James 4:16
But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
Original Language Analysis
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
1 of 12
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλαζονείαις
boastings
G212
ἀλαζονείαις
boastings
Strong's:
G212
Word #:
6 of 12
braggadocio, i.e., (by implication) self-confidence
καύχησις
rejoicing
G2746
καύχησις
rejoicing
Strong's:
G2746
Word #:
9 of 12
boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense
τοιαύτη
such
G5108
τοιαύτη
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
10 of 12
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
Cross References
Proverbs 27:1Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.1 Corinthians 5:6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?Psalms 52:7Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.Proverbs 25:14Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.Revelation 18:7How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.Isaiah 47:10For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.Psalms 52:1Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.James 3:14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Historical Context
Merchants often boasted of trade routes and profits. James calls such alazōn (braggart) behavior evil, aligning with wisdom literature's critique of arrogance.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you subtly boast in plans or success?
- How can you redirect praise to God?
- Who can hold you accountable for humble speech?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. You boast (kauchasthai, καυχᾶσθαι) in arrogance (alazoneiais, ἀλαζονείαις); all such boasting is evil. Prideful self-confidence in business or life offends God.
Reformed theology condemns boasting in anything but the cross (Galatians 6:14). James addresses practical boasting that ignores dependence on grace.