The doctrine of Santa Claus

This Greek word for "opinion" was chosen in the LXX (Septuagint) to represent the Hebrew word for "glory" . This religious meaning continues to this day.

Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? [kjv]

ουχι ταυτα εδει παθειν τον χριστον και εισελθειν εις την δοξαν αυτου [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "δόξα" ≈ "expectation, opinion" and went to "appearance" to a narrowing of "good repute" to "honor" to (Latin) "glory".

The "glory" of the Lord is the "opinion" of the Lord.
Giving "glory" to God is deferring to the "opinion" to God.
Your own "glory" is your own "opinion" and/or "appearance".

This Greek word is part of the word "doxology" and of the word "paradox" as something that goes beyond opinion or appearance (in a strange way).

The Greek word for "glory" is a narrowing of the ancient Greek «δοκειν» which has to do with thinking well of something or someone as in an expectation.

More: Converse fallacy: If A then B does not mean If B then A

More: Expectation of a glorious Greek opinion on a doxology

Sometimes, the KJV (King James Version) uses "honor" rather than "glory" in translating the Greek word for "expectation" or "opinion".

John 8:54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: [kjv]

απεκριθη ιησους εαν εγω δοξασω εμαυτον η δοξα μου ουδεν εστιν εστιν ο πατηρ μου ο δοξαζων με ον υμεις λεγετε οτι θεος υμων εστιν [gnt]

"expectation" ≈ "opinion"

Possible translation: Jesus: if I expect of myself, my expectation is nothing: my Father expects of me ... you say he is your God.

Otherwise, one would be "glorifying" oneself. Does the idea of "opinion" or "good repute" fit here?

More: Converse fallacy: If A then B does not mean If B then A

More: Expectation of a glorious Greek opinion on a doxology

The original word for "saint" meant someone who was "holy". The Catholic church elevated "saint" to "Saint".

Matthew 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, [kjv]

και τα μνημεια ανεωχθησαν και πολλα σωματα των κεκοιμημενων αγιων ηγερθησαν [gnt]

… sanctorum … [v]

… weihaize … [got]

… Heiligen… [lu]

The English word "holy" came from "wholesome" as "healthy" since one should be physically healthy or whole and spiritually healthy or holy.

More: Wholesome and healthy sanctified saints

English "holiday" from Old English "haligdæg" for "holy day" with Germanic "g" to English "y".

To be physically "healthy" one was "whole". [flour, flower]
The be spiritually "whole" one was "holy", middle English "hooli".

These "holy days" included all of the twelve days of Christmas.

Matthew 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people. [kjv]

ελεγον δε μη εν τη εορτη ινα μη θορυβος γενηται εν τω λαω [gnt]

… freols-daige… folke. [wes]

… haliday… puple. [wy]

… holy daye … people. [ty]

More: Happy Holidays and the Wassail

The ancient Greek word "νίκη" ≈ "victory" and is used as the company name for Nike shoes. Nike was the Greek goddess of victory. The GNT (Greek New Testament) uses the Greek word for "victory" often.

A related word is the ancient Greek word "νεῖκος" ≈ "quarrel, wrangle, strife" which appears in the GNT and LXX. In the KJV, another Greek word meaning "bad logic", as in "eristic" logic, is often translated as "strife".

More: Victory and strife: bema seat

The original Saint Nicholas was a Greek monk called Nikolaos of Myra (270-343). The Christmas name is from "saint" or "holy" and "Νικόλαος" ≈ "Nicholas" which is from "νίκη" ≈ "victory" and "λαός" ≈ "people" which is the source of "laity" and "lay" (as in a Lay Reader at a church service).

Date change at the time of Martin Luther. [Kris Kringle]
Norse influences in Holland as the Dutch Sinterklaas.
1823 poem: "Twas the night before Christmas".
1881 illustration by Thomas Nast.
1934 song: "Santa Claus is coming to town".
1965: Charlie Brown Christmas [true meaning of Christmas]

Discussion question: Is there a "doctrine" or are there "deeds" of the idea of Santa Claus, as a "holy" "victory" of the "people", that might not be in line with the teachings of Jesus?

Νικολαος (Nicholas, modern ending)
Νικολαον (Nicholas, person's name, KJV) Acts 6:5
Νικολαιτων (plural possessive ending, Rev 2:6, 15)

How does Santa Claus fit in? Another name is Saint "Nickolas". The name "Nicholas" was a not uncommon in New Testament times.

Acts 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: [kjv]

και ηρεσεν ο λογος ενωπιον παντος του πληθους και εξελεξαντο στεφανον ανδρα πληρη πιστεως και πνευματος αγιου και φιλιππον και προχορον και νικανορα και τιμωνα και παρμεναν και νικολαον προσηλυτον αντιοχεα [gnt]

Acts 6:5

All

KJV: And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Greek: και ηρεσεν ο λογος ενωπιον παντος του πληθους και εξελεξαντο στεφανον ανδρα πληρη πιστεως και πνευματος αγιου και φιλιππον και προχορον και νικανορα και τιμωνα και παρμεναν και νικολαον προσηλυτον αντιοχεα

The modern and ancient Greek word "εντολή" (ehn-to-LEE) ≈ "order, command" means a command, as in the "οι Δέκα Εντολές" (ee THEH-ka EHn-to-LEHS) ≈ "the Ten Commandments".

The modern Greek word "στολή" (sto-LEE) ≈ "costume" is much the same as used in the GNT, often translated as "robe" or "raiment".

In Rev 22:14 the Greek manuscripts differ.

"ποιούντες τας εντολάς αυτού" (pee-UN-tehs tas ehn-to-LAS av-TU) ≈ "do his commandments" KJV
"πλυνόντες τας στολάς αυτών" (plee-NON-tehs tas sto-LAS av-TON) ≈ "wash their robes" NIV (New International Version)

Does the difference matter?

Acts 21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: [kjv]

ως δε εγενετο αναχθηναι ημας αποσπασθεντας απ αυτων ευθυδρομησαντες ηλθομεν εις την κω τη δε εξης εις την ροδον κακειθεν εις παταρα [gnt]

The original Saint Nicholas was a Greek monk called Nikolaos of Myra (4th century AD) in Asia Minor, in what today is part of Turkey.

Nicholas was born in the town of Patera. Paul had visited Patera during his missionary trips.

Acts 21:1

All

KJV: And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

Greek: ως δε εγενετο αναχθηναι ημας αποσπασθεντας απ αυτων ευθυδρομησαντες ηλθομεν εις την κων κω τη δε εξης εις την ροδον κακειθεν εις παταρα

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [kjv]

ουτως λαμψατω το φως υμων εμπροσθεν των ανθρωπων οπως ιδωσιν υμων τα καλα εργα και δοξασωσιν τον πατερα υμων τον εν τοις ουρανοις [gnt]

The parents of Saint Nicholas of Myra, Santa Claus, were dedicated Christians who died from a plague (not uncommon in those days) when he was young. They left him a sizable inheritance which he used to glorify the opinion of God through his works.

Nicholas was very generous with giving gifts, mostly without letting the receiver know from where the gift came. His light was Jesus, not himself.

More: Matthew 5:16 Let the light of Jesus shine

Nicklaus, like other Christians, suffered persecution under Roman Emperor Diocletian (284-305) and then under his successor Galerius (258-311).

As Galerius was slowing dying from disease, and making no progress with the persecution, he gave up his persecution, issued an edict of toleration, and converted before dying. His last request was that Christians would pray for him.

Book: Nicholas of Myra: Giver of many gifts

Nicholas (270-343) became a bishop and was recorded at being at the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. where the Nicene Creed was developed and approved.

Nicholas was very generous with giving gifts, mostly without letting the receiver know from where the gift came. There are many stories and legends about his gift giving.
Chess pieces

In Philippians, Paul takes the bishops (leaders) of the church in Philippi to task for not doing what they are supposed to be doing and doing what they are not supposed to be doing. Most bishops at the time did not need such admonition.

More: 1 Timothy 3:1 Desire to reach out to be a bishop

More: Philippians

Matthew 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: [kjv]

σου δε ποιουντος ελεημοσυνην μη γνωτω η αριστερα σου τι ποιει η δεξια σου [gnt]

6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. [kjv]

οπως η σου η ελεημοσυνη εν τω κρυπτω και ο πατηρ σου ο βλεπων εν τω κρυπτω αποδωσει σοι [gnt]

The Greek translated as "reward" is that of "give to". There is another common Greek word for "reward" that is not used here.
Jesus uses the "hand" to represent "people" in roles (e.g., "bird", "pig", "fish", "sheep", etc.). What do most men do?

Do good in secret (expecting reward only from God in secret)
Do good in public to get the world's praise (and often use it to influence and/or oppress others).

Although gift giving had been part of the pagan Roman holiday of Saturnalia, whose traditions were merged with Christmas traditions, gift giving at Christmas was then associated with the gift giving of Nicholas - who did it in secret and for no public acclaim.

More: Matthew 5:15: This little light of mine

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]

ουδε καιουσιν λυχνον και τιθεασιν αυτον υπο τον μοδιον αλλ επι την λυχνιαν και λαμπει πασιν τοις εν τη οικια [gnt]

Which men? Is it a "sheep" "dog" or a "wolf" "dog" ("bird")?
Which "light"? Is it true light or false light?
Which house? Is it built on the rock or on sand?
The "light" on a "candlestick" is for everyone in the "house". The Greek verb for "to light" is that of "to set fire to" but can be a play on words.

If Jesus is your light, do you need to "light" a "candle"?
A "house" built on the rock uses the "light" of Jesus.
A "house" built on sand (human infrastructure) needs "light" from "men" - which could be a false "light". Perhaps many such "lights".

More: Matthew 5:15: This little light of mine

Bishop/Saint Nicholas of Myra (270-343) was very generous with giving without letting the anyone know from where the gifts came. His light was Jesus, not himself.

Saint Nicholas died on December 6, 343 A.D. and the eve, December 5, was the celebration of Saint Nicholas. In western countries, this date was eventually moved to coincide with December 25 and the eve December 24.

Western Gregorian (secular and religious) calendar
Eastern Julian (religious) calendar (13 days behind)

Discuss: Has the spirit of Santa Claus made Christmas too commercial and secular?

With the date change from December 5 to December 24 (Christmas Eve), many Christian leaders of Europe, especially Martin Luther, did not want Saint Nicholas overshadowing Jesus at Christmas. In Germany parents were to use terms like "Christkindl".

The German word "das Kind" ≈ "the child". A "kindergarten" is a "garden for children". The lowercase "L" at the end of "Christkindl" is a form of diminutive.

Going through Dutch, "Kriskind" becomes "Kris Kringle".

[grammatical gender]

More: Diminutives

The German name "Christkind" is the gift-bringer in many German speaking (and some other) areas of Europe. The "Christkind" is depicted as a very young Christ child.

Through Dutch, the American pronunciation of "Chriskindl" became "Chris Kringle" or "Kris Kringle".
The English version is of the "Christkind" is sometimes called "Father Christmas".

What is Santa's favorite type of potato chip?

Crisp Kringle

There is a Christkindl market in Mifflinburg, PA (on-site was canceled in 2020 due to Covid-19).
As the oldest outdoor Christmas market in the United States, the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market has been bringing the tradition of the German Christmas market to Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania every December for more than 30 years. (as of 2023-12-02)

https://www.oldchristkindl.com (web site)

The German word "das Kind" ≈ "child, baby, unborn child" as used in the Luther German.
The German word "die Kinder" ≈ "the children".
The German word "der Garten" ≈ "the garden".
The German word "der Kindergarten" ≈ "the kindergarten".

Thus, an English "kindergarten", often misspelled as "kindergarden", is a "garden of children".

Many PIE (Proto Indo-European) languages have a case and gender system. This idea is sometimes called "grammatical gender".

The German word "der Mann" ≈ "the man" which is masculine.
The German word "die Frau" ≈ "the woman" which is feminine.
The German word "das Kind" ≈ "the child, baby, unborn child" which is neuter.

More: Pronouns

The German word "das Kind" ≈ "the baby" which is neuter. Thus, someone coming from German (or Greek, etc.) might say something like the following using a quote fragment from Ludwig Wittgenstein (Austrian-British philosopher) .

"Das Kind learn eine Menge Dinge glauben. Es learn nach diesen Glaube handeln." (German)
"The child learns to believe a lot of things. It learns to act according to those beliefs." (English)

Book of quotes: Ludvig Wittgenstein: On certainty. 1969. (translation).

In English, some people can get upset by hearing a baby referred to as an "it".

More: Ludwig Wittgenstein

Derived from Chriskindl: Secret Santa is a Western Christmas tradition in which members of a group or community are randomly assigned a person to whom they give a gift. The identity of the gift giver is a secret not to be revealed. (Wikipedia). Wikipedia says that the term "Pollyanna", as in a "Pollyanna swap" is used for "Secret Santa" in southeastern Pennsylvania.

In the Middle Ages, Saint Nicholas was old, thin, and bearded. The red suit appears to have come from Bishop Nicholas as being depicted wearing a red gown, the traditional garb of bishops - at least in Holland.
The Dutch name for Santa Claus was "Sinterklaas" which is the source of the English "Santa Claus".

Northern European legends and myths associated some of the same activities with Odin (who was old and had a white beard). In Holland, shoes were left out with food for Odin's horse, and the next morning they had been replaced with candy and gifts.

The Norse god Odin is similar to the Roman god Mercury or the Greek god Hermes or the Babylonian god Nabu. Odin, or Wodin, is the source of the English word "Wednesday" as Odin's day or Wodin's day.

More: The idol Bel

More: Folk etymology

In Denmark, Santa traveled by sleigh. And there are real reindeer (that do not fly, of course).

The cold and the North Pole (a goal in the last half of the 1800's like getting to the moon was in the 1960's) made it easy to explain why Santa was not seen during the year.

Why does Santa use flying reindeer instead of flying dragons?

Have you ever tried to sleigh a dragon?

Inspired by the story of the Ugly Duckling, Robert May, in 1939, created the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

In 1949 the song and melody by Johnny Marks made Rudolph more popular. The TV special in the 1960's added to the legend of Rudolph, reindeer, the North Pole, and Santa - with elves, etc.

Rudolph has a red nose but the English word "Rudolph" is from the German word "Rudolf" ≈ "Rudolph" is from the old German words for "fame" and "wolf".

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer had to deal with laughing. The popular animated feature (55 minutes) is from 1964.

What was the name of the other reindeer that laughed and called Rudolph names?

Olive, the other reindeer.

Hermey (who wants to be a dentist): "This won't hurt a bit".

More: Some witty remarks on laughing and humor

More: Matthew 25:38 Hosting strange and hostile guests and ghosts

In 1822 Clarke Moore wrote a poem for his children about Christmas entitled "A visit from St. Nicholas".
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads

The poem reinforced the notion of gift giving as in integral part of Christmas.

1858: Macy's Dry Goods store opened in New York City at the corner of 14th Street and 6th Avenue.
1862: Macy's used Santa Claus for marketing.
1864: Started using illuminated window displays to get passerby attention - the start of "window shopping". [I heard the bells on Christmas day]
1924: Employees started the Macy Thanksgiving parade in New York City. Originally called the "Macy's Christmas Parade". [Christmas season begins]

In 1881 cartoonist Thomas Nast, a Bavarian immigrant, illustrated Santa, starting as an elf and gradually becoming more like the Santa we know today.

Cartoonist Thomas Nash created an unforgettable image of Santa Claus. What other symbols did Thomas Nast create?

Republican Elephant and the Democratic Donkey

1934 song: "Santa Claus is comin to town"
1944 song: "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" (Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra)
1941 song: "White Christmas" (Bing Crosby)
1943 song: "I'll be Home for Christmas" (Bing Crosby)
1949 song "Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer" (Gene Autry)

Many secular Christmas songs have made it into church services during the Christmas season.

More: Song: White Christmas

During the Christmas season one hears of "yuletide", as in the words to secular Christmas song "Have yourself a merry little Christmas". The first performance of note was in 1944 by Judy Garland in the musical "Meet Me in St. Louis". Here is how the original song started. You can see why it was changed.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

It may be your last. Next year we may all be living in the past.

What is a lamb’s favorite Christmas carol?

Have Yourself a Mary Little Christmas.

More: Jolly yuletide tidings

More: Song: Have yourself a merry little Christmas

There have been many movies about Santa Claus (and Christmas)

1897: Santa Claus Filling Stockings
1898: Santa Claus and the Children
1933: The Night Before Christmas
1937: Miracle on 34th Street (Natalie Wood, Maureen O'Hara, Edmund Gwenn)
1946: It's a Wonderful Life
1952: Holiday Inn (Bing Crosby, White Christmas)
1970: Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Mickey Rooney)

There have been many TV specials about Santa Claus.

1962: Magoo Christmas Carol (cartoon)
1964: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
1965: Charlie Brown Christmas [true meaning of Christmas]
1966: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
1969: Frosty the snowman
1970: Santa Claus is comin' to town
1974: The year without a Santa Claus

There have been many secular movies, songs, TV specials about Santa and many marketing uses of Santa.

How does Santa Claus value his sleigh for tax purposes?

Net present value.

How does Santa Claus list his elves on his tax return?

As dependent clauses

What does an English teacher call an elf of Santa?

A subordinate clause

What is the "doctrine" of "Santa Claus" or "Saint Nickolas"?

Νικολαος (Nicholas, modern ending)
Νικολαον (Nicholas, person's name, KJV) Acts 6:5
Νικολαιτων (plural possessive ending, Rev 2:6, 15)

Note: In Revelation, the church of Smyrna is after Ephesus and before Pergamus.

The term "Santa Claus" as in "Saint Nickolas" literally means the "holy victory of the people".

Revelation 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [kjv]

αλλα τουτο εχεις οτι μισεις τα εργα των νικολαιτων α καγω μισω [gnt]

… facta Nicolaitarum … [v]

… Werke … Nikolaiten … [lu]

Jesus:

loves people
hates deeds (sin)

The Greek name for "Nicolaitans" is related to the Greek name from which "Santa Claus" originates. That is, literally, "victory of the people".

A "doctrine" is a "teaching".

More: Teaching and learning sound and healthy doctrine

The modern Greek word "άγιος" (A-y-os) ≈ "saint" as in holy.
The modern Greek word "νίκη" (NEE-kee) ≈ "victory" as in Nike shoes.
The modern Greek word "λαός" (la-OS) ≈ "people" as in a lay reader or laity.

Revelation 2:6

All

KJV: But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Greek: αλλα τουτο εχεις οτι μισεις τα εργα των νικολαιτων α καγω μισω

Latin: sed hoc habes quia odisti facta Nicolaitarum quae et ego odi

Luther: Aber das hast du, daß du die Werke der Nikolaiten hassest, welche ich auch hasse.

Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; [kjv]

και τω αγγελω της εν περγαμω εκκλησιας γραψον ταδε λεγει ο εχων την ρομφαιαν την διστομον την οξειαν [gnt]

2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. [kjv]

ουτως εχεις και συ κρατουντας την διδαχην νικολαιτων ο μισω ομοιως [gnt]

Here Jesus hates the "doctrine" or "teachings" of the Nicolaitans. What is the difference between "works" or "deeds" and "doctrine" or "teachings"?

So who are the «νικολαιτων» or "Nicolaitans". No one has come up with a good answer.

Discussion question: Is there a "doctrine" or are there "deeds" of the idea of Santa Claus that might not be in line with the teachings of Jesus?

Revelation 2:12

All

KJV: And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

Greek: και τω αγγελω της εν περγαμω εκκλησιας γραψον ταδε λεγει ο εχων την ρομφαιαν την διστομον την οξειαν

Revelation 2:13

All

KJV: I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Greek: οιδα τα εργα σου και που κατοικεις οπου ο θρονος του σατανα και κρατεις το ονομα μου και ουκ ηρνησω την πιστιν μου και εν ταις ημεραις εν αις αντιπας ο μαρτυς μου ο πιστος μου ος απεκτανθη παρ υμιν οπου κατοικει ο σατανας κατοικει

Revelation 2:14

All

KJV: But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Greek: αλλ αλλα εχω κατα σου ολιγα οτι εχεις εκει κρατουντας την διδαχην βαλααμ ος εδιδασκεν εν τω βαλακ βαλειν σκανδαλον ενωπιον των υιων ισραηλ φαγειν ειδωλοθυτα και πορνευσαι

Revelation 2:15

All

KJV: So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Greek: ουτως εχεις και συ κρατουντας την διδαχηντων νικολαιτων ο μισωομοιως

Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; [kjv]

και τω αγγελω της εν περγαμω εκκλησιας γραψον ταδε λεγει ο εχων την ρομφαιαν την διστομον την οξειαν [gnt]

Many customs originated from the Tower of Babel and Babylon which then went to Pergamus and then to Rome and then to the rest of the world.

Sunset to sunset: Hebrews, Germanic cultures. (Christmas Eve)
Midnight to midnight: Greece, Rome.

Spring (renewal, planting, Easter)
Summer (growing)
Fall (harvest, fruit, Halloween)
Winter (Saturnalia, Christmas, Hanukkah)

[linguistic connections, papyrus vs. parchment, underground pipes]

Some people went north and west, as ended the Germanic tribes with customs of the winter solstice tree.

More: Genesis 1: Evening and morning

The Greek for "two edged sword" means, literally, "two mouthed sword" as in "let my sword do the talking".

More: A peace of the mouth of the sword

More: Romans: Under the law as in sewer pipes

More: Traditions from Babel to Pergamus to Rome

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. [kjv]

ανηρ διψυχος ακαταστατος εν πασαις ταις οδοις αυτου [gnt]

The KJV translates as "double-minded" the Greek word that means, literally, "two lives" or "two minds".

Some take this as "two willed". The "ways" include have that man appears to others.

James uses the specific word for "man" and not "woman".

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. [kjv]

ανηρ διψυχος ακαταστατος εν πασαις ταις οδοις αυτου [gnt]

One way to translate this verse is as follows.

A double-willed man is unstable in his presence.

The following translation is questionable.

A two-wheeled man is unstable in his presents.

Some verse clauses do make this translation. Instead of a questionable character, it appears it makes Santa lack presence!