James 4:15

Authorized King James Version

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For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Original Language Analysis

ἀντὶ For that G473
ἀντὶ For that
Strong's: G473
Word #: 1 of 15
opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγειν ought to say G3004
λέγειν ought to say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὑμᾶς ye G5209
ὑμᾶς ye
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 4 of 15
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Ἐὰν If G1437
Ἐὰν If
Strong's: G1437
Word #: 5 of 15
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος the Lord G2962
κύριος the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 7 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
θελήσῃ will G2309
θελήσῃ will
Strong's: G2309
Word #: 8 of 15
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ζήσωμεν we shall live G2198
ζήσωμεν we shall live
Strong's: G2198
Word #: 10 of 15
to live (literally or figuratively)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιήσωμεν do G4160
ποιήσωμεν do
Strong's: G4160
Word #: 12 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τοῦτο this G5124
τοῦτο this
Strong's: G5124
Word #: 13 of 15
that thing
ἢ or G2228
ἢ or
Strong's: G2228
Word #: 14 of 15
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
ἐκεῖνο that G1565
ἐκεῖνο that
Strong's: G1565
Word #: 15 of 15
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

Analysis & Commentary

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills (ean ho Kyrios thelē, ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θέλῃ), we will live and do this or that." Incorporating "Lord willing" is not cliché but a heart posture acknowledging providence.

Reformed believers often use DV (Deo volente) as expression of James 4:15, submitting plans to God's sovereign will.

Historical Context

Jewish tradition used phrases like "If God wills"; James renews the habit for Christian merchants. The early church embraced this language to express dependence amid uncertainty.

Questions for Reflection

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