James 1:6-7
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. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
James isn't just telling us to believe; he's highlighting the kind of asking that works: a plea rooted in trust, not a hesitant wish. The imagery of a wave tossed by wind isn't just about instability, but about a prayer that's being "fanned off into spray" by inner conflict, unable to reach its intended destination.
James is addressing believers facing trials and urging them to ask God for wisdom. He cautions them that their prayers must be rooted in unwavering trust, contrasting the stability of faith with the instability of doubt. This uncertainty is vividly illustrated by comparing a doubter to a chaotic, wind-driven wave on the sea.
Ever feel like your prayers just hit the ceiling? James says there's a key ingredient missing: unshakeable faith.
James doesn't just suggest faith is helpful for prayer; he makes it essential.
What does it mean to be 'like a wave of the sea'? James uses this vivid image to show the destructive impact of doubt on our prayers.
The contrast to faith is not simply a lack of belief, but active doubt – a wavering in the soul.
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, this refers to a settled conviction, reliance, or trust in God’s character and promises. It is the active response of the believer to God's revelation, often contrasted with hesitation or skepticism.
diakrinō · Greek Verb
A state of internal conflict or hesitation between two options, specifically involving a lack of confidence in God’s willingness or ability to answer. It reflects an indecisive divided heart that fails to rely fully on God.
kyrios · Greek Noun
Used figuratively to describe the character of the Lord, this refers to Yahweh (in the OT) or Jesus (in the NT) as the sovereign Master, Provider, and Giver to whom believers look for aid.
Jesus directly links unwavering faith to the ability to move mountains, reinforcing James's point that doubt hinders prayer and action.
Hebrews 11:6This passage states that without faith it is impossible to please God, echoing James's emphasis on asking in faith and not doubting.
Ephesians 4:14Paul uses a similar image of being tossed by waves to describe those who are unstable in their beliefs due to deceptive teachings, highlighting the negative consequences of a lack of firm conviction.
Isaiah 57:20This Old Testament prophecy describes the wicked as being like a troubled sea that cannot be still, a vivid parallel to James's imagery of the doubter being tossed and unstable.
Romans 4:20Paul describes Abraham as being strengthened in faith and not doubting God's promises, offering a powerful example of the unwavering faith James calls for.
barnesJames 1:6: "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."
But let him ask in faith - See the passages referred to in James 1:5 . Compare the Matthew 7:7 note, and Hebrews 11:6 note. We cannot hope to obtain any favor from God if there is not faith; and where, as in regard to the wisdom necessary to guide us, we are sure that it is in accordance with his will to grant it to us, we may come to him with the utmost confi…
vincentJames 1:6: "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."
Doubting (διακρινόμενος)Compare Matthew 21:21. Not equivalent to unbelief, but expressing the hesitation which balances between faith and unbelief, and inclines toward the latter. This idea is brought out in the next sentence.A wave (κλύδωνι)Rev., surge. Only here and Luke 8:24; though the kindred verb occurs at Ephesians 4:14. The word is admirably chosen,…
James isn't just telling us to believe; he's highlighting the kind of asking that works: a plea rooted in trust, not a hesitant wish. The imagery of a wave tossed by wind isn't just about instability, but about a prayer that's being "fanned off into spray" by inner conflict, unable to reach its intended destination.
James is addressing believers facing trials and urging them to ask God for wisdom. He cautions them that their prayers must be rooted in unwavering trust, contrasting the stability of faith with the instability of doubt. This uncertainty is vividly illustrated by comparing a doubter to a chaotic, wind-driven wave on the sea.
James is addressing believers facing trials and urging them to ask God for wisdom. He cautions them that their prayers must be rooted in unwavering trust, contrasting the stability of faith with the instability of doubt. This uncertainty is vividly illustrated by comparing a doubter to a chaotic, wind-driven wave on the sea.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about James 1:6-7 is available in the Sola app.
"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. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;" — James isn't just telling us to believe; he's highlighting the kind of asking that works: a plea rooted in trust, not a hesitant wish. The imagery of a wave tossed by wind isn't just about instabili…
