Lusts [η δ ο ν ω ν]. Lit., pleasures, as Rev. Properly, sensual pleasures. The sinful pleasures are the outgrowths of the lusts, ver. 2. That war [σ τ ρ α τ ε υ ο μ ε ν ω ν]. The thought of wars and fightings is carried into the figurative description of the sensuality which arrays its forces and c... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye lust. See on desire, 1 Peter 1:12; Mark 4:19. Desire to have [ζ η λ ο υ τ ε]. Rev., covet, and are jealous, in margin. See on ch. James 3:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye ask [α ι τ ε ι τ ε]. See on hjrwtwn, besought, Matthew 14:23. Amiss [κ α κ ω ς]. Lit., evilly : with evil intent, as explained by the following sentence. Consume it upon [δ α π α ν η σ η τ ε ε ν]. More correctly, as Rev., spend it in. The sense is not lay out expense upon your pleasures, but spe... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye adulterers [μ ο ι χ ο ι] All the best texts omit. Adulteresses [μ ο ι χ α λ ι δ ε ς]. The feminine term is the general designation of all whom James here rebukes. The apostate members of the church are figuratively regarded as unfaithful spouses; according to the common Old Testament figure, in w... [ Continue Reading ]
Do ye think [δ ο κ ε ι τ ε]. See on ch. James 1:26. The scripture [η γ ρ α φ η]. See on Mark 12:10. Properly, a passage of scripture. In vain [κ ε ν ω ς]. Only here in New Testament.... [ Continue Reading ]
Resisteth. See on 1 Peter 5:5. Proud. See on Mark 7:22. Humble. See on Matthew 7:29.... [ Continue Reading ]
Submit yourselves [υ π ο τ α γ η τ ε]. Rev., be subject. The verb means to place or arrange under; as resist (ver. 6) is to array against. God sets himself in array against the proud; therefore, array yourselves under God, that ye may withstand the devil.... [ Continue Reading ]
Purify [α γ ν ι σ α τ ε]. One of the three instances in the New Testament in which the word is not used of ceremonial purification. The others are 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:3. Double minded [δ ι ψ υ χ ο ι]. Compare ch. 1 8.... [ Continue Reading ]
Be afflicted [τ α λ α ι π ω ρ η σ α τ ε]. Only here in New Testament. The kindred noun talaipwria, misery, occurs ch. 5 1. Mourn [π ε ν θ η σ α τ ε]. Used of grief that is manifested. So mostly in New Testament, and very commonly joined, as here, with weep. So Mark 16:10; Luke 6:25, etc. In the nex... [ Continue Reading ]
There is one lawgiver [ε ι ς ε σ τ ι ν ο ν ο μ ο θ ε τ η ς]. The A. V. fails to note the emphatic position of one. Better, Rev., one only is the lawgiver. Nomoqethv, lawgiver, only here in New Testament. But who art thou? [σ υ γ ε τ ι ς ε ι]. According to the Greek order : but thou, who art tho?... [ Continue Reading ]
Go to now [α γ ε ν υ ν]. Go to is an obsolete phrase, though retained in Rev. It is a formula for calling attention : come now. Such a city [τ η ν δ ε τ η ν π ο λ ι ν]. More accurately, as Rev., this city. Continue there a year [τ ο ι η σ ο μ ε ν ε κ ε ι ε ν ι α υ τ ο ν]. Lit., we will make a year.... [ Continue Reading ]
Whereas ye know not [ο ι τ ι ν ε ς ο υ κ ε π ι σ τ α σ θ ε]. The pronoun marking a class, as being of those who know not. What shall be on the morrow [τ ο τ η ς α υ ρ ι ο ν]. Lit., the thing of the morrow. The texts vary. Westcott and Hort read, Ye know not what your life shalt be on the morrow, fo... [ Continue Reading ]
For that ye ought to say [α ν τ ι τ ο υ λ ε γ ε ι ν υ μ α ς]. Ver. 14 was parenthetical, so that at this point the thought is taken up from ver 13 Ye who say we will go, etc. - for that ye ought to say. The rendering in margin of Rev. is simpler : instead of your saying.... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye rejoice [κ α υ χ α σ θ ε]. Rev., glory. See on ch. James 2:13. Boastings [α λ α ζ ο ν ε ι α ι ς]. Only here and 1 John 2:16. The kindred word ajlazwn a boaster, is derived from alh, a wandering or roaming; hence, primarily, a vagabond, a quack, a mountebank. From the empty boasts of such concern... [ Continue Reading ]