James 4:2
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπιθυμεῖτε
Ye lust
G1937
ἐπιθυμεῖτε
Ye lust
Strong's:
G1937
Word #:
1 of 22
to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχετε
have
G2192
ἔχετε
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολεμεῖτε
war
G4170
πολεμεῖτε
war
Strong's:
G4170
Word #:
14 of 22
to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e., to battle (literally or figuratively)
ἔχετε
have
G2192
ἔχετε
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
16 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
18 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 16:24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.John 4:10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Historical Context
Economic scarcity and persecution tempted believers to compete ruthlessly. Some may have colluded with oppressors, effectively 'killing' brethren by betrayal. James redirects them to prayerful dependence rather than violent ambition.",
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you striving violently—literally or relationally—to obtain something?
- How can prayer redefine your desires?
- Who has been hurt by your grasping that needs reconciliation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. You desire (epithumeite, ἐπιθυμεῖτε) and do not have; you murder (phoneuete, φονεύετε) and covet yet cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. James uses hyperbole to expose the seriousness of unchecked desires leading to violence, literal or metaphorical. They do not have because they do not ask God.
Reformed thought urges prayerful dependence rather than grasping. Lust leads to destruction; prayer leads to provision aligned with God's will.