Lexical Summary eikó: To yield, to give way, to submit Original Word: εἴκω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be like. Apparently a primary verb (perhaps akin to eiko through the idea of faintness as a copy); to resemble -- be like. see GREEK eiko NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee eoika. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1503: ἘΙΚΩἘΙΚΩ: whence 2 perfect ἔοικα with the force of a present (Winers Grammar, 274 (257)); to be like: τίνι, James 1:6, 23. (From Homer down.) STRONGS NT 1503: ἔοικαἔοικα, see ἘΙΚΩ. Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term Strong’s Greek 1503 marks a perfect‐tense form that introduces comparisons: “is like.” While simple in form, the term functions as a rhetorical pivot, moving readers from abstract teaching to vivid mental pictures that expose the heart. Occurrences in Scripture James 1:6 and James 1:23 employ the expression to frame two arresting similes: Theological Themes 1. Stability versus Instability 2. Hearing and Doing Literary Function in James The epistle reads like New Covenant wisdom literature. By repeating ἐοικεν, James stitches together two domains—prayer and praxis—showing that wavering in either sphere betrays the same root problem: divided allegiance. The similes, simple enough for oral transmission, would lodge in the memory of scattered Jewish believers coping with trials. Intertextual Connections • Proverbs consistently uses “is like” formulas to contrast wise and foolish conduct (e.g., Proverbs 25:19). Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Prayer Counseling: Encourage believers to examine whether doubt, rather than circumstance, churns their souls. Anchor petitions in God’s unchanging character (James 1:17). Historical Reception Early church fathers such as Cyril of Jerusalem cited James 1:6 when exhorting catechumens to unwavering baptismal confession. The monastic tradition also latched onto James 1:23, emphasizing continual self-scrutiny before the Word. Contemporary Relevance Digital culture offers endless mirrors—social media, analytics, self-tracking—yet transformation remains elusive without obedience. Likewise, a flood of information can mimic waves that buffet the mind. James’ twin similes remain apt diagnostics, calling the church to fixed faith and active hearing. Forms and Transliterations έοικε εοικεν έοικεν ἔοικεν eoiken éoikenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance James 1:6 V-RIA-3SGRK: γὰρ διακρινόμενος ἔοικεν κλύδωνι θαλάσσης KJV: he that wavereth is like a wave INT: indeed doubts is like a wave of [the] sea James 1:23 V-RIA-3S |
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