Devine Scripture

James 4:14

What does James 4:14 mean?

A plain-English look at James 4:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 4:14 means

Presumption withers under reality: we do not know tomorrow. Life is fragile and fleeting—like a vapor that appears briefly, then vanishes. James confronts the illusion of control by reminding us of our limits and mortality. This is not meant to paralyze but to humble, teaching us to hold plans with open hands. When we remember how brief our lives are, we measure success differently and seek wisdom about how to use the days we are given. Awareness of brevity frees us from arrogant timelines and redirects us to God’s will, gratitude for each day, and urgency in doing known good.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When you are not certain what will take place tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist, which is seen for a little time and then is gone.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

who do not know the thing of the morrow; for what is your life? for it is a vapour that is appearing for a little, and then is vanishing;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

ye who do not know what will be on the morrow, ([for] what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, appearing for a little while, and then disappearing,)

Context

Following the confident assertions of verse 13, verse 14 introduces a sobering corrective: human ignorance of the future and the transience of life. This sets up the positive alternative in verse 15—acknowledging the Lord’s will in all plans. The movement is from rebuking self-sufficiency to instilling God-consciousness, preparing the way for James’s condemnation of boastful arrogance and his final reminder about the sin of neglecting known good.

v.13Come now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain:

v.14This passage

v.15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 38:12

    My dwelling is removed, and is carried away from me as a shepherd’s tent: I have rolled up, like a weaver, my life; he will cut me off from the loom: From day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.

  • Job 7:6

    My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, And are spent without hope.

  • 1 Peter 4:7

    But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:

  • Psalms 90:5

    Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: In the morning they are like grass which groweth up.

  • Job 14:1

    Man, that is born of a woman, Is of few days, and full of trouble.

  • Psalms 39:5

    Behold, thou hast made my daysas handbreadths; And my life-time is as nothing before thee: Surely every man at his best estate is altogether vanity. [Selah

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