from a derivative of ῥίπτω (meaning a fan or bellows); to breeze up, i.e. (by analogy) to agitate (into waves):--toss.
Transliteration:rhipízō
Pronunciation:hrip-id'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4494}}` (rhipízō) carries the core meaning of "to fan" or "to blow with bellows," deriving from a root `{{G4496}}` (rhiptō), which means "to throw" or "to cast." This etymological connection suggests an action involving vigorous movement. By extension and analogy, `{{G4494}}` comes to signify "to agitate," particularly in the context of water, implying the action of wind stirring waves. The imagery is one of instability, motion, and lack of control, where an external force causes a tossing or stirring. Its semantic range, though broad in its etymological roots, is sharply focused by its singular occurrence in the New Testament to describe a state of mental or spiritual agitation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G4494}}` (rhipízō) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of James:
* [[James 1:6]]: "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."
In this profound passage, James uses the vivid simile of a "wave of the sea" to describe the person who approaches God with a divided heart, wavering between faith and doubt. The phrase "driven and tossed" (ἐλαυνόμενος καὶ ῥιπιζόμενος) paints a powerful picture of instability. The participle ῥιπιζόμενος (rhipizomenos), derived from `{{G4494}}`, perfectly captures the erratic, uncontrollable motion of a wave that is not anchored but is at the mercy of the wind (`{{G416}}`, anemos). The context immediately preceding this verse speaks of asking God for wisdom ([[James 1:5]]). The implication is that such a double-minded individual (`{{G1374}}`, dipsychos, as described in [[James 1:8]]) lacks the necessary steadfastness and conviction to receive from God, as their heart is as unstable and unpredictable as a sea wave agitated by a storm. The imagery underscores the futility of prayer offered without genuine, unwavering trust.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{G4494}}` (rhipízō) is its root, `{{G4496}}` (rhiptō), meaning "to throw, cast, cast down." This connection highlights the forceful, often uncontrolled, nature of the "tossing" action.
Other conceptually related terms in the immediate context of [[James 1:6]] include:
* `{{G2831}}` (klydōn): "wave," specifically a surging, turbulent wave, reinforcing the imagery of instability.
* `{{G416}}` (anemos): "wind," the external force that drives and tosses the wave, symbolizing the various pressures or doubts that assail the wavering believer.
* `{{G1374}}` (dipsychos): "double-minded," found in [[James 1:8]], describing the internal state of the person whose heart is "tossed" by doubt.
The theological concepts intertwined with `{{G4494}}` include faith (`{{G4102}}`, pistis), doubt (`{{G1252}}`, diakrinō), steadfastness (`{{G5281}}`, hypomonē), and the nature of God's giving (`{{G1325}}`, didōmi). The word stands in stark contrast to concepts of spiritual stability, firmness (`{{G4733}}`, stereos), and an unwavering commitment to God.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{G4494}}` (rhipízō) in [[James 1:6]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a potent metaphor for the spiritual instability caused by doubt. True faith, as presented in James, is not merely intellectual assent but a firm, unwavering trust in God's character and promises. The person who is "tossed" (ῥιπιζόμενος) by doubt is depicted as lacking this essential steadfastness. Such instability is not merely a minor flaw but a significant impediment to receiving divine wisdom and blessings ([[James 1:7]]).
The imagery implies that just as a wave is entirely at the mercy of the wind, so too is the doubting heart vulnerable to every shifting thought or external pressure, unable to maintain a clear direction or purpose. This state of being "tossed" is antithetical to the nature of God, who is unchanging and steadfast. Therefore, the call to "ask in faith, with no doubting" is a call to align one's inner disposition with the unwavering character of God, fostering a singleness of mind that allows for genuine communion and reception of His grace. It underscores the critical importance of spiritual resolve and consistency in the life of a believer.
### Summary
`{{G4494}}` (rhipízō) fundamentally means "to agitate like waves by wind," derived from the concept of "fanning" or "tossing." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[James 1:6]] powerfully illustrates the spiritual instability of a person plagued by doubt. Such an individual is likened to a wave of the sea, driven and "tossed" by external forces, unable to maintain a consistent course or receive from God. This vivid imagery underscores the theological imperative for unwavering faith and singular purpose in approaching God, highlighting that doubt creates an agitated, unstable heart that cannot truly apprehend divine wisdom or blessing. The word thus serves as a sharp reminder of the necessity of steadfastness in the Christian walk.
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