James 1:7
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἰέσθω
let
G3633
οἰέσθω
let
Strong's:
G3633
Word #:
3 of 12
to make like (oneself), i.e., imagine (be of the opinion)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκεῖνος
that
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
6 of 12
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
λήψεταί
he shall receive
G2983
λήψεταί
he shall receive
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
8 of 12
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
παρὰ
of
G3844
παρὰ
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
Cross References
James 4:3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.Proverbs 21:27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?Isaiah 1:15And 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.Proverbs 15:8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Historical Context
Some diaspora believers flirted with double allegiance—attending synagogue gatherings while appeasing local patrons or pagan guilds. James, as Jerusalem's pillar, clarifies that such divided loyalties obstruct divine blessing. Paul's letters similarly confront double-minded Galatians tempted to add law observance to grace.
The admonition would have comforted persecuted Christians tempted to believe that God had forgotten them: their assurance was not in visible success but in steadfast trust aligned with apostolic teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you cultivated habits of prayer that expect God to answer, or do you default to skepticism?
- What might repentance look like for subtle unbelief that blocks receiving God's wisdom?
- How can community help you hold fast to faith when circumstances stay difficult?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. James issues a sober warning: the doubting person should not "think" (oiesthō, οἰέσθω) he will receive anything. The verb carries the idea of a fanciful assumption—wishful thinking disconnected from covenant loyalty. To "receive" (lēmpsetai, λήμψεται) is not to earn but to welcome God's gifts; chronic distrust closes the hands that would have been filled.
In Reformed thought, this does not deny God's compassion toward the weak but exposes hardened unbelief that refuses to submit to His wisdom. James echoes Jesus' teaching that prayer without faith is empty babble. God's generosity does not negate the necessity of trusting Him; grace is bestowed along the path of dependent obedience.