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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 4:13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/4-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/59_Jas_04_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 4:13 - Do Not Boast of Tomorrow" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/4-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/4-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/4-12.htm" title="James 4:12">◄</a> James 4:13 <a href="/james/4-14.htm" title="James 4:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/james/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/james/4.htm">New International Version</a> Now listen, you who say, &#8220Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/james/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” <a href="/esv/james/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— <a href="/bsb/james/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” <a href="/blb/james/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Come now, those saying, "Today or tomorrow we will go into this city, and will spend a year there, and will trade, and will make a profit," <a href="/kjv/james/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: <a href="/nkjv/james/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; <a href="/nasb_/james/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” <a href="/nasb/james/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Come now, you who say, &#8220Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/james/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow, we shall go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” <a href="/lsb/james/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” <a href="/amp/james/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Come now [and pay attention to this], you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and carry on our business and make a profit.” <a href="/csb/james/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” <a href="/hcsb/james/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Come now, you who say, &#8220Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.&#8221 <a href="/asv/james/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Come now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain: <a href="/cev/james/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You should know better than to say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to the city. We will do business there for a year and make a lot of money!" <a href="/erv/james/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain: <a href="/gwt/james/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Pay attention to this! You're saying, "Today or tomorrow we will go into some city, stay there a year, conduct business, and make money." <a href="/gnt/james/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Now listen to me, you that say, "Today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money." <a href="/isv/james/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town, stay there a year, conduct business, and make money." <a href="/msb/james/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Come now, you who say, ?Today and tomorrow let us go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.? <a href="/net/james/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into this or that town and spend a year there and do business and make a profit." <a href="/nheb/james/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow let us go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit." <a href="/wbt/james/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Come now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy, and sell, and get gain: <a href="/wey/james/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Come, you who say, "To-day or to-morrow we will go to this or that city, and spend a year there and carry on a successful business," <a href="/web/james/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Go, now, you who are saying, “Today and tomorrow we will go on to such a city, and will pass there one year, and traffic, and make gain,” <a href="/blb/james/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Come now, those saying, "Today or tomorrow we will go into this city, and will spend a year there, and will trade, and will make a profit," <a href="/ylt/james/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Go, now, ye who are saying, 'To-day and to-morrow we will go on to such a city, and will pass there one year, and traffic, and make gain;' <a href="/slt/james/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Come on now, ye saying, To day or to morrow let us go to this city, and do there one year, and let us trade, and derive profit:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But who art thou that judgest thy neighbour? Behold, now you that say: To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and there we will spend a year, and will traffic, and make our gain. <a href="/cpdv/james/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But who are you to judge your neighbor? Consider this, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into that city, and certainly we will spend a year there, and we will do business, and we will make our profit,” <a href="/nabre/james/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make a profit”— <a href="/nrsvce/james/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> What then shall we say of those who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to a certain city, and will work there a year, and will trade and prosper? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But what shall we say about those who say: “Today or tomorrow we shall go to a city, where we shall also work one year; there we shall earn wages and make profits?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Come, now, you that say, Let us go today, or tomorrow, into this city, and remain there a year, and trade, and make gain; <a href="/godbey/james/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Come now, ye who are saying, To-day or to-morrow we will go into that city, and abide there a year, and trade and accumulate: <a href="/haweis/james/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Come now, ye that talk, To-day or to-morrow we will go to such a town, and do business there during one year, and traffic, and make great profits: <a href="/mace/james/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> As for you, who affirm, "to-day, or, to-morrow we will go to such a city, we will stay there a whole year, there we will traffic, and find our account." <a href="/wey/james/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Come, you who say, "To-day or to-morrow we will go to this or that city, and spend a year there and carry on a successful business," <a href="/worrell/james/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Come now, ye who say, "To-day or to-morrow we will go into this city, and spend one year there, and trade, and get gain," <a href="/worsley/james/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Come now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go to such a city, and spend a year there, and trade and get gain; <a href="/parallel/james/4-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=759" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/4.htm">Do Not Boast of Tomorrow</a> 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? 13<a href="/greek/71.htm" title="71: Age (V-PMA-2S) -- A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.">Come</a> <a href="/greek/3568.htm" title="3568: nyn (Adv) -- A primary particle of present time; now; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.">now,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-VMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">you who</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-VMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">say,</a> <a href="/greek/4594.htm" title="4594: Sēmeron (Adv) -- Today, now. Neuter of a presumed compound of the article ho and hemera; on the day; generally, now.">“Today</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/839.htm" title="839: aurion (Adv) -- Tomorrow. From a derivative of the same as aer; properly, fresh, i.e. to-morrow.">tomorrow</a> <a href="/greek/4198.htm" title="4198: poreusometha (V-FIM-1P) -- To travel, journey, go, die. ">we will go</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/3592.htm" title="3592: tēnde (DPro-AFS) -- This here, this, that, he, she, it. ">this or that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4172.htm" title="4172: polin (N-AFS) -- A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.">city,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsomen (V-FIA-1P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">spend</a> <a href="/greek/1763.htm" title="1763: eniauton (N-AMS) -- A year, cycle of time. Prolongation from a primary enos; a year.">a year</a> <a href="/greek/1563.htm" title="1563: ekei (Adv) -- (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.">there,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1710.htm" title="1710: emporeusometha (V-FIM-1P) -- From en and poreuomai; to travel in, i.e. to trade.">carry on business,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2770.htm" title="2770: kerdēsomen (V-FIA-1P) -- To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain.">make a profit.”</a> 14You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">Proverbs 27:1</a> Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. <a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a> Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ / Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. ... <a href="/matthew/6-34.htm">Matthew 6:34</a> Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:4-6</a> He who watches the wind will fail to sow, and he who observes the clouds will fail to reap. / As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. / Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper. <a href="/job/7-6.htm">Job 7:6-7</a> My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope. / Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness. <a href="/isaiah/56-12.htm">Isaiah 56:12</a> “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” <a href="/1_corinthians/4-19.htm">1 Corinthians 4:19</a> But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have. <a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5-6</a> You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah / Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. <a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a> What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? <a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a> For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a> A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. <a href="/luke/9-25.htm">Luke 9:25</a> What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self? <a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Psalm 90:12</a> So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a> Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. <a href="/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21</a> But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Go to now, you that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:Go to.<a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1</a> Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.<a href="/genesis/11-3.htm">Genesis 11:3,4,7</a> And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter… <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:1</a> I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.To day.<a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">Proverbs 27:1</a> Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.<a href="/isaiah/56-12.htm">Isaiah 56:12</a> Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.<a href="/luke/12-17.htm">Luke 12:17-20</a> And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? … and buy.<a href="/isaiah/24-2.htm">Isaiah 24:2</a> And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.<a href="/isaiah/56-11.htm">Isaiah 56:11</a> Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.<a href="/ezekiel/7-12.htm">Ezekiel 7:12</a> The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Business</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-16.htm">Buy</a> <a href="/james/1-14.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-14.htm">City</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/titus/3-14.htm">Engage</a> <a href="/james/4-2.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-22.htm">Let's</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Money</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">Morrow</a> <a href="/james/2-16.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Sell</a> <a href="/james/4-3.htm">Spend</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-15.htm">Successful</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-8.htm">Today</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-8.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">Tomorrow</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">To-Morrow</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-17.htm">Trade</a> <a href="/james/2-6.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">Business</a> <a href="/revelation/3-18.htm">Buy</a> <a href="/revelation/17-17.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/revelation/3-12.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-8.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/revelation/13-4.htm">Engage</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Let's</a> <a href="/james/5-4.htm">Money</a> <a href="/james/4-14.htm">Morrow</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/revelation/13-17.htm">Sell</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">Spend</a> <a href="/genesis/24-21.htm">Successful</a> <a href="/genesis/4-14.htm">Today</a> <a href="/genesis/21-26.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/james/4-14.htm">Tomorrow</a> <a href="/james/4-14.htm">To-Morrow</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm">Trade</a> <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">James 4</div>1. <a href="/james/4-1.htm">We are to strive against covetousness;</a> 4. <a href="/james/4-4.htm">intemperance;</a> 5. <a href="/james/4-5.htm">pride;</a> 11. <a href="/james/4-11.htm">detraction and rash judgment of others;</a> 13. <a href="/james/4-13.htm">and not to be boastful of our future plans.</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Come now, you who say This phrase serves as a call to attention, urging the audience to listen carefully. It reflects a common rhetorical device used by biblical writers to address their audience directly. The phrase suggests a sense of urgency and importance, indicating that the following message is crucial for the listeners' spiritual understanding and growth.“Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city This part of the verse highlights the presumption of making plans without considering God's will. In the ancient world, travel was fraught with uncertainty and danger, making such statements bold and potentially reckless. The reference to "this or that city" suggests a lack of specificity, emphasizing the human tendency to make plans based on personal desires rather than divine guidance. This echoes <a href="/proverbs/27.htm">Proverbs 27:1</a>, which warns against boasting about tomorrow.spend a year there The mention of spending a year indicates a long-term commitment and investment in the plans being made. In biblical times, a year was a significant period for business ventures, reflecting the agricultural and trade cycles. This phrase underscores the human inclination to assume control over time, which is ultimately in God's hands, as seen in <a href="/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:1-8</a>.carry on business The phrase refers to engaging in trade or commerce, a common practice in the ancient Near East. Cities like Tyre and Sidon were known for their bustling trade activities. The Bible often addresses the ethical and spiritual implications of business, urging believers to conduct their affairs with integrity and reliance on God, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Proverbs 16:3</a>.and make a profit.” The desire to make a profit reflects the human pursuit of wealth and success. While the Bible does not condemn profit itself, it warns against the love of money and the dangers of greed, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>. This phrase challenges believers to consider their motivations and to prioritize spiritual riches over material gain, aligning with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a> about storing treasures in heaven.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> 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. 2. <a href="/topical/m/merchants/business_people.htm">Merchants/Business People</a> The individuals addressed in this verse are those who plan their business ventures with confidence in their own ability to control the future, without acknowledging God's sovereignty. 3. <a href="/topical/c/cities.htm">Cities</a> Represents the various places where people plan to conduct their business. In the ancient world, cities were centers of commerce and trade. 4. <a href="/topical/t/time.htm">Time (Today or Tomorrow)</a> Indicates the human tendency to plan for the future with certainty, assuming control over time and events. 5. <a href="/topical/p/profit.htm">Profit</a> The goal of the business ventures, highlighting the focus on material gain and self-reliance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/acknowledge_god's_sovereignty.htm">Acknowledge God's Sovereignty</a> Recognize that all plans should be made with the understanding that God is in control. Our lives are subject to His will, and we should seek His guidance in all our endeavors. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_planning.htm">Humility in Planning</a> Approach future plans with humility, acknowledging our limitations and the uncertainty of life. This humility should lead us to depend on God rather than our own understanding. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a> Focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and His kingdom. Material success is fleeting, but spiritual growth and obedience have eternal significance. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a> Instead of being anxious about future success or failure, trust that God will provide for our needs as we align our lives with His purposes. <a href="/topical/l/live_in_the_present.htm">Live in the Present</a> While planning is not inherently wrong, we should not be so focused on the future that we neglect the opportunities and responsibilities of the present moment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 4</a> <a href="/q/why_does_james_4_13-15_warn_against_planning.htm">Why does James 4:13–15 warn so strongly against making plans without God’s will, when so much of human progress relies on forward planning and initiative?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_bible_truth.htm">What does the Bible say about tomorrow's events?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_church_sin.htm">Is everything permissible also beneficial?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'if_the_lord_wills'_mean.htm">What does "If the Lord wills" mean?</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>(13) Ye that say . . . .--The Apostle would reason next with the worldly; not merely those abandoned to pleasure, but any and all absorbed in the quest of gain or advancement. The original is represented a little more closely, thus: Today and tomorrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade and get gain. "Mortals think all men mortal but themselves;" yet who does not boast himself of tomorrow (<a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm" title="Boast not yourself of to morrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth.">Proverbs 27:1</a>), in spite of a thousand proverbs; and reckon on the wondrous chance of"That untravelled world, whose margin fadesFor ever and for ever as he roams?"<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 13-17. - DENUNCIATION OF OVER-WEENING CONFIDENCE IN OUR OWN PLANS AND OUR ABILITY TO PERFORM THEM. Verse 13. - Go to; Ἄγε, properly, the imperative, but here used adverbially, a usage common in Greek prose, and found again in <a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1</a>. (For the word, comp. Judy. 19:6; <a href="/2_kings/4-24.htm">2 Kings 4:24</a>; and for similar instances of the singular where more than one person is referred to, see Wetstein, col. 2. p. 676.) The Received Text (Stephens) requires some correction in this verse. Read, σήμερον η} αὔριον with א, B; the futures πορεύσομεθα ποιήσομεν ἐμπορευσόμεθα and κερδήσομεν (B, Latt., Syriac) instead of the subjunctives; and omit ἔνα after ἐνιαυτόν, with a, B, Latt., Coptic. Continue there a year; rather, spend a year there, ἐνιαυτὸν being the object of the verb and not the accusative of duration. For ποιεῖν, used of time, cf. <a href="/acts/15-33.htm">Acts 15:33</a>; <a href="/acts/18-23.htm">Acts 18:23</a>; <a href="/acts/20-3.htm">Acts 20:3</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-25.htm">2 Corinthians 11:25</a>. The Latins use facto in the same way; e.g. Cicero, 'Ad Attic.,' 5. 20, "Apamea quinque dies morati... Iconii decem fecimus." <a href="/commentaries/james/4-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Come Ἄγε (Age) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_71.htm">Strong's 71: </a> A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce. now, νῦν (nyn) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate. you who οἱ (hoi) Article - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. say, λέγοντες (legontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “Today Σήμερον (Sēmeron) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4594.htm">Strong's 4594: </a> Today, now. Neuter of a presumed compound of the article ho and hemera; on the day; generally, now. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. tomorrow αὔριον (aurion) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_839.htm">Strong's 839: </a> Tomorrow. From a derivative of the same as aer; properly, fresh, i.e. to-morrow. we will go πορευσόμεθα (poreusometha) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4198.htm">Strong's 4198: </a> To travel, journey, go, die. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. this or that τήνδε (tēnde) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3592.htm">Strong's 3592: </a> This here, this, that, he, she, it. city, πόλιν (polin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4172.htm">Strong's 4172: </a> A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town. spend ποιήσομεν (poiēsomen) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. a year ἐνιαυτὸν (eniauton) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1763.htm">Strong's 1763: </a> A year, cycle of time. Prolongation from a primary enos; a year. there, ἐκεῖ (ekei) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1563.htm">Strong's 1563: </a> (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither. carry on business, ἐμπορευσόμεθα (emporeusometha) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1710.htm">Strong's 1710: </a> From en and poreuomai; to travel in, i.e. to trade. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. make a profit.” κερδήσομεν (kerdēsomen) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2770.htm">Strong's 2770: </a> To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/4-13.htm">NT Letters: James 4:13 Come now you who say Today (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/4-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 4:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 4:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/4-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 4:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 4:14" /></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>