James 4:13

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Go to {G33} now {G3568}, ye that say {G3004}, To day {G4594} or {G2532} to morrow {G839} we will go {G4198} into {G1519} such {G3592} a city {G4172}, and {G2532} continue {G4160}{G4160} there {G1563} a {G1520} year {G1763}, and {G2532} buy and sell {G1710}{G1710}, and {G2532} get gain {G2770}{G2770}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such-and-such a city, stay there a year trading and make a profit”!

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 4:13 issues a sharp challenge to those who presumptuously plan their future, particularly in commercial endeavors, without acknowledging God's sovereignty or the inherent unpredictability of life. It exposes a common human arrogance that assumes complete control over time, resources, and outcomes, highlighting a mindset focused on personal gain rather than divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct and emphatic interjection within James's broader discourse on the nature of true wisdom versus worldly wisdom, which spans chapters 3 and 4. Immediately preceding [James 4:13](/james/4-13 "James 4:13 - Presumptuous Planning") are strong warnings against spiritual adultery, pride, and friendship with the world, as seen in [James 4:4-12](/james/4-4-12 "James 4:4-12 - Warning Against Worldliness and Pride"). The self-assured, God-excluding planning described in verse 13 sets the stage for James's powerful subsequent rebuke concerning the brevity and fragility of human life in [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life is a Vapor") and the humble, God-dependent alternative presented in [James 4:15](/james/4-15 "James 4:15 - If the Lord Wills"). Thus, [James 4:13](/james/4-13 "James 4:13 - Presumptuous Planning") functions as a concrete example of the worldly arrogance James has just condemned.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Palestine and the broader Roman world were characterized by bustling trade and commerce. Cities were centers of economic activity, and merchants often traveled extensively to buy, sell, and accumulate wealth. The Jewish diaspora, to whom James is writing, would have been deeply involved in such activities, often facing the challenges and opportunities of a diverse, interconnected economy. The cultural norm for many was to pursue financial success and stability through careful planning and diligent work. However, within this context, James confronts a particular attitude: the unbridled confidence in one's own plans and abilities, which overlooked the foundational Jewish belief in God's ultimate control over all things, a principle deeply rooted in Old Testament wisdom literature like [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps").
* **Key Themes:** [James 4:13](/james/4-13 "James 4:13 - Presumptuous Planning") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of James. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Human Arrogance vs. Divine Sovereignty**. The detailed, self-assured plans articulated ("To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain") exemplify a mindset that excludes God from the equation, contrasting sharply with the divine wisdom James champions throughout his letter (e.g., [James 3:13-18](/james/3-13-18 "James 3:13-18 - Earthly vs. Heavenly Wisdom")). Secondly, it introduces the theme of the **Uncertainty and Brevity of Life**, which is explicitly developed in the subsequent verse ([James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life is a Vapor")), highlighting the folly of making rigid plans without acknowledging life's fragility. Lastly, it touches upon the **Dangers of Worldly Ambition**, particularly the pursuit of "gain" without spiritual discernment or submission to God's will, echoing warnings found elsewhere in Scripture about the deceitfulness of wealth (e.g., [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Greek, _légō'_):** This primary verb means "to lay forth" or relate in words, often implying systematic or set discourse. In this context, it refers to a confident, deliberate declaration of future plans, not merely a casual thought. It highlights the spoken, assertive nature of their presumptuousness.
* **buy and sell (Greek, _emporeúomai'_):** Derived from "in" and "to travel," this verb literally means "to travel in (a country as a pedlar)" and by implication, "to trade." It encapsulates the full scope of commercial activity, from acquiring goods to distributing them for profit, emphasizing the worldly, profit-driven nature of the plans being critiqued.
* **get gain (Greek, _kerdaínō'_):** This verb means "to gain," either literally or figuratively. Here, it specifically refers to financial profit or advantage. Its inclusion underscores that the ultimate motivation for these elaborate plans is material accumulation, a pursuit which, when pursued independently of God, becomes a source of spiritual peril.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go to now, ye that say,"**: This is an emphatic interjection, a rhetorical device used to call attention and introduce a sharp challenge or rebuke. It's akin to "Come now!" or "Listen up!" and immediately signals James's critical assessment of the following statement.
* **"To day or to morrow we will go into such a city,"**: This clause reveals the specific, detailed nature of the plans. The individuals are confidently asserting their control over immediate future actions ("To day or to morrow") and specific destinations ("such a city"), demonstrating a complete lack of acknowledgment of life's uncertainties or divine permission.
* **"and continue there a year,"**: This further emphasizes the long-term, calculated nature of their plans. They are not merely planning a short trip but a prolonged stay, indicating a deep level of self-assurance in their ability to dictate their future circumstances for an extended period.
* **"and buy and sell,"**: This specifies the primary commercial activity they intend to engage in. It highlights their focus on trade and business, which in itself is not inherently wrong, but becomes problematic when pursued with an arrogant, self-sufficient spirit.
* **"and get gain:"**: This final clause reveals the ultimate objective of their elaborate planning and commercial ventures: to accumulate profit or wealth. It underscores the materialistic motivation that drives their presumptuous declarations, setting the stage for James's subsequent critique of their spiritual blindness.

#### Literary Devices
James employs several potent literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as James speaks directly to "ye that say," creating an immediate and confrontational tone. This is amplified by the emphatic interjection "Go to now," which functions as a form of **Exclamation** or urgent summons, demanding attention to the impending rebuke. There is also an implicit **Irony** present: the detailed, confident planning of these individuals stands in stark contrast to the inherent uncertainty of life, a contrast James will explicitly highlight in the very next verse. The phrase "buy and sell, and get gain" serves as a **Synecdoche**, where a part (these specific commercial activities) represents the whole (the broader pursuit of worldly success and material wealth).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 4:13 serves as a foundational text for understanding the biblical emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty over human plans and the future. It challenges a humanistic worldview that assumes self-sufficiency and control, reminding believers that true wisdom begins with acknowledging God's ultimate authority. Theologically, it underscores the sin of presumption, which is a form of pride that fails to recognize our creaturely limitations and God's providential oversight. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that our lives, our breath, and every opportunity are gifts from God, and therefore, all our plans should be submitted to His divine will.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "The Lust of the Eyes and the Pride of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 4:13 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to critically examine the underlying assumptions behind our daily plans and long-term aspirations. In a world that often celebrates self-made success and meticulous strategic planning, this verse provides a crucial spiritual corrective. It does not condemn planning itself, which is often prudent, but rather the spirit in which we plan: one of arrogant self-sufficiency that excludes God. Do we make our declarations about tomorrow with an implicit belief that we are masters of our own destiny, or do we humbly acknowledge that our very next breath is a gift and that all our endeavors are subject to the Lord's will? This verse calls us to cultivate a profound awareness of God's sovereignty, integrating "If the Lord wills" not merely as a verbal addendum, but as a deeply held conviction that shapes our attitudes, humbles our ambitions, and directs our steps. It encourages us to hold our plans loosely, submitting them to the One who knows the end from the beginning, trusting that His perfect will is always for our ultimate good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I make plans for the future without consciously acknowledging God's sovereignty?**
* **What specific areas of my life (career, finances, relationships) do I tend to plan with an "I will" attitude rather than an "If the Lord wills" posture?**
* **In what ways might my pursuit of "gain" (financial or otherwise) overshadow my dependence on God?**
* **How can I practically integrate a deeper sense of God's sovereignty into my daily decision-making and long-term planning?**

### FAQ
**Does James 4:13 mean we shouldn't plan for the future?**

Answer: No, James 4:13 does not forbid planning. The Bible encourages diligence, foresight, and wise stewardship (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")). The issue James addresses is the *attitude* behind the planning: a presumptuous, arrogant spirit that assumes complete control over the future and excludes God from one's considerations. It's a warning against boasting about tomorrow as if it's guaranteed, rather than humbly submitting one's plans to the Lord's will, as emphasized in [James 4:15](/james/4-15 "James 4:15 - If the Lord Wills"). The focus is on the heart's posture of dependence on God, not the act of planning itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 4:13, with its stern warning against presumptuous planning, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antidote in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets consistently pointed to God's sovereign control over all things, Jesus perfectly embodied and taught this truth. He lived a life of absolute dependence on the Father, always saying, "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "Jesus' Dependence on the Father")). His most profound act, the crucifixion, was not a human plan but the "definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "God's Foreknowledge of the Cross")). For the believer in Christ, the self-sufficient arrogance condemned by James is overcome by the Spirit of Christ, who enables us to live by faith, trusting that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works for Our Good")). Our future is not in our own hands, but in the nail-pierced hands of our resurrected Lord, who has overcome death and holds the keys to life and destiny ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Christ Holds the Keys")). Therefore, our plans are now submitted to Him, knowing that "the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one" ([2 Thessalonians 3:3](/2_thessalonians/3-3 "The Lord is Faithful")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 27:1

¶ Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Luke 12:17

And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Genesis 11:3

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.

Genesis 11:4

And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top [may reach] unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

Ecclesiastes 2:1

¶ I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also [is] vanity.

Ezekiel 7:12

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.