Lexical Summary seeph: End, edge, brink Original Word: סֵעֵף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a skepticFrom ca'aph; divided (in mind), i.e. (concretely) a skeptic -- thought. see HEBREW ca'aph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as saiph Definition divided, halfhearted NASB Translation who are double-minded (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [סֵעֵף] (Köii. 106) adjective divided, half hearted; — plural absolute as substantive, in religious sense, סֵעֲפִים שָׂנֵאתִי Psalm 119:113 half-hearted ones do I hate. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Concept The term describes inner division—thoughts or loyalties split in two directions. It evokes the image of a branch that forks, picturing a mind that wavers between commitment to the Lord and alternate paths. The concept goes beyond mere doubt; it signals a settled state of inconsistency that renders genuine obedience impossible. Biblical Occurrence Psalm 119:113 stands alone in using the word: “I hate the double-minded, but I love Your law”. The psalmist’s stark contrast sets wholehearted devotion to God’s instruction against the peril of a fragmented heart. Literary Context in Psalm 119 Verse 113 opens the Samekh stanza (verses 113–120). The section alternates between rejection of evil influences (verses 113, 115, 118, 119) and reliance on the Lord for stability (verses 114, 117, 120). The double-minded are placed alongside evildoers and the faithless—people from whom the psalmist seeks separation. Love for the law is presented as the decisive cure for inner division. Relation to Covenant Faithfulness In Israel’s covenant theology, exclusivity belonged to the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4–5). Divided allegiance violated that exclusive relationship and invited covenant curses (Deuteronomy 29:18–20). The psalmist’s hatred of double-mindedness therefore reflects zeal for covenant purity rather than personal animosity. Connections within the Old Testament Although the specific noun appears only in Psalm 119:113, the wider theme recurs. Elijah rebuked Israel for hesitating “between two opinions” (1 Kings 18:21), and Hosea decried a “divided heart” (Hosea 10:2). These parallels show that double-mindedness is a perennial threat in times of idolatrous pressure or cultural compromise. New Testament Parallels James describes the “double-minded man” as “unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8) and calls believers to “purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8). The Greek dipsuchos carries the same sense of an internally split allegiance, confirming continuity between Testaments on the danger of spiritual duplicity. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near-Eastern societies frequently practiced syncretism, blending deities and rituals. Israel’s unique monotheism demanded an undivided heart, making double-mindedness not merely a personal flaw but a national covenant violation. The psalmist’s declaration likely emerged from contexts where social or political pressures tempted worshipers to hedge their loyalty. Ministry and Discipleship Applications 1. Examination of Loyalty: Believers are urged to test their hearts for hidden compartments of compromise—whether in ethics, relationships, or worldview. Homiletical Suggestions • Contrast Psalm 119:113 with James 1:8 to show the timelessness of the call to single-hearted devotion. Devotional Reflection Pray Psalm 119:113–114, asking God to expose and uproot every fork in the heart. Meditate on the exclusivity statements of Scripture—“You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3)—and invite the Spirit to weld divided thoughts into a single allegiance to Jesus Christ, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Forms and Transliterations סֵעֲפִ֥ים סעפים sê‘ăp̄îm sê·‘ă·p̄îm seaFimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 119:113 HEB: סֵעֲפִ֥ים שָׂנֵ֑אתִי וְֽתוֹרָתְךָ֥ NAS: I hate those who are double-minded, But I love KJV: SAMECH. I hate [vain] thoughts: but thy law INT: who hate your law 1 Occurrence |
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