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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/1-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/59_Jas_01_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 1:6 - Rejoicing in Trials" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/1-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/1-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/1-5.htm" title="James 1:5">◄</a> James 1:6 <a href="/james/1-7.htm" title="James 1:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/james/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/james/1.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/james/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/james/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/james/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/james/1.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/james/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nasb/james/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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. <a href="/nasb77/james/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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. <a href="/lsb/james/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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. <a href="/amp/james/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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. <a href="/csb/james/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. <a href="/hcsb/james/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. <a href="/asv/james/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/james/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> 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. <a href="/erv/james/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/james/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> 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. <a href="/gnt/james/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> 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. <a href="/isv/james/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/msb/james/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/james/1.htm">NET Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nheb/james/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/james/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/web/james/1.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> 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; <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> 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. <a href="/ylt/james/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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, <a href="/slt/james/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/james/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> 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; <a href="/nabre/james/1.htm">New American Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nrsvce/james/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> 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. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But let him ask in faith, without wavering, for he who wavers is like the waves of the sea which the wind troubles,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/godbey/james/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/haweis/james/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/mace/james/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/worrell/james/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but let him ask in faith, nothing doubting; for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, wind-driven and tossed. <a href="/worsley/james/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/parallel/james/1-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=38" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Rejoicing in Trials</a> …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. 6<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/154.htm" title="154: aiteitō (V-PMA-3S) -- To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.">he must ask</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistei (N-DFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith,</a> <a href="/greek/3367.htm" title="3367: mēden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">without</a> <a href="/greek/1252.htm" title="1252: diakrinomenos (V-PPM-NMS) -- From dia and krino; to separate thoroughly, i.e. to withdraw from, or oppose; figuratively, to discriminate, or hesitate.">doubting,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">because</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">he who</a> <a href="/greek/1252.htm" title="1252: diakrinomenos (V-PPM-NMS) -- From dia and krino; to separate thoroughly, i.e. to withdraw from, or oppose; figuratively, to discriminate, or hesitate.">doubts</a> <a href="/greek/1503.htm" title="1503: eoiken (V-RIA-3S) -- To be like, resemble. Apparently a primary verb; to resemble.">is like</a> <a href="/greek/2830.htm" title="2830: klydōni (N-DMS) -- Rough water, a wave, billow, surge. From kluzo; a surge of the sea.">a wave</a> <a href="/greek/2281.htm" title="2281: thalassēs (N-GFS) -- Probably prolonged from hals; the sea.">of the sea,</a> <a href="/greek/416.htm" title="416: anemizomenō (V-PPM/P-DMS) -- To be blown with the wind (referring to the gentler motions of the air). From anemos; to toss with the wind.">blown</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4494.htm" title="4494: rhipizomenō (V-PPM/P-DMS) -- To toss to and fro, fan, blow. From a derivative of rhipto; to breeze up, i.e. to agitate.">tossed by the wind.</a> 7That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/21-21.htm">Matthew 21:21</a> “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. <a href="/mark/11-23.htm">Mark 11:23</a> “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. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/14-31.htm">Matthew 14:31</a> Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” <a href="/romans/4-20.htm">Romans 4:20-21</a> 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. <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a> 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. <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">1 Timothy 2:8</a> Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension. <a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Matthew 17:20</a> “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.” <a href="/luke/8-25.htm">Luke 8:25</a> “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!” <a href="/john/20-27.htm">John 20:27</a> 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.” <a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14-15</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/7-9.htm">Isaiah 7:9</a> 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.’” <a href="/jeremiah/29-13.htm">Jeremiah 29:13</a> You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/37-5.htm">Psalm 37:5</a> Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.<a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Matthew 21:22</a> And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.<a href="/mark/11-22.htm">Mark 11:22-24</a> And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God… <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">1 Timothy 2:8</a> I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.he.<a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4</a> 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.<a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a> 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;<a href="/hebrews/10-23.htm">Hebrews 10:23</a> Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Blown</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-7.htm">Doubt</a> <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Doubteth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">Doubting</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Doubts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">Driven</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/james/1-5.htm">Request</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-29.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-15.htm">Surge</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Tossed</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-9.htm">Wave</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-23.htm">Wavering</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Waves</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/2-19.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/exodus/15-10.htm">Blown</a> <a href="/1_john/2-19.htm">Doubt</a> <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Doubteth</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Doubting</a> <a href="/numbers/5-14.htm">Doubts</a> <a href="/james/3-4.htm">Driven</a> <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/james/4-2.htm">Request</a> <a href="/james/3-7.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-8.htm">Surge</a> <a href="/exodus/9-10.htm">Tossed</a> <a href="/james/4-9.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/exodus/29-24.htm">Wave</a> <a href="/psalms/26-1.htm">Wavering</a> <a href="/jude/1-13.htm">Waves</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">James 1</div>1. <a href="/james/1-1.htm">James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;</a> 2. <a href="/james/1-2.htm">exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;</a> 5. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">to ask patience of God;</a> 13. <a href="/james/1-13.htm">and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,</a> 19. <a href="/james/1-19.htm">but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.</a> 26. <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But he must ask in faith This phrase emphasizes the necessity of faith when approaching God in prayer. Faith is a central theme throughout the Bible, often described as trust and confidence in God and His promises. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a> states that without faith, it is impossible to please God, highlighting its importance. In the context of James, faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep trust in God's character and His willingness to provide wisdom generously (<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>). The call to ask in faith reflects the biblical principle that God responds to those who earnestly seek Him with a sincere heart (<a href="/jeremiah/29-13.htm">Jeremiah 29:13</a>).without doubting Doubt, in this context, refers to a divided mind or wavering between two opinions. The Greek word used here, "diakrinomenos," suggests an internal conflict or hesitation. This echoes the story of Peter walking on water in <a href="/matthew/14-29.htm">Matthew 14:29-31</a>, where his doubt caused him to sink. Doubt can hinder one's relationship with God, as it reflects a lack of trust in His power and promises. The call to ask without doubting encourages believers to have a steadfast and unwavering faith, fully trusting in God's ability to answer prayer.because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea This simile paints a vivid picture of instability and restlessness. The sea, often used in Scripture to symbolize chaos and unpredictability (<a href="/isaiah/57-20.htm">Isaiah 57:20</a>), serves as an apt metaphor for a doubter's mind. Just as waves are subject to external forces and lack a firm foundation, so too is the person who doubts. This imagery underscores the importance of having a firm and anchored faith, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a>, where believers are encouraged not to be tossed by every wind of doctrine.blown and tossed by the wind The imagery of being blown and tossed by the wind further illustrates the lack of stability and direction in a doubter's life. In ancient times, the sea was a place of uncertainty and danger, and sailors relied heavily on the wind for navigation. A person who doubts is compared to a ship without a rudder, at the mercy of external forces. This highlights the need for a strong, unwavering faith that provides direction and purpose, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>, which encourages trust in the Lord for guidance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jewish_christians.htm">Jewish Christians</a> The primary audience of the letter, who were facing trials and needed encouragement to live out their faith. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sea.htm">The Sea</a> Used metaphorically to describe the instability of a doubter's faith, reflecting the unpredictable and restless nature of the sea.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_as_a_foundation.htm">Faith as a Foundation</a> Faith is the bedrock of our relationship with God. Without it, our prayers and spiritual life lack stability and direction. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_doubt.htm">The Danger of Doubt</a> Doubt can lead to spiritual instability, much like a wave tossed by the wind. It prevents us from fully trusting in God's promises and His ability to answer our prayers. <a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_prayer.htm">Consistency in Prayer</a> When we pray, we must do so with unwavering faith, trusting that God hears us and will respond according to His will. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity.htm">Spiritual Maturity</a> Mature faith is characterized by steadfastness and confidence in God, even amidst trials and uncertainties. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit helps strengthen our faith and dispel doubts, guiding us to trust in God's wisdom and timing.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 1</a> <a href="/q/can_anyone_approach_god_without_doubt.htm">In James 1:6–8, is it truly possible for anyone to approach God without doubt, given human limitations and inherent skepticism? </a> <a href="/q/how_is_christ_being_formed_in_you.htm">What does 'tossed to and fro' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_no_faith.htm">What does the Bible say about lacking faith?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'tossed_to_and_fro'_mean.htm">What does "tossed to and fro" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 (<a href="/matthew/21-21.htm" title="Jesus answered and said to them, Truly I say to you, If you have faith, and doubt not, you shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say to this mountain, Be you removed, and be you cast into the sea; it shall be done.">Matthew 21:21</a>). 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" (<a href="/ephesians/6-16.htm" title="Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.">Ephesians 6:16</a>), 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 (<a href="/psalms/107-26.htm" title="They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.">Psalm 107:26</a>). 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.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>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. <a href="/commentaries/james/1-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. he must ask αἰτείτω (aiteitō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_154.htm">Strong's 154: </a> To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. without μηδὲν (mēden) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3367.htm">Strong's 3367: </a> No one, none, nothing. doubting, διακρινόμενος (diakrinomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1252.htm">Strong's 1252: </a> From dia and krino; to separate thoroughly, i.e. to withdraw from, or oppose; figuratively, to discriminate, or hesitate. because γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. he who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1252.htm">Strong's 1252: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1503.htm">Strong's 1503: </a> To be like, resemble. Apparently a primary verb; to resemble. a wave κλύδωνι (klydōni) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2830.htm">Strong's 2830: </a> Rough water, a wave, billow, surge. From kluzo; a surge of the sea. of [the] sea, θαλάσσης (thalassēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2281.htm">Strong's 2281: </a> Probably prolonged from hals; the sea. blown ἀνεμιζομένῳ (anemizomenō) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_416.htm">Strong's 416: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. tossed by the wind. ῥιπιζομένῳ (rhipizomenō) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4494.htm">Strong's 4494: </a> To toss to and fro, fan, blow. From a derivative of rhipto; to breeze up, i.e. to agitate. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/1-6.htm">NT Letters: James 1:6 But let him ask in faith without (Ja Jas. 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