James 4:5
What does James 4:5 mean?
A plain-English look at James 4:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 4:5 means
James insists that Scripture’s warnings are not empty words. The human spirit, as it now is, bends toward envy—craving what others have and resenting their good. This internal pull fuels the worldliness he has exposed. Our problem is not only outside pressures but a jealous impulse within. Recognizing that truth strips away excuses and highlights our need for help beyond ourselves. The good news will follow: God gives more grace. But first James wants us to feel the weight of our condition. Scripture reads our hearts; it exposes the envy and rivalry that estrange us from God and from one another, preparing us to receive His remedy.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Or does it seem to you that it is for nothing that the holy Writings say, The spirit which God put into our hearts has a strong desire for us?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Do ye think that emptily the Writing saith, `To envy earnestly desireth the spirit that did dwell in us,'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Or do you think that the scripture saith in vain: To envy doth the spirit covet which dwelleth in you?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Think ye that the scripture speaks in vain? Does the Spirit which has taken his abode in us desire enviously?
Context
Verse 5 bridges the accusation of spiritual adultery (v. 4) and the promise of grace (v. 6). By appealing to Scripture’s enduring voice, James underlines the seriousness and universality of the issue: the inner tendency toward envy and rivalry is real. This prepares readers to embrace God’s provision rather than deny their need. The next verse will contrast human pride and divine generosity, moving from diagnosis to cure and launching the cluster of repentance commands that follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 8:21
And Jehovah smelled the sweet savor; and Jehovah said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake, for that the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done.
- 2 Corinthians 6:16
And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
- Psalms 37:1
Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, Neither be thou envious against them that work unrighteousness.
- Titus 3:3
For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19
Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own;
- Numbers 11:29
And Moses said unto him, Art thou jealous for my sake? would that all Jehovah’s people were prophets, that Jehovah would put his Spirit upon them!
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