wavering.--Or, doubting nothing: reechoing the words of our Saviour to the wondering disciples, as they gazed at the withered fig-tree on the road to Bethany (Matthew 21:21). This "doubting" is the halting between belief and unbelief, with inclination towards the latter. But it may be asked by some one, whence and how is an unhesitating faith to be gained? And the reply to this will solve all similar questions: faith, in its first sense, is the direct gift of God; but it must be tended and used with love and zeal, or its precious faculties will soon be gone. In the hour of some besetting thought of unbelief "the shield of faith" will "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16), but that shield must be lifted up, as it were, in an act of faith. "There is no God--at least, to care for me," may be the hopeless cry, responsive to a cruel wound of the enemy. Let the battle-hymn of the Christian make quick answer, "I believe in God;" and often, with that very effort, the assault will cease for awhile. Further, let us take comfort in the thought that intellectual is not moral doubt: the unorthodox are not as the adulterous. Nevertheless, intellectual doubt may spring from an evil habit of carping criticism and self-opinion, for the foundation of which, in so far as a man himself has been either the wilful or the careless cause, he must bear the curse of its results.

For he that wavereth (or, douhteth) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.--Doubteth is preferable to "wavereth"; there is no play on the Greek words, as in the English text--"wavereth" and "wave." Like storm-beaten sailors, the doubtful are "carried" up to heaven and down again to the deep; their soul melteth away because of the trouble (Psalm 107:26). And who can describe the terror, even of the faithful, in those hours of darkness when the face of the Lord is hidden; when, as with the disciples of old, the ship is in the midst of the sea, tossed with the bitter waves. Nevertheless, the raging wind will clear the heavens soon from clouds, and by the radiance of the peaceful moon we too may behold our Helper near--the Lord Jesus walking on the sea--and if He come into the ship the storm must cease.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. - The A.V. "nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea," is unfortunate, as suggesting a play upon the words which has no existence in the original. Render, with R.V., nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea. Κλύδων, the surge; ἀνεμιζόμενος and ῤιπιζόμενος both occur here only.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

he must ask
αἰτείτω (aiteitō)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 154: To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

faith,
πίστει (pistei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

without
μηδὲν (mēden)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3367: No one, none, nothing.

doubting,
διακρινόμενος (diakrinomenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1252: From dia and krino; to separate thoroughly, i.e. to withdraw from, or oppose; figuratively, to discriminate, or hesitate.

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

he who
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

doubts
διακρινόμενος (diakrinomenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1252: From dia and krino; to separate thoroughly, i.e. to withdraw from, or oppose; figuratively, to discriminate, or hesitate.

is like
ἔοικεν (eoiken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1503: To be like, resemble. Apparently a primary verb; to resemble.

a wave
κλύδωνι (klydōni)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2830: Rough water, a wave, billow, surge. From kluzo; a surge of the sea.

of [the] sea,
θαλάσσης (thalassēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2281: Probably prolonged from hals; the sea.

blown
ἀνεμιζομένῳ (anemizomenō)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 416: To be blown with the wind (referring to the gentler motions of the air). From anemos; to toss with the wind.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

tossed by the wind.
ῥιπιζομένῳ (rhipizomenō)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4494: To toss to and fro, fan, blow. From a derivative of rhipto; to breeze up, i.e. to agitate.

Links

James 1:6 NIV
James 1:6 NLT
James 1:6 ESV
James 1:6 NASB
James 1:6 KJV

James 1:6 BibleApps.com
James 1:6 Biblia Paralela
James 1:6 Chinese Bible
James 1:6 French Bible
James 1:6 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: James 1:6 But let him ask in faith without (Ja Jas. Jam)