Cast

Greek Word Pronunciation: RHIP-to
Strong’s Number: 4496
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 4849
Key Verse: “… casting all your anxiety on Him …” -- 1 Peter 5:7

Two primary words are used in the New Testament that are translated as “cast” or “throw.” One is ballo. It is the most common, being used 122 times. The other is rhipto, which is to throw with a sudden motion, to jerk, to cast forth. It was used of any rapid movement, as in the throwing of a javelin or the rush of the wind. In its various forms, it is found only 13 times. In most verses, and most translations, the verb is translated as “cast, toss,” or “throw.” These appear in Matthew 27:5, Luke 4:35, Luke 17:2, Acts 22:23 and 27:19 and 29.

In Matthew 15:30, “large crowds were bringing those who were lame, crippled ... and laid them down at His feet,” they were thrown in either carefree confidence, or in haste, because so many were coming on the same errand. In Matthew 9:36, the people were “distressed and dispirited (scattered in KJV, NKJV; helpless in NIV) like sheep without a shepherd.” It sets forth the sad condition of those that are destitute of faithful guides to go before them in the things of God. In Acts 27:43, in Paul's shipwreck story, the centurion commanded that “they should jump overboard.” A different variation on this word is in 1 Corinthians 15:52, regarding the rapture of the saints, “in the twinkling of an eye.” The Greeks used this word for the flapping of a wing, the buzz of a gnat, generally any rapid movement.

In James 1:6, “one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind,” the variation of this word means a “bellows” or “fire-fan.” The picture is of a great ocean-swell throwing itself up into pointed waves, the tops of which are caught up by the wind and fanned off into spray.

In 1 PETER 5:7, “casting all your anxiety on Him,” this word is a command, and tells us how to handle the command of verse 6, how to be humbled. Anxiety is a contradiction to true humility. Unbelief is an exalting of one’s self against God, depending on self and failing to trust God. God is more concerned about our welfare than we could possibly be. We are not to submit to circumstances, but to the Lord Who controls circumstances.