James 4:5
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Original Language Analysis
δοκεῖτε
Do ye think
G1380
δοκεῖτε
Do ye think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
2 of 16
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὴ
the scripture
G1124
γραφὴ
the scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
6 of 16
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πρὸς
to
G4314
Πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 16
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,
ἐπιποθεῖ
lusteth
G1971
ἐπιποθεῖ
lusteth
Strong's:
G1971
Word #:
10 of 16
to dote upon, i.e., intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
The spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
The spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
12 of 16
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ὃ
that
G3739
ὃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.1 Corinthians 6:19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?Numbers 11:29And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!Titus 3:3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.Psalms 37:1Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.Genesis 8:21And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
Historical Context
Diaspora believers tempted by pagan alliances needed the reminder of God's jealous love. James likely summarizes multiple texts (e.g., Exodus 34:14) to reinforce that the Spirit within us longs for undivided allegiance.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you sense the Spirit yearning for deeper devotion from you?
- What competing loves must you renounce to honor God's jealousy?
- How can community help you maintain undivided loyalty to Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? James appeals to Scripture: the Spirit He made to dwell in us yearns jealously (phthonon epipothei, φθόνον ἐπιποθεῖ) for our undivided devotion. God's holy jealousy demands exclusive love, echoing the prophets.
Reformed theology affirms that the indwelling Spirit will not tolerate divided hearts; His jealousy exposes compromise and calls us back to covenant fidelity.