Lexical Summary akatastatos: Unstable, restless, disorderly Original Word: ἀκατάστατος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unstable. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of kathistemi; inconstant -- unstable. see GREEK a see GREEK kathistemi HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 182 akatástatos – unsettled. See 181 (akatastasiais). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and kathistémi Definition unstable NASB Translation restless (1), unstable (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 182: ἀκατάστατοςἀκατάστατος, (καθίστημι), unstable, inconstant, restless: James 1:8, and L T Tr WH in Topical Lexicon Definition and Concept Strong’s Greek 182 describes a state of restlessness, disorder, or instability. The word paints a picture of something that cannot settle, whether in thought, speech, or conduct. It is not simple fickleness; it is a deeper moral unreliability that threatens a person’s entire walk with God. Old Testament Background While the exact Greek term is not found in the Septuagint, its idea echoes Old Testament warnings: “Unstable as water, you shall not excel” (Genesis 49:4); “the wicked are like the tossing sea” (Isaiah 57:20). Wisdom literature repeatedly links instability with folly (Proverbs 13:16; 25:28). These texts frame instability as the antithesis of covenant faithfulness. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. James 1:8—“He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways”. Theological Significance 1. Integrity of Faith: Instability undermines single-hearted devotion (Psalm 86:11; Matthew 6:24). Practical Ministry Implications • Discipleship: Shepherds must cultivate steadfastness through sound doctrine (Ephesians 4:14–16). Patristic and Historical Usage Early Church Fathers saw instability as a gateway to heresy. Athanasius contrasted the unchanging Word with the “shifting opinions” of Arians. The Reformers likewise warned that a heart untethered to Scripture drifts into error, citing James as a pastoral corrective. Contemporary Application Modern culture prizes novelty; believers therefore face constant pressure toward spiritual restlessness. Practices such as regular Scripture intake, covenant community, and Sabbath rhythms serve as antidotes, anchoring the soul in God’s unchanging truth. Related Terms and Themes • δίψυχος (double-minded) – James 1:8 Instability, whether in thought or tongue, is not a minor flaw but a critical spiritual condition. Scripture consistently calls believers from restlessness to the steadfast life that reflects their unwavering Lord. Forms and Transliterations ακαταστατον ἀκατάστατον ακαταστατος ακατάστατος ἀκατάστατος akatastaton akatástaton akatastatos akatástatosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance James 1:8 Adj-NMSGRK: ἀνὴρ δίψυχος ἀκατάστατος ἐν πάσαις NAS: man, unstable in all KJV: man [is] unstable in INT: [he is] a man double-minded unstable in all James 3:8 Adj-NNS Strong's Greek 182 |
    |