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James 4:9 Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom.

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Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/james/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/james/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/james/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Be grieved and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and the joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/james/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and <i>your</i> joy to heaviness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/james/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and <i>your</i> joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/james/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be miserable, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/james/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/james/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/james/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Be miserable and mourn and cry. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/james/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/james/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/james/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/james/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/james/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be sad and sorry and weep. Stop laughing and start crying. Be gloomy instead of glad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/james/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/james/4.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Be miserable, mourn, and cry. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/james/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/james/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Be miserable, mourn, and cry. Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/james/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/james/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into despair.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/james/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/james/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Afflict yourselves and mourn and weep aloud; let your laughter be turned into grief, and your gladness into shame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/james/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/james/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Be exceedingly afflicted, and mourn, and weep, let your laughter be turned to mourning, and the joy to heaviness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Be grieved and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and the joy to gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/james/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> be exceeding afflicted, and mourn, and weep, let your laughter to mourning be turned, and the joy to heaviness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/james/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Toil, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and joy to dejection.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/james/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into sorrow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/james/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Be afflicted: mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your gladness into sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/james/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/james/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/james/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Humble yourselves, and mourn; let your laughter be turned to weeping, and your joy to sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Be humble and make lamentation and let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to grief.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/james/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/james/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Weep, and mourn, lament: let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/james/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Be bitterly afflicted and lament, and let your tears run down; let your laughter be converted into mourning, and your joy into dejection.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/james/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />be afflicted, be mournful, and weep: let your mirth be converted to sadness, and your joy to vexation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Afflict yourselves and mourn and weep aloud; let your laughter be turned into grief, and your gladness into shame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/james/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Be wretched, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/james/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Be grieved, and mourn, and weep: let your mirth be turned into mourning, and <i>your</i> joy to sadness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/james/4-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=719" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/james/4.htm">Drawing Near to God</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">8</span>Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5003.htm" title="5003: talaip&#333;r&#275;sate (V-AMA-2P) -- To endure severe hardship, be harassed, complain. From talaiporos; to be wretched, i.e. Realize one's own misery.">Grieve,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3996.htm" title="3996: penth&#275;sate (V-AMA-2P) -- To mourn, lament, feel guilt. From penthos; to grieve.">mourn,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2799.htm" title="2799: klausate (V-AMA-2P) -- To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud.">weep.</a> <a href="/greek/3344.htm" title="3344: metatrap&#275;t&#333; (V-AMP-3S) -- To turn, change, corrupt, pervert. From meta and strepho; to turn across, i.e. Transmute or corrupt.">Turn</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hym&#333;n (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1071.htm" title="1071: gel&#333;s (N-NMS) -- Laughter. From gelao; laughter.">laughter</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3997.htm" title="3997: penthos (N-ANS) -- Mourning, sorrow, sadness, grief. Strengthened from the alternate of pascho; grief.">mourning,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: h&#275; (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/5479.htm" title="5479: chara (N-NFS) -- Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.">joy</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2726.htm" title="2726: kat&#275;pheian (N-AFS) -- From a compound of kata and perhaps a derivative of the base of phaino; demureness, i.e. sadness.">gloom.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a></span><br />Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">2 Corinthians 7:10</a></span><br />Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a></span><br />&#8220;Yet even now,&#8221; declares the LORD, &#8220;return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.&#8221; / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:3</a></span><br />Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/22-12.htm">Isaiah 22:12</a></span><br />On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/5-15.htm">Lamentations 5:15</a></span><br />Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Psalm 51:17</a></span><br />The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-25.htm">Luke 6:25</a></span><br />Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/7-16.htm">Ezekiel 7:16</a></span><br />The survivors will escape and live in the mountains, moaning like doves of the valley, each for his own iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-18.htm">Jeremiah 31:18-19</a></span><br />I have surely heard Ephraim&#8217;s moaning: &#8216;You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God. / After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.&#8217;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a></span><br />Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5-6</a></span><br />Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a></span><br />to console the mourners in Zion&#8212;to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/12-10.htm">Zechariah 12:10</a></span><br />Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/12-6.htm">Hosea 12:6</a></span><br />But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and always wait on your God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.</p><p class="hdg">afflicted.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1,2</a></b></br> Go to now, <i>ye</i> rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon <i>you</i>&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-67.htm">Psalm 119:67,71,136</a></b></br> Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5,6</a></b></br> They that sow in tears shall reap in joy&#8230; </p><p class="hdg">let.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/30-31.htm">Job 30:31</a></b></br> My harp also is <i>turned</i> to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-13.htm">Proverbs 14:13</a></b></br> Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth <i>is</i> heaviness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:2</a></b></br> I said of laughter, <i>It is</i> mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-37.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Aloud</a> <a href="/james/1-17.htm">Change</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-14.htm">Exceeding</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-9.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Gloom</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">Grieve</a> <a href="/philippians/2-26.htm">Heaviness</a> <a href="/james/1-2.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/john/16-20.htm">Lament</a> <a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Miserable</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-7.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-13.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/james/1-6.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/james/3-4.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/malachi/2-13.htm">Wail</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-30.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/romans/7-24.htm">Wretched</a> <a href="/james/4-7.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/2-22.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/james/5-13.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Aloud</a> <a href="/revelation/2-16.htm">Change</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-13.htm">Exceeding</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-13.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-4.htm">Gloom</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/revelation/18-11.htm">Grieve</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">Heaviness</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/revelation/18-9.htm">Lament</a> <a href="/revelation/3-17.htm">Miserable</a> <a href="/revelation/1-7.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/revelation/18-7.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/james/5-20.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Wail</a> <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/revelation/3-17.htm">Wretched</a> <a href="/james/4-10.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">James 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/4-1.htm">We are to strive against covetousness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/4-4.htm">intemperance;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/4-5.htm">pride;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/4-11.htm">detraction and rash judgment of others;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/4-13.htm">and not to be boastful of our future plans.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the biblical context, grieving and mourning are often associated with repentance and turning back to God. The prophets in the Old Testament frequently called the people of Israel to mourn over their sins (e.g., <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a>). This emotional response is not merely external but signifies a genuine contrition and acknowledgment of one's need for God's mercy. The call to weep echoes the Beatitudes, where Jesus says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (<a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a>), indicating that true sorrow for sin leads to divine comfort and forgiveness.<p><b>Turn your laughter to mourning,</b><br>This phrase suggests a radical transformation of one's attitude and priorities. In the cultural context of the time, laughter could symbolize a carefree or complacent attitude towards life and sin. James is urging believers to take their spiritual condition seriously, recognizing the gravity of sin. This transformation is reminiscent of the call to repentance found in the prophets, such as <a href="/isaiah/22-12.htm">Isaiah 22:12-13</a>, where the people are called to mourn instead of reveling. The shift from laughter to mourning signifies a move from superficial joy to a deeper, more meaningful sorrow that leads to repentance and spiritual renewal.<p><b>and your joy to gloom.</b><br>The final phrase emphasizes the need for a complete change in perspective. Joy, in this context, refers to a false sense of security or contentment in worldly pleasures or sinful behavior. Turning this joy to gloom is a call to recognize the emptiness of such pursuits and the need for a sincere relationship with God. This transformation is akin to the experience of the prodigal son in <a href="/luke/15-17.htm">Luke 15:17-19</a>, who, upon realizing his dire situation, returns to his father in humility and repentance. The gloom here is not meant to be permanent but serves as a pathway to true joy found in reconciliation with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a></b><br>The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes with authority and pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of his readers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine, facing trials and temptations that challenge their faith and conduct.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>This verse is part of a larger call to repentance, urging believers to recognize their sinfulness and turn back to God with sincere contrition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_sin.htm">The Seriousness of Sin</a></b><br>Sin is not to be taken lightly. James calls for a deep emotional response to sin, recognizing its gravity and the separation it causes between us and God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/true_repentance.htm">True Repentance</a></b><br>Repentance involves more than just feeling sorry; it requires a transformation of heart and mind, turning away from sin and towards God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_emotions_in_spiritual_life.htm">The Role of Emotions in Spiritual Life</a></b><br>Emotions like grief and mourning are appropriate responses to sin and can lead to spiritual growth and renewal when directed towards God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contrast_with_worldly_joy.htm">Contrast with Worldly Joy</a></b><br>The world often promotes a superficial joy that ignores the reality of sin. True joy comes from reconciliation with God, which may first require a period of mourning.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>The call to grieve and mourn is not just individual but communal, encouraging believers to support one another in the journey of repentance and spiritual growth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_seeker.htm">What is a mourner's bench?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_nones_impact_bible_interpretation.htm">When is it appropriate to weep or laugh?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_mourner's_bench.htm">What is a mourner's bench?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_sorrow_preferable_to_laughter.htm">Why is sorrow preferable to laughter?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep</span>.--For wretchedness, sorrow, and tears are the three steps of the homeward way to peace and God. And in proof of real conversion there must be the outward lamentation, as well as the inward contrition. Grieve, therefore, with a "godly sorrow not to be repented of" (<a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm" title="For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death.">2Corinthians 7:10</a>)--the remorseful anguish of a Peter, and not a Judas. Let the foolish laughter at sin, which was "as the crackling of thorns" before the avenging fire (<a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm" title="For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.">Ecclesiastes 7:6</a>), be turned to mourning; banish the joyous smile for the face cast down to heaviness, and so await the blessedness of those that mourn (Matt. v, 4), even the promised comfort of God.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - St. James's version of "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted" (<a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Be afflicted.</span> <span class="greek">&#x3a4;&#x3b1;&#x3bb;&#x3b1;&#x3b9;&#x3c0;&#x3c9;&#x3c1;&#x1f75;&#x3c3;&#x3b1;&#x3c4;&#x3b5;</span>: only here in the New Testament, occasionally in the LXX. <span class="cmt_word">Heaviness</span>. <span class="greek">&#x39a;&#x3b1;&#x3c4;&#x1f75;&#x3c6;&#x3b5;&#x3b9;&#x3b1;</span>: another <span class="greek">&#x1f04;&#x3c0;&#x3b1;&#x3be;&#x20;&#x3bb;&#x3b5;&#x3b3;&#x1f79;&#x3bc;&#x3b5;&#x3bd;&#x3bf;&#x3bd;</span>, apparently never found in the LXX. or in the apostolic Fathers; it is, however, used by Josephus and Philo. It is equivalent to "dejection," and "exactly describes the attitude of the publican, who would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, <a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Luke 18:13</a> (Plumptre)." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/james/4-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Grieve,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#945;&#955;&#945;&#953;&#960;&#969;&#961;&#942;&#963;&#945;&#964;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(talaip&#333;r&#275;sate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5003.htm">Strong's 5003: </a> </span><span class="str2">To endure severe hardship, be harassed, complain. From talaiporos; to be wretched, i.e. Realize one's own misery.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mourn,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#949;&#957;&#952;&#942;&#963;&#945;&#964;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(penth&#275;sate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3996.htm">Strong's 3996: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mourn, lament, feel guilt. From penthos; to grieve.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#8054;</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">weep.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#955;&#945;&#973;&#963;&#945;&#964;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(klausate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2799.htm">Strong's 2799: </a> </span><span class="str2">To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Turn</span><br /><span class="grk">&#956;&#949;&#964;&#945;&#964;&#961;&#945;&#960;&#942;&#964;&#969;</span> <span class="translit">(metatrap&#275;t&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3344.htm">Strong's 3344: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn, change, corrupt, pervert. From meta and strepho; to turn across, i.e. Transmute or corrupt.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8017;&#956;&#8182;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(hym&#333;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">laughter</span><br /><span class="grk">&#947;&#941;&#955;&#969;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(gel&#333;s)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1071.htm">Strong's 1071: </a> </span><span class="str2">Laughter. From gelao; laughter.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">&#949;&#7984;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mourning,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#941;&#957;&#952;&#959;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(penthos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3997.htm">Strong's 3997: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mourning, sorrow, sadness, grief. Strengthened from the alternate of pascho; grief.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#8054;</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[your]</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7969;</span> <span class="translit">(h&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">joy</span><br /><span class="grk">&#967;&#945;&#961;&#8048;</span> <span class="translit">(chara)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5479.htm">Strong's 5479: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">&#949;&#7984;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gloom.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#964;&#942;&#966;&#949;&#953;&#945;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(kat&#275;pheian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2726.htm">Strong's 2726: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of kata and perhaps a derivative of the base of phaino; demureness, i.e. sadness.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/james/4-9.htm">NT Letters: James 4:9 Lament mourn and weep (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/4-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 4:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 4:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/4-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 4:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 4:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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