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He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Verse Takeaways

1

The 'Two-Souled' Person

Commentators explain that the Greek term for "double-minded" literally means "two-souled." It describes a person with a divided heart and split loyalties. One part of them wants to follow God, while another is drawn to worldly pleasures, self-reliance, or unbelief. As one scholar puts it, it's like having one soul declare, "I believe," while the other shouts, "I don't!"

See 3 Verse Takeaways

Book Overview

James

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Commentaries

11

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On James 1:8

18th Century

Theologian

A double-minded man. The word here used (diqucov) occurs only here and in James 4:8. It means, properly, one who has two souls; t…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On James 1:8

Man (ανηρ). Instead of ανθρωπος (general term) in verse 7, perhaps for variety (Ropes), but often in James (1:12,23; 2:2; 3:2), th…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On James 1:8

19th Century

Bishop

The eighth verse is better joined with the seventh, and punctuated as follows: Let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord:

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On James 1:8

19th Century

Preacher

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

He sees double; he runs after two objects; and therefore he staggers across the st…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On James 1:8

“That man” is a somewhat derogatory reference to the doubter, whom James has just compared to the tossing wave. Here he is further characterized as…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On James 1:8

16th Century

Theologian

A double-minded man, or, a man of a double mind. This sentence may be read by itself, as he speaks generally of hypocrites.

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John Gill

John Gill

On James 1:8

17th Century

Pastor

A double minded man
A man of two souls, or of a double heart, that speaks and asks with an heart, and an heart, as i…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On James 1:1–11

17th Century

Minister

Christianity teaches people to be joyful amidst troubles: such trials are sent from God's love, and trials in the path of duty will brighten our gr…