James 4:13

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

Original Language Analysis

Ἄγε G71
Ἄγε
Strong's: G71
Word #: 1 of 21
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
νῦν now G3568
νῦν now
Strong's: G3568
Word #: 2 of 21
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγοντες ye that say G3004
λέγοντες ye that say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 4 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Σήμερον To day G4594
Σήμερον To day
Strong's: G4594
Word #: 5 of 21
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὔριον to morrow G839
αὔριον to morrow
Strong's: G839
Word #: 7 of 21
properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow
πορευσώμεθα we will go G4198
πορευσώμεθα we will go
Strong's: G4198
Word #: 8 of 21
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς into G1519
εἰς into
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 9 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τήνδε such G3592
τήνδε such
Strong's: G3592
Word #: 10 of 21
the same, i.e., this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλιν a city G4172
πόλιν a city
Strong's: G4172
Word #: 12 of 21
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιήσωμεν continue G4160
ποιήσωμεν continue
Strong's: G4160
Word #: 14 of 21
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐκεῖ there G1563
ἐκεῖ there
Strong's: G1563
Word #: 15 of 21
there; by extension, thither
ἐνιαυτὸν year G1763
ἐνιαυτὸν year
Strong's: G1763
Word #: 16 of 21
a year
ἕνα a G1520
ἕνα a
Strong's: G1520
Word #: 17 of 21
one
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐμπορευσώμεθα buy and sell G1710
ἐμπορευσώμεθα buy and sell
Strong's: G1710
Word #: 19 of 21
to travel in (a country as a pedlar), i.e., (by implication) to trade
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 20 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κερδήσωμεν get gain G2770
κερδήσωμεν get gain
Strong's: G2770
Word #: 21 of 21
to gain (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go... and gain." James confronts presumption in business planning that ignores God's sovereignty. Boastful planning reveals arrogant independence.

Reformed doctrine of providence insists that all plans submit to God's will. James applies theology to commerce for diaspora merchants.

Historical Context

Many Jews engaged in trade across the empire. Planning was necessary but easily became self-reliant. James addresses their habit of projecting profits without reference to God's purposes.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics