James 4:1
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Original Language Analysis
Πόθεν
From whence
G4159
Πόθεν
From whence
Strong's:
G4159
Word #:
1 of 18
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
πόλεμοι
come wars
G4171
πόλεμοι
come wars
Strong's:
G4171
Word #:
2 of 18
warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
come they not
G3756
οὐκ
come they not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
7 of 18
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἐντεῦθεν
hence
G1782
ἐντεῦθεν
hence
Strong's:
G1782
Word #:
8 of 18
hence (literally or figuratively); (repeated) on both sides
ἐκ
even of
G1537
ἐκ
even of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατευομένων
that war
G4754
στρατευομένων
that war
Strong's:
G4754
Word #:
14 of 18
to serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations
Cross References
1 Peter 2:11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;Galatians 5:17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.Romans 7:23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.Romans 8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.James 1:14But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.Jeremiah 17:9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?1 Peter 1:14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:Colossians 3:5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:2 Peter 3:3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,James 4:3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Historical Context
Diaspora churches experienced disputes over resources, doctrine, and social status. James, like Paul in Galatians 5:17, explains that inner fleshly desires fuel outer wars. Roman oppression also pressured believers to compete for survival.",
Questions for Reflection
- What inner desires fuel your conflicts?
- How can you submit those desires to Christ?
- What practices help you pursue peace internally and externally?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Conflicts (polemai, πόλεμοι) and fights (machai, μάχαι) arise from passions (hēdonōn, ἡδονῶν) at war within. James locates external strife in internal cravings. Self-centered desires turn community into battlefield.
Reformed anthropology diagnoses the heart as source of conflict. Sanctification requires addressing disordered desires, not merely behaviors.