Brief Overview of ῥιπίζω (Strong’s G4494: rhipizō)

Strong’s G4494: A verb meaning “to fan,” “to toss by wind,” or “to agitate.” In the New Testament, it appears metaphorically in James to describe the unstable nature of a doubting person’s faith, comparing them to a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥιπίζω captures the image of something being tossed about by wind or waves. In James’s epistle, it serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual instability and doubt. Early church fathers frequently used this term to contrast the stability of true faith with the wavering nature of doubt. Today, this word continues to illustrate the importance of steadfast faith versus spiritual uncertainty and helps believers understand the destructive nature of doubt in their relationship with God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥιπίζω, rhipizō, /hrip-id-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: hrip-ID-zo (with emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From ῥιπίς (fan, bellows)
• Related to ῥιπή (quick movement)
• Causative verb formation
• Indicates action of wind or fanning

D – Defining Meanings

• To fan or blow
• To toss by wind
• To agitate or disturb
• To cause wavering motion

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a simple denominative verb.

Translation Options:

• “to toss about” – emphasizing the resultant motion
• “to agitate” – highlighting the disturbing action
• “to be wind-driven” – focusing on the cause

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σαλεύω (saleuō) /sal-yoo-oh/ – to shake, agitate
  See G4531
• κλυδωνίζομαι (klydōnizomai) /kloo-dohn-id-zom-ahee/ – to be tossed by waves
  See G2831

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Passive/Middle
• Voice: Passive (in NT usage)
• Mood: Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Continuous

Examples:

• Present passive participle: ῥιπιζομένῳ
• Present indicative passive: ῥιπίζεται

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage for instability. Thayer’s connects it to the action of wind on waves. LSJ provides examples from nautical contexts. Vine’s highlights its single New Testament usage. Strong’s relates it to fanning or blowing. Moulton and Milligan note its technical use in ancient shipping terminology.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is [ῥιπίζω] driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥιπίζω powerfully illustrates the contrast between unwavering faith and unstable doubt. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus offers stability and certainty in a world of spiritual instability. Through this word, we understand the importance of maintaining steadfast trust in God rather than being tossed about by doubts and uncertainties.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient shipping manuals to describe the effects of wind on sails.
2. Early Christian writers used this term to describe the state of those influenced by false teachings.
3. The metaphor draws from common Mediterranean sailing experiences familiar to James’s readers.

Strong’s G4494: A verb meaning “to fan,” “to toss by wind,” or “agitate.” In the New Testament, it appears metaphorically in James to describe the unstable nature of a doubting person’s faith, comparing them to a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: doubt, instability, faith, wind-tossed, waves, uncertainty, James, spiritual stability, wavering, trust, nautical imagery, metaphor​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​