James Chapter 4 · Verse 14
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
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)
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)
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
Cross References
1 Peter 1:24For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:Psalms 39:5Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.1 John 2:17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.Psalms 102:3For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.Psalms 89:47Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?James 1:10But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.1 Peter 4:7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.Isaiah 38:12Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.
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
- How does remembering life's brevity reshape your priorities?
- What unfinished reconciliations or obediences must occur now?
- How can you steward today's vapor for eternal impact?
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.