James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Original Language Analysis
λείπεται
lack
G3007
λείπεται
lack
Strong's:
G3007
Word #:
5 of 19
to leave, i.e., (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent
παρὰ
of
G3844
παρὰ
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοθήσεται
it shall be given
G1325
δοθήσεται
it shall be given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
10 of 19
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 15:7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.2 Chronicles 1:10Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.John 14:13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.1 John 3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.Exodus 31:3And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,Exodus 31:6And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.1 Chronicles 22:12Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.John 4:10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Historical Context
Diaspora believers often lacked rabbis, temple access, or stable leadership, so James writes as Jerusalem's wise shepherd, echoing Solomon but pointing to Christ. Around AD 48 the Jerusalem famine left many churches impoverished, making divine wisdom for distributing scarce resources essential.
James aligns with Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 1-2 that true wisdom is Christ crucified, not Greek rhetoric. He invites persecuted Jewish Christians to ask without fear of being scolded as former Pharisees might have done, highlighting the generous character of the God revealed in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you feel your wisdom is lacking, and have you asked God persistently about it?
- How does God's generous character free you from shame when seeking guidance?
- What steps will you take to obey the wisdom God grants, especially in caring for others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. The verb "lack" (leipetai, λείπεται) links back to verse 4, showing that wisdom is the chief deficit trials expose. James calls believers to "ask" (aiteitō, αἰτείτω) in the present imperative, persevering in request, confident that God gives liberally. The noun "wisdom" is sophia (σοφία)—not mere intellect but skillful, God-fearing living that integrates doctrine and obedience.
God "giveth generously" (haplōs, ἁπλῶς) meaning with single-hearted sincerity, and He "upbraideth not" (oneidizontos, ὀνειδίζοντος), never shaming those who seek Him. This is grace theology: the Father delights to grant Christ's wisdom to needy saints, echoing Proverbs yet fulfilled in the new covenant community. The promise "it shall be given" anchors prayer in divine faithfulness rather than human merit.
Therefore James weds dependent prayer to practical holiness; wisdom is given for living out the royal law, taming the tongue, and caring for the poor. Jesus, the embodiment of wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30), stands ready to supply what trials reveal we lack.