ῥιπίζω

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word rhipízō, represented by G4494, means to agitate into waves or to toss. Derived from a word related to a fan or bellows, it carries the idea of being stirred up by a breeze. It is a very specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single use of G4494 is found in James 1:6, where it provides a powerful visual metaphor. The verse states that a person who wavers in faith "is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." Here, G4494 describes the turbulent, uncontrolled motion of the wave, directly likening it to the spiritual instability of a doubter. The word paints a picture of something without direction, subject to external forces.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related Greek words in the same verse help to build this metaphor:

• G1252 diakrínō (waver): This word describes the internal state of the person who doubts or hesitates. It is the human action that prompts the comparison to a tossed wave James 1:6. The same word is used for "doubt" in the context of faith and prayer Matthew 21:21 and to "stagger" at God's promise Romans 4:20.
• G2830 klýdōn (wave): This is the object being acted upon—the wave of the sea itself James 1:6. It is also used to describe the raging of the water that Jesus calms Luke 8:24.
• G416 anemízō (drive with the wind): This identifies the force causing the agitation. In James 1:6, the wave is not just tossed, but specifically driven with the wind, emphasizing its lack of self-control.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4494 is concentrated in its single, illustrative use. It serves to highlight the nature of faith and doubt.

• The Instability of Doubt: The primary function of the word is to define doubt as a state of agitation and instability. A person who wavers, like a wave that is tossed G4494, is unsettled and lacks a firm foundation James 1:6.
• The Call to Steadfastness: By illustrating the negative condition of being tossed, the verse implicitly calls for the opposite: a faith that is stable, anchored, and not subject to the shifting winds of circumstance or doubt.
• A Metaphor for the Inner Life: The word uses a vivid, external image—a wave agitated by the wind—to explain a profound internal reality. The spiritual condition of wavering G1252 is made tangible through the picture of being tossed G4494.

Summary

In summary, while extremely rare, G4494 provides a crucial piece of biblical imagery. Its sole appearance in James 1:6 powerfully defines the essence of a wavering faith, portraying it as unstable, agitated, and directionless as a wave tossed by the sea. It is a striking example of how a single, carefully chosen word can create an unforgettable metaphor for a vital spiritual concept.