James 4:14

Authorized King James Version

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Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Original Language Analysis

οἵτινες Whereas G3748
οἵτινες Whereas
Strong's: G3748
Word #: 1 of 21
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
οὐκ not G3756
οὐκ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 2 of 21
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἐπίστασθε ye know G1987
ἐπίστασθε ye know
Strong's: G1987
Word #: 3 of 21
to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with
ἡ what shall be on G3588
ἡ what shall be on
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ what shall be on G3588
ἡ what shall be on
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὔριον the morrow G839
αὔριον the morrow
Strong's: G839
Word #: 6 of 21
properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow
ποία what G4169
ποία what
Strong's: G4169
Word #: 7 of 21
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 8 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ what shall be on G3588
ἡ what shall be on
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ζωὴ life G2222
ζωὴ life
Strong's: G2222
Word #: 10 of 21
life (literally or figuratively)
ὑμῶν· is your G5216
ὑμῶν· is your
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 11 of 21
of (from or concerning) you
ἀτμὶς a vapour G822
ἀτμὶς a vapour
Strong's: G822
Word #: 12 of 21
mist
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 13 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐστιν It is G2076
ἐστιν It is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 14 of 21
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ἡ what shall be on G3588
ἡ what shall be on
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς that G4314
πρὸς that
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 16 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὀλίγον a little time G3641
ὀλίγον a little time
Strong's: G3641
Word #: 17 of 21
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
φαινομένη appeareth for G5316
φαινομένη appeareth for
Strong's: G5316
Word #: 18 of 21
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
ἔπειτα then G1899
ἔπειτα then
Strong's: G1899
Word #: 19 of 21
thereafter
δὲ and G1161
δὲ and
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 20 of 21
but, and, etc
ἀφανιζομένη vanisheth away G853
ἀφανιζομένη vanisheth away
Strong's: G853
Word #: 21 of 21
to render unapparent, i.e., (actively) consume (becloud), or (passively) disappear (be destroyed)

Analysis & Commentary

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. You do not know what tomorrow brings. Life is a vapor (atmis, ἀτμίς) that appears briefly and vanishes. James urges eternal perspective, countering arrogance with mortality awareness.

Reformed eschatology stresses brevity of life and urgency of obedience. Recognizing vapor-like existence fosters humility and generosity.

Historical Context

In a world without modern medicine, mortality was evident, yet wealth fostered illusions of control. James reminds diaspora merchants that pandemics, persecution, and travel dangers could end plans instantly.

Questions for Reflection

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