from δίς and ψυχή; two-spirited, i.e. vacillating (in opinion or purpose):--double minded.
Transliteration:dípsychos
Pronunciation:dip'-soo-khos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term *dípsychos* (`{{G1374}}`) is a compound word derived from δίς (*dis*), meaning "twice" or "two," and ψυχή (*psychē*), meaning "soul" or "life." Literally, it signifies "two-souled" or "double-souled." This literal meaning translates into a profound figurative sense: a state of being divided in mind, loyalty, purpose, or allegiance. It denotes vacillation, indecision, and instability, particularly in one's spiritual commitment. The English translation "double-minded" aptly captures this internal conflict, where an individual is pulled in opposing directions, often between God and worldly concerns, or between faith and doubt. It describes not a split personality, but a singular person whose inner resolve and focus are fragmented.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Dípsychos* appears exclusively in the New Testament within the Epistle of James, highlighting its specific theological emphasis in this book.
* **[[James 1:8]]**: "for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." Here, *dípsychos* immediately follows an exhortation to ask God for wisdom with faith and without doubting. The double-minded individual is contrasted with one who approaches God in unwavering faith. Their inner division leads to profound "instability" (ἀκατάστατος, `{{G181}}`) that permeates "all his ways," implying a comprehensive lack of reliability and consistency in life. This verse underscores the futility of prayer offered from a divided heart, as it lacks the conviction necessary to receive from God.
* **[[James 4:8]]**: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." In this context, *dípsychos* is directly associated with "sinners" and a call to repentance and spiritual purification. The surrounding verses condemn friendship with the world as enmity with God ([[James 4:4]]). The "double-minded" are those attempting to maintain allegiance to both God and worldly desires, trying to serve two masters. The imperative to "purify your hearts" emphasizes that this state is a moral and spiritual failing requiring a decisive turning towards a unified, singular devotion to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ψυχή (*psychē*) `{{G5590}}`**: The root word for "soul" or "life," emphasizing the inner core of one's being and the seat of will and emotion.
* **δίς (*dis*) `{{G1364}}`**: The prefix indicating "twice" or "two," foundational to the meaning of division.
* **ἀκατάστατος (*akatastatos*) `{{G181}}`**: "Unstable" or "unsettled," used in [[James 1:8]] to describe the practical consequence of a double-minded heart.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: While *dípsychos* is a New Testament term, the underlying concept of a divided heart or wavering loyalty is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Prophets frequently called Israel to undivided allegiance to Yahweh, challenging their syncretistic tendencies. Notable examples include Elijah's challenge on Mount Carmel: "How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him" ([[1 Kings 18:21]]), and Joshua's declaration: "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" ([[Joshua 24:15]]). These passages highlight the ancient recognition of the spiritual danger inherent in a divided heart.
* **Singleness of Heart**: The conceptual antithesis of double-mindedness is a "pure heart" (καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ, *katharoi tē kardia*) or "wholeheartedness," signifying an undivided devotion and commitment to God.
### Theological Significance
The concept of *dípsychos* carries profound theological weight, addressing core aspects of faith, integrity, and the nature of discipleship.
* **Integrity and Wholeness**: The term underscores the biblical demand for spiritual integrity and wholeness. God desires a complete, undivided surrender of the heart, mind, and will. Double-mindedness represents a fundamental breach of this expected wholeness, preventing a person from being fully aligned with God's purposes.
* **Consequences of Division**: *Dípsychos* reveals the severe spiritual and practical consequences of a divided allegiance. It impedes effective prayer, hinders spiritual growth, and leads to a life characterized by inconsistency, unreliability, and sin. Such a state makes it impossible to fully trust God or to receive His wisdom and grace.
* **The Nature of Faith**: True faith, as presented in the New Testament, is characterized by unwavering trust and singular commitment to God. Double-mindedness stands in direct opposition to this, demonstrating a lack of full reliance on God and an attempt to maintain control or pursue alternative sources of security and satisfaction.
* **Repentance and Purification**: The explicit call to "purify your hearts, you double-minded" ([[James 4:8]]) signifies that this state is not merely a psychological quirk but a moral and spiritual failing, a form of sin. It demands repentance and a conscious, decisive choice to align one's entire being with God's will. This purification implies a unified inner life, centered solely on Christ.
* **The Lordship of Christ**: Implicit in the condemnation of double-mindedness is the exclusive Lordship of Christ. One cannot serve two masters ([[Matthew 6:24]]), nor can one be a friend of the world and a friend of God ([[James 4:4]]). *Dípsychos* describes the futile and spiritually destructive attempt to do precisely this, a state that God condemns as spiritual adultery.
### Summary
*Dípsychos* (`{{G1374}}`), meaning "two-souled" or "double-minded," is a powerful term used exclusively in the Epistle of James to describe a state of spiritual vacillation and divided loyalty. It portrays an individual whose heart is pulled in opposing directions, unable to fully commit to God. In [[James 1:8]], the double-minded person is depicted as "unstable in all his ways," unable to receive wisdom from God due to a lack of unwavering faith. [[James 4:8]] further links this condition with "sinners," calling for the purification of hearts from the divided allegiance between God and the world. The word thus highlights the biblical demand for wholeheartedness, integrity, and unreserved commitment to the Lord, underscoring the spiritual danger and practical instability inherent in any attempt to reconcile devotion to God with worldly desires.
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