James 1:7
What does James 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at James 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 1:7 means
James draws a firm conclusion: the person who prays while doubting should not presume he will receive anything from the Lord. This is not because God is stingy, but because divided trust refuses the very channel by which God gives—faith. The warning is pastoral, pressing readers to examine whether they seek God with a whole heart. To expect God’s wisdom while clinging to self-reliance is self-contradictory. James wants believers to come to God openly, trusting his generosity set forth in verse 5. The problem is not asking questions, but cultivating a posture that hedges its bets and treats prayer as a fallback plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let it not seem to such a man that he will get anything from the Lord;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for let not that man suppose that he shall receive anything from the Lord--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Therefore let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for let not that man think that he shall receive anything from the Lord;
Context
This verse sits between the picture of the wavering petitioner (verse 6) and the diagnosis of his condition (verse 8). It sharpens the seriousness of unbelieving prayer. The flow underscores a key theme of James: single-minded devotion brings stability and blessing; doublemindedness yields emptiness. Having addressed inner posture toward God, James will pivot in verses 9–11 to outward circumstances—poverty and wealth—and show how a God-centered view stabilizes both the lowly and the rich amid trials.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- James 4:3
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may spend it in your pleasures.
- Proverbs 21:27
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind!
- Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight.
- Isaiah 58:3
Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find your own pleasure, and exact all your labors.
- Isaiah 1:15
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore James 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on James 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Conflict Resolution
What does the Bible teach us about resolving conflicts and finding peace with others according to God's Word?
Topic
Bible Verses About Discipleship
Discipleship is an intentional journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in His likeness.
What the Bible says about…
Answer
What does the Bible say about anger?
Be slow to anger, quick to listen, and quick to forgive.
Answer
What does the Bible say about patience?
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming.
Answer
What does the Bible say about suffering?
Our light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory.
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Making a Big Decision
Six verses to pray before the meeting, the move, or the answer you have to give.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for a Sick Loved One
When someone you love is suffering — verses to pray over their healing.