δίψυχος
dípsychos
G1374 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having a divided inner self or being of two minds, especially with regard to loyalty or purpose; characterized by indecision, wavering, or inner conflict. The term primarily describes a person who is internally conflicted, lacking consistency or singleness of purpose, especially in relation to faith, requests made to God, or moral resolve. It can denote vacillation, inconsistency in thought or action, or a lack of wholehearted commitment.
Semantic Range
divided in mind, having two allegiances or motives, vacillating between options or commitments, lacking single-mindedness, inconsistent or unstable in purpose
Root / Etymology
Formed from the prefix δίς ('twice, double') and ψυχή ('soul, self, mind'), together conveying the idea of being 'doubly minded' or 'of two souls.' Not attested in classical Greek literature; a formation characteristic of Hellenistic or later Koine Greek. Closely related to Greek terms indicating internal conflict or duplicity of motive.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Δίψυχος appears in Koine Greek primarily as a moral or psychological descriptor, found only in later Jewish or early Christian literature (notably James 1:8 and 4:8 in the New Testament). It is not attested in the Septuagint or earlier Greek sources, suggesting it may have arisen to express new ethical or internal psychological concepts prominent in early Christian discourse. The imagery of being 'split' or 'divided' internally would have communicated instability or unreliability to ancient audiences. Later English translations often render it 'double-minded,' but this may understate the sense of psychological disunity or inner conflict implied. In context, it contrasts with ἁπλοῦς ('single, sincere') to emphasize the necessity of undivided commitment. The word is particularly associated with exhortations to faithfulness and resolute trust, warning against the instability or unreliability of vacillation in belief or prayer.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δίς and ψυχή; two-spirited, i.e. vacillating (in opinion or purpose):--double minded.
Root Family
δίψυχος (dípsychos) — divided self, two-minded, wavering
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1374-02 |
δίψυχος | dipsuchos | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
double-minded | two-minded man | two-minded man | 1 |
G1374-01 |
δίψυχοι | dipsuchoi | ADJ.S VOC M PL |
you double-minded | O two-minded ones | double-minded ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences