James 4:5
New International Version
Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?

New Living Translation
Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him.

English Standard Version
Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?

Berean Standard Bible
Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?

Berean Literal Bible
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit that He has made to dwell in us yearns with envy"?

King James Bible
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

New King James Version
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

New American Standard Bible
Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose, “He jealously desires the Spirit whom He has made to dwell in us”?

NASB 1995
Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"?

NASB 1977
Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?

Legacy Standard Bible
Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?

Amplified Bible
Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose that the [human] spirit which He has made to dwell in us lusts with envy?

Christian Standard Bible
Or do you think it’s without reason that the Scripture says: The spirit he made to dwell in us envies intensely?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Or do you think it’s without reason the Scripture says that the Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously?

American Standard Version
Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?

Contemporary English Version
Do you doubt the Scriptures that say, "God truly cares about the Spirit he has put in us"?

English Revised Version
Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Do you think this passage means nothing? It says, "The Spirit that lives in us wants us to be his own."

Good News Translation
Don't think that there is no truth in the scripture that says, "The spirit that God placed in us is filled with fierce desires."

International Standard Version
Or do you think the Scripture means nothing when it says that the Spirit that God caused to live in us jealously yearns for us?

Majority Standard Bible
Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?

NET Bible
Or do you think the scripture means nothing when it says, "The spirit that God caused to live within us has an envious yearning"?

New Heart English Bible
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit which he made to dwell in us yearns jealously"?

Webster's Bible Translation
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

Weymouth New Testament
Or do you suppose that it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "The Spirit which He has caused to dwell in our hearts yearns jealously over us"?

World English Bible
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously”?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Or, do you think that the Writing says emptily, “The Spirit that has dwelt in us yearns with envy,”

Berean Literal Bible
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit that He has made to dwell in us yearns with envy"?

Young's Literal Translation
Do ye think that emptily the Writing saith, 'To envy earnestly desireth the spirit that did dwell in us,'

Smith's Literal Translation
Or think ye that the writing says vainly, That the spirit longs for envy, which dwelt in us?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Or do you think that the scripture saith in vain: To envy doth the spirit covet which dwelleth in you?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Or do you think that Scripture says in vain: “The spirit which lives within you desires unto envy?”

New American Bible
Or do you suppose that the scripture speaks without meaning when it says, “The spirit that he has made to dwell in us tends toward jealousy”?

New Revised Standard Version
Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, “God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Or do you think that the scripture said in vain, The pride that dwells in us is provoked by jealousy?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And perhaps you think the Scripture says in vain, “The spirit that dwells within us lusts with jealousy.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Do you suppose that the scripture speaks to no purpose? Does the Spirit that dwells in us incline to envy? No.

Godbey New Testament
Whether do you think that the scripture says in vain, The spirit who dwells in us fights against envy?

Haweis New Testament
Think ye that the scripture saith without meaning, The spirit which dwelleth in you strongly urges to envy?

Mace New Testament
or do you imagine that passage of scripture to be insignificant, "does the spirit that dwells in you, incite you to vice?"

Weymouth New Testament
Or do you suppose that it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "The Spirit which He has caused to dwell in our hearts yearns jealously over us"?

Worrell New Testament
Or do ye think that the Scripture says in vain, "The spirit that dwells in us has jealous longings?"

Worsley New Testament
Do ye think the scripture speaks in vain? or does the Spirit that dwelleth in us, excite to envy?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Warning against Pride
4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy? 6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”…

Cross References
Galatians 5:17
For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Romans 8:5-9
Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. / The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, / because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ...

1 Corinthians 3:3
for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.

Romans 7:23
But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me.

Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

Ephesians 2:2-3
in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. / All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.

2 Corinthians 6:16
What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

Genesis 6:5
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Ezekiel 36:26-27
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.

Proverbs 21:10
The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.


Treasury of Scripture

Do you think that the scripture said in vain, The spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy?

the scripture.

John 7:42
Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

John 10:35
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

John 19:37
And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

The spirit.

Genesis 4:5,6
But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell…

Genesis 6:5
And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Genesis 8:21
And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

to envy.

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James 4
1. We are to strive against covetousness;
4. intemperance;
5. pride;
11. detraction and rash judgment of others;
13. and not to be boastful of our future plans.














Or do you think
This phrase challenges the reader to reflect on their understanding and assumptions. The Greek word for "think" (δοκεῖτε, dokeite) implies a consideration or supposition. James is urging believers to critically evaluate their beliefs and attitudes, especially in light of scriptural truths. This rhetorical question sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the heart's inclinations and the divine perspective.

the Scripture says
Here, James refers to the authority of Scripture, which is central to Christian doctrine. The term "Scripture" (γραφὴ, graphē) underscores the sacred writings that are inspired by God. While there is no direct Old Testament quote that matches this verse exactly, James is likely summarizing a biblical principle found throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with God's Word.

without reason
This phrase suggests that the Scriptures are purposeful and intentional. The Greek word "κενῶς" (kenōs) means "in vain" or "without cause." James is affirming that the teachings of Scripture are not arbitrary but are grounded in divine wisdom and truth. This challenges believers to recognize the weight and significance of biblical teachings in their lives.

that the spirit He caused to dwell in us
This part of the verse speaks to the divine action of God placing His Spirit within believers. The "spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma) can be understood as the human spirit influenced by God or the Holy Spirit Himself. The phrase "He caused to dwell" (κατῴκισεν, katōkisen) indicates a deliberate act of God, highlighting His intimate involvement in the believer's life. This indwelling is a profound mystery and a testament to God's desire for a personal relationship with His people.

yearns with envy
The word "yearns" (ἐπιποθεῖ, epipothei) conveys a deep, intense longing or desire. The term "envy" (φθόνον, phthonon) can be understood as a zealous desire for something. In this context, it suggests that God's Spirit within us longs for our undivided devotion and fidelity. This reflects the biblical theme of God's jealousy for His people, not in a sinful sense, but as a pure and holy desire for their wholehearted love and commitment.

(5) Do ye think . . .?--The tone of the Apostle is changed to one of appeal, which, perhaps (but see below), may be rendered thus: Suppose ye that the Scripture saith in vain, The (Holy) Spirit that dwelleth in us jealously regards us as His own? Our Authorised version does not allow of this apparent reference to the Spirit of God indwelling His human temples (1Corinthians 3:16; 1Corinthians 6:19, et seq.) for "lusteth to envy," or enviously, would imply evil and not good. It were well that the unfaithful, addressed in James 4:4, should bear the general sentiment of this verse in mind, and not fancy such warnings of holy writ were uttered emptily, in vain.

Many commentators have been puzzled to say whence the words came which are quoted as authoritative by St. James. Surely the substance was sufficient for him, as for other inspired writers, without a slavish adherence to the form: comp. Genesis 2:7 for the inbreathing of the Spirit, with any such chapter as Deuteronomy 32 for His jealous inquisition. It must, however, be noted that a slightly varied punctuation of the verse will give quite another sense to its questioning. (See Wordsworth.) Suppose ye that the Scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the Spirit, which took up His abode in you, lust to envy? And defensible or not as this translation may be, at least it escapes some of the difficulties of the foregoing. (Exhaustive notes, with references to most authorities, are in Alford; or an easy summary of the matter may be read in Plumptre's St. James.)

Verses 5, 6. - The difficulty of the passage is well shown by the hesitation of the Revisers. The first clause is rendered, "Or think ye that the Scripture speaketh in vain?" but as an alternative there is suggested in the margin, "Or think ye that the Scripture saith in vain?" as if the following clause were a quotation from Scripture. And of this following clause three possible renderings are suggested.

(1) In the text: "Doth the Spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the Scripture saith," etc.

(2) Margin 1: "The Spirit which he made to dwell in us he yearneth for even unto jealous envy. But he giveth," etc.

(3) Margin 2: "That Spirit which he made to dwell in us yearneth for us even unto jealous envy. But he giveth," etc. Further, it is noted in the margin that some ancient authorities read "dwelleth in us," i.e. κατώκησεν, which is the reading of the Received Text, and so of the A.V. resting upon K, L; א and B being the primary authorities for κατώκισεν. With regard to the first clause, the rendering of the R.V., "speaketh," may be justified by Hebrews 9:5. It is possible that St. James was intending to quote Proverbs 3:34 immediately, but after the introductory formula, η} δοκεῖτε ὅτι κενῶς ἡ γραφὴ λέγει, he interposes with the emphatic question, "Is it to envy," etc.? and does not arrive at the quotation till ver. 6, when he introduces it with a fresh formula of quotation, διὸ λέγει, a looseness of construction which is quite natural in a Hebrew. Other views, for which it is believed there is less to be urged, are the following: . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

do you think
δοκεῖτε (dokeite)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Scripture
γραφὴ (graphē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1124: (a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.

says
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

without reason [that]
κενῶς (kenōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2761: Falsely, in vain, to no purpose. Adverb from kenos; vainly, i.e. To no purpose.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Spirit
πνεῦμα (pneuma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

He caused to dwell
κατῴκισεν (katōkisen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2730: To dwell in, settle in, be established in (permanently), inhabit. From kata and oikeo; to house permanently, i.e. Reside.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

us
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

yearns
ἐπιποθεῖ (epipothei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1971: From epi and potheo; to dote upon, i.e. Intensely crave possession.

with
Πρὸς (Pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

envy?
φθόνον (phthonon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5355: Envy, a grudge, spite. Probably akin to the base of phtheiro; ill-will, i.e. Jealousy.


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NT Letters: James 4:5 Or do you think that the Scripture (Ja Jas. Jam)
James 4:4
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