James 4:3
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 John 5:14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:1 John 3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.James 4:1From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?Proverbs 15:8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.Micah 3:4Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.Job 35:12There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.Proverbs 21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.Proverbs 21:27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?Mark 10:38But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?Zechariah 7:13Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:
Historical Context
Some diaspora believers may have prayed for wealth or relief merely to enjoy luxury while neglecting the poor. James echoes prophets condemning prayers divorced from justice (Isaiah 1). Paul's teaching in Philippians 4 about contentment resonates.",
Questions for Reflection
- What current prayer requests might be driven by selfish motives?
- How can you align desires with God's kingdom?
- What would it look like to pray for grace to give rather than consume?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss (kakōs, κακῶς), spending it on pleasures (hēdonais, ἡδοναῖς). Prayer motives matter. Self-indulgent requests hinder answers.
Reformed prayer emphasizes alignment with God's glory. James critiques utilitarian prayer that treats God as servant of our pleasures rather than Lord to be obeyed.