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You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. <a href="/nlt/james/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. <a href="/esv/james/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. <a href="/bsb/james/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. <a href="/blb/james/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You desire and do not have. You kill and covet and are not able to obtain. You fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. <a href="/kjv/james/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/james/4.htm">New King James Version</a> You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. <a href="/nasb_/james/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You lust and do not have, so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. <a href="/nasb/james/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. <a href="/nasb77/james/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. <a href="/lsb/james/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You lust and do not have, so you murder. You are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. <a href="/amp/james/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your lust goes unfulfilled; so you murder. You are envious and cannot obtain [the object of your envy]; so you fight and battle. You do not have because you do not ask [it of God]. <a href="/csb/james/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask. <a href="/hcsb/james/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. <a href="/asv/james/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and covet, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war; ye have not, because ye ask not. <a href="/cev/james/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You want something you don't have, and you will do anything to get it. You will even kill! But you still cannot get what you want, and you won't get it by fighting and arguing. You should pray for it. <a href="/erv/james/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and covet, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war; ye have not, because ye ask not. <a href="/gwt/james/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You want what you don't have, so you commit murder. You're determined to have things, but you can't get what you want. You quarrel and fight. You don't have the things you want, because you don't pray for them. <a href="/gnt/james/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you strongly desire things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it. <a href="/isv/james/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> You want something but do not get it, so you commit murder. You covet something but cannot obtain it, so you quarrel and fight. You do not get things because you do not ask for them! <a href="/msb/james/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. <a href="/net/james/4.htm">NET Bible</a> You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask; <a href="/nheb/james/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You lust, and do not have. You kill, covet, and cannot obtain. You fight and make war. You do not have, because you do not ask. <a href="/wbt/james/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/james/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> You covet things and yet cannot get them; you commit murder; you have passionate desires and yet cannot gain your end; you begin to fight and make war. You have not, because you do not pray; <a href="/web/james/4.htm">World English Bible</a> You lust, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> You desire, and do not have, [so] you murder; and you are zealous, and are not able to attain, [so] you fight and war; and you do not have, because of your not asking; <a href="/blb/james/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You desire and do not have. You kill and covet and are not able to obtain. You fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. <a href="/ylt/james/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> ye desire, and ye have not; ye murder, and are zealous, and are not able to attain; ye fight and war, and ye have not, because of your not asking; <a href="/slt/james/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Ye eagerly desire, and have not: ye kill, and are zealous, and cannot succeed: ye fight and wage war, and ye have not, because ye ask not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> You covet, and have not: you kill, and envy, and can not obtain. You contend and war, and you have not, because you ask not. <a href="/cpdv/james/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You desire, and you do not have. You envy and you kill, and you are unable to obtain. You argue and you fight, and you do not have, because you do not ask. <a href="/nabre/james/4.htm">New American Bible</a> You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. <a href="/nrsvce/james/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> You covet, and do not obtain; you kill and envy, but you cannot possess; you strive and fight, yet you have nothing, because you do not ask. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> You lust and you do not possess; you murder and envy and you have no power. You fight and you do battle and you have not because you ask not.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> You desire, and you have not; you kill, and are earnestly desirous of having, and yet you can not obtain; you fight and war, and yet you have not, because you ask not. <a href="/godbey/james/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> You lust, and you have not: you murder, and you strive, and you are not able to obtain: you fight and you war; and have not, because you do not ask: <a href="/haweis/james/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Ye eagerly covet, yet have not: ye murder, and are envious, yet cannot obtain your object; ye wage war, but have not, because ye pray not. <a href="/mace/james/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> you quarrel and go to war, but without success, because you don't petition for it: and if you did, <a href="/wey/james/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> You covet things and yet cannot get them; you commit murder; you have passionate desires and yet cannot gain your end; you begin to fight and make war. You have not, because you do not pray; <a href="/worrell/james/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Ye desire, and have not; ye kill, and envy, and cannot obtain; ye fight, and war; ye have not, because ye ask not. <a href="/worsley/james/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Ye desire, and ye have not: ye are envious, and jealous, and cannot obtain: ye fight and contend; but ye have not, because ye ask not. <a href="/parallel/james/4-2.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=646" 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">Warning against Pride</a> 1What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? 2<a href="/greek/1937.htm" title="1937: epithymeite (V-PIA-2P) -- To long for, covet, lust after, set the heart upon. From epi and thumos; to set the heart upon, i.e. Long for.">You crave</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">you do not</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echete (V-PIA-2P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">have;</a> <a href="/greek/5407.htm" title="5407: phoneuete (V-PIA-2P) -- To murder, kill. From phoneus; to be a murderer.">you kill</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2206.htm" title="2206: zēloute (V-PIA-2P) -- From zelos; to have warmth of feeling for or against.">covet,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynasthe (V-PIM/P-2P) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">are unable</a> <a href="/greek/2013.htm" title="2013: epitychein (V-ANA) -- To attain, obtain, acquire. From epi and tugchano; to chance upon, i.e. to attain.">to obtain it.</a> <a href="/greek/3164.htm" title="3164: machesthe (V-PIM/P-2P) -- To engage in battle, fight; hence: To strive, contend, dispute. ">You quarrel</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4170.htm" title="4170: polemeite (V-PIA-2P) -- To make war, contend, fight, battle. From polemos; to be in warfare, i.e. To battle: -fight, war.">fight.</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echete (V-PIA-2P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">You do not have,</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">because</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/154.htm" title="154: aiteisthai (V-PNM) -- To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.">ask.</a> 3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.…<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="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a> Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">1 John 3:22</a> and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight. <a href="/john/16-24.htm">John 16:24</a> Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a> Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. <a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14-15</a> And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him. <a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Matthew 21:22</a> If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” <a href="/mark/11-24.htm">Mark 11:24</a> Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. <a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Luke 11:9-10</a> So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. <a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a> Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. <a href="/romans/7-23.htm">Romans 7:23</a> But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me. <a href="/galatians/5-17.htm">Galatians 5:17</a> For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:3</a> for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? <a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Ephesians 2:3</a> All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. <a href="/psalms/37-4.htm">Psalm 37:4</a> Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Proverbs 21:10</a> The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You lust, and have not: you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not.lust.<a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-5</a> Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you… <a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm">Proverbs 1:19</a> So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.<a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:8</a> There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.kill.<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> If 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.<a href="/isaiah/7-12.htm">Isaiah 7:12</a> But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.<a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7,8</a> Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/3-12.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">Begin</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/james/2-11.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Covet</a> <a href="/james/3-8.htm">Death</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/james/1-10.htm">End</a> <a href="/romans/11-11.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-4.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Full</a> <a href="/james/1-12.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/james/2-11.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Lust</a> <a href="/james/3-18.htm">Making</a> <a href="/james/2-11.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Passionate</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">Quarrel</a> <a href="/james/1-6.htm">Request</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Want</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/4-12.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm">Begin</a> <a href="/james/5-3.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-22.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/exodus/20-17.htm">Covet</a> <a href="/james/5-6.htm">Death</a> <a href="/james/4-5.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/james/4-5.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/james/5-11.htm">End</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-21.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/james/4-5.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/james/5-6.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/jude/1-9.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/james/5-11.htm">Full</a> <a href="/james/4-13.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-4.htm">Lust</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">Making</a> <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-5.htm">Passionate</a> <a href="/genesis/26-22.htm">Quarrel</a> <a href="/james/4-3.htm">Request</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Want</a> <a href="/james/4-7.htm">War</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>You crave what you do not have; This phrase highlights the human tendency towards covetousness and dissatisfaction. In biblical context, this echoes the Tenth Commandment (<a href="/exodus/20-17.htm">Exodus 20:17</a>), which warns against coveting. The desire for what others possess can lead to sin and disrupt community harmony. Historically, this reflects the socio-economic disparities in the early church, where some members might have been wealthier than others, leading to envy and strife.you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. The language of "kill" may be metaphorical, emphasizing the extreme lengths to which people might go due to unchecked desires. This could also be a hyperbolic reference to the destructive nature of envy and strife, as seen in the story of Cain and Abel (<a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8</a>). The inability to obtain what is coveted underscores the futility of such desires, aligning with Ecclesiastes' theme of vanity and the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits.You quarrel and fight. This phrase points to the conflicts and divisions within the early Christian communities. The early church faced internal disputes, as seen in Paul's letters addressing divisions (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10-13</a>). Such quarrels can be traced back to selfish ambitions and desires, which James warns against. The call for unity and peace is a recurring theme in the New Testament, reflecting Jesus' teachings on peacemaking (<a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>).You do not have, because you do not ask. This statement emphasizes the importance of prayer and reliance on God. It suggests that unmet needs may result from a lack of prayerful dependence on God, rather than from striving through human effort. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-11</a> about asking, seeking, and knocking. It underscores the necessity of approaching God with humility and faith, trusting in His provision rather than relying solely on human means.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The author of the epistle, traditionally understood to be James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes with authority and pastoral concern for the spiritual health of his readers. 2. <a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a> The recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine, facing various trials and temptations. 3. <a href="/topical/c/conflict_and_desire.htm">Conflict and Desire</a> The context of the verse involves interpersonal conflicts and unfulfilled desires within the community, highlighting the human tendency towards envy and strife.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_root_of_conflict.htm">The Root of Conflict</a> James identifies unfulfilled desires as the root of quarrels and fights. Reflect on how unchecked desires can lead to destructive behavior in personal relationships and communities. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a> The verse highlights the importance of asking God for our needs. Encourage a lifestyle of prayer, recognizing that God is the source of all good gifts. <a href="/topical/c/contentment_and_trust.htm">Contentment and Trust</a> Cultivate contentment by trusting in God's provision rather than striving through envy and covetousness. This aligns with the biblical call to be content in all circumstances. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Regularly examine personal desires and motivations. Are they aligned with God's will, or are they leading to conflict and dissatisfaction? <a href="/topical/c/community_harmony.htm">Community Harmony</a> Promote peace and unity within the community by addressing the root causes of conflict and encouraging open communication and prayerful dependence on God.<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/how_does_james_4_2-3_explain_unanswered_prayers.htm">How does James 4:2–3 reconcile the promise of answered prayer with the many unanswered prayers observed in reality? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_'ask_not,_have_not'_mean.htm">What does "You have not because you ask not" mean?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_essential_oils.htm">What are hedonism and a hedonist?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_albertus_magnus.htm">What does the Bible teach about covetousness?</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>(2, 3) Ye lust, and have not . . .--Better thus: Ye desire, and have not; ye kill, and envy, and cannot obtain; ye fight and make war; ye have not, because ye ask not; ye ask and receive not, because ye ask that ye may spend it on your lusts. It is interesting to notice the sharp crisp sentences, recollecting at the same time that St. James himself fell a victim to the passions he thus assails, probably at the hands of a zealot mob. The marginal note to the second of the above paragraphs gives envy as an alternative reading for "kill": but this is an error. "Ye kill and play the zealot" would be still nearer the original: for, as with Jedburgh justice in the old Border wars, hanging preceded the trial, so with these factions in Jerusalem death went first, almost before the desire to deal it. Lust, envy, strife, and murder:--like the tale of human passion in all ages, the dreadful end draws on. It is written in every national epic; its elements abound in the life of each individual: the slaughter in Etzel's halls overshadows the first lines of the Nibelungen-lied; the curse of Medea hangs like a gathering cloud around Jason and his Argonauts. Is it objected (<a href="/james/4-3.htm" title="You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it on your lusts.">James 4:3</a>) that prayer is made but not answered? The reply is obvious; Ye ask not in the true sense; when ye do ask ye receive not, because God is too loving, even in His anger. Nevertheless, remember, He gave the Israelites "their desire, and sent leanness withal into their soul" (<a href="/psalms/106-15.htm" title="And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.">Psalm 106:15</a>). "I," said He by Ezekiel (<a href="/ezekiel/14-4.htm" title="Therefore speak to them, and say to them, Thus said the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that sets up his idols in his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that comes according to the multitude of his idols;">Ezekiel 14:4</a>), "will answer him that cometh to Me, according to his idols." What greater curse could fall than an eternity of avarice to the miser, of pollution to the sensual, of murder to the violent? Many a man of quiet Christian life will thank God by-and-by, when he knows even as he is known (<a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm" title="For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.">1Corinthians 13:12</a>), that not a few of his prayers were unanswered, or at least that they were not granted in the way which he had desired. Safety is only to be found in our Lord's own manner of petition, "Not my will, but Thine be done" (<a href="/luke/22-42.htm" title="Saying, Father, if you be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.">Luke 22:42</a>). Alas! in shameful contrast to this we read of many an evil-hearted prayer offered up to the Lord our Righteousness; invocations of saints for help in unholy deeds; of angels, for acts rather befitting devils of the pit; and can hardly have the conscience to reproach the heathen for supplicating their gods in no worse a manner for no better cause. <a href="/commentaries/james/4-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>You crave ἐπιθυμεῖτε (epithymeite) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1937.htm">Strong's 1937: </a> To long for, covet, lust after, set the heart upon. From epi and thumos; to set the heart upon, i.e. Long for. [what] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. {you do} not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. have. ἔχετε (echete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. You kill φονεύετε (phoneuete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5407.htm">Strong's 5407: </a> To murder, kill. From phoneus; to be a murderer. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. covet, ζηλοῦτε (zēloute) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2206.htm">Strong's 2206: </a> From zelos; to have warmth of feeling for or against. but καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. are unable δύνασθε (dynasthe) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. to obtain [it]. ἐπιτυχεῖν (epitychein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2013.htm">Strong's 2013: </a> To attain, obtain, acquire. From epi and tugchano; to chance upon, i.e. to attain. You quarrel μάχεσθε (machesthe) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3164.htm">Strong's 3164: </a> To engage in battle, fight; hence: To strive, contend, dispute. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. fight. πολεμεῖτε (polemeite) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4170.htm">Strong's 4170: </a> To make war, contend, fight, battle. From polemos; to be in warfare, i.e. To battle: -fight, war. You do not have, ἔχετε (echete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. because διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. you ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. {do} not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. ask. αἰτεῖσθαι (aiteisthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle <a href="/greek/strongs_154.htm">Strong's 154: </a> To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/4-2.htm">NT Letters: James 4:2 You lust and don't have (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/4-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 4:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 4:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/4-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 4:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 4:3" /></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>