James 4:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye lust {G1937}, and {G2532} have {G2192} not {G3756}: ye kill {G5407}, and {G2532} desire to have {G2206}, and {G2532} cannot {G3756}{G1410} obtain {G2013}: ye fight {G3164} and {G2532} war {G4170}, yet {G1161} ye have {G2192} not {G3756}, because {G1223} ye {G5209} ask {G154} not {G3361}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You desire things and don’t have them. You kill, and you are jealous, and you still can’t get them. So you fight and quarrel. The reason you don’t have is that you don’t pray!

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and covet, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war; ye have not, because ye ask not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 4:2 powerfully diagnoses the spiritual malady of internal strife and unfulfilled desires within the early Christian community, attributing their conflicts and lack of spiritual attainment not to external pressures but to unchecked worldly cravings and a fundamental neglect of prayer. The verse exposes a destructive cycle where covetousness leads to conflict and a failure to receive from God, ultimately because they bypassed divine provision through humble petition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 4:2 flows directly from the preceding verse, [James 4:1](/james/4-1 "James 4:1 - The Source of Conflicts"), which explicitly identifies the source of quarrels and conflicts among believers as their "lusts that war in your members." This establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, with verse 2 elaborating on the destructive outcomes and the ultimate reason for their unfulfilled desires. James continues a broader theme from chapter 3 concerning wisdom—contrasting earthly, sensual, and demonic wisdom with the pure, peaceable wisdom from above. The pursuit of worldly desires, as described in [James 3:16](/james/3-16 "James 3:16 - Envy and Selfish Ambition"), leads to "disorder and every evil practice," setting the stage for the specific manifestations of "lust" and "war" in chapter 4.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** James is writing to Jewish Christians dispersed throughout the Roman Empire, likely facing various forms of social and economic pressure. These communities, while professing faith, were evidently struggling with internal divisions, envy, and a desire for material possessions or social standing, mirroring broader societal values of the time. The emphasis on "fighting and warring" could refer to literal physical conflicts, but more likely points to intense verbal disputes, factionalism, and cutthroat competition within the community for status or resources. The backdrop is one where believers, despite their new identity in Christ, were still heavily influenced by the world's values, particularly the pursuit of personal gain and gratification, rather than communal harmony and spiritual priorities.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes in the Epistle of James. Foremost is the **danger of worldliness** and its corrupting influence on the believer's life, as highlighted in [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion") and [James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the World"). It underscores the **destructive nature of unchecked desires** (often termed "lust" or "covetousness"), which James consistently links to sin and its consequences, as seen in [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "The Progression of Sin"). Crucially, [James 4:2](/james/4-2 "James 4:2 - The Root of Conflict and Neglected Prayer") also introduces the vital theme of **prayer as the pathway to divine provision and spiritual fulfillment**, contrasting human striving with God's willingness to give to those who ask. This theme is further developed in [James 4:3](/james/4-3 "James 4:3 - Asking with Wrong Motives") and throughout the epistle, emphasizing the necessity of asking God with right motives.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lust (Greek, _epithyméō'_):** This term, derived from `epí` (upon) and `thymós` (passion, spirit), literally means "to set the heart upon" or "to long for." While it can denote a neutral or even positive desire in some contexts (e.g., [Luke 22:15](/luke/22-15 "Luke 22:15 - Jesus' Desire for the Passover")), in James 4:2, it carries the negative connotation of an uncontrolled, self-centered, and often sinful craving. It refers to an intense, inordinate desire for something, leading to covetousness and conflict when unfulfilled.
* **Kill (Greek, _phoneúō'_):** From `phoneús` (murderer), this verb means "to be a murderer" or "to slay." In the context of James 4:2, it is most likely a strong **hyperbole** or **metonymy**, emphasizing the extreme malice, destructive intent, or relational damage that unchecked desire can cause. It might refer to "killing" relationships, reputations, or spiritual vitality, rather than literal murder, though the intensity of the word underscores the severity of the sin. The KJV's "ye kill" (present tense) suggests an ongoing, habitual disposition.
* **Ask (Greek, _aitéō'_):** This verb means "to ask" in a general sense, "to beg," "call for," or "crave." It implies a direct request or petition. In this verse, it highlights the fundamental failure of the believers to approach God for their needs and desires. Instead of resorting to worldly means, they ought to have engaged in humble, dependent prayer, recognizing God as the ultimate source of provision. The contrast between their violent striving and their neglect of simple asking is stark.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye lust, and have not:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the core problem: an intense, ungodly desire (lust) that remains unfulfilled. The "having not" is a direct consequence of pursuing desires through self-centered means rather than divine channels. It sets up the tension between human striving and divine provision.
* **"ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:"** This expands on the destructive behavior stemming from unfulfilled lust. The "killing" (likely metaphorical or hyperbolic, as discussed above) illustrates the extreme lengths to which these desires drive them, causing harm to others or to the community. Despite these aggressive, worldly tactics ("desire to have"), they still "cannot obtain" their objectives, revealing the futility of their methods.
* **"ye fight and war, yet ye have not,"** This further details the external manifestations of their internal covetousness. "Fight" (máchomai) and "war" (poleméō) describe active, often violent, conflict, whether literal or relational. This reinforces the idea that their unfulfilled desires lead to societal discord. The repetition of "yet ye have not" emphasizes the tragic irony: their aggressive pursuit of desires only perpetuates their lack.
* **"because ye ask not."** This final, pivotal clause reveals the profound spiritual reason for their persistent lack. All their striving, fighting, and warring are futile because they have neglected the fundamental act of prayer. They seek to obtain through human effort and sinful means what could only be truly and rightly obtained by humbly asking God, who is the ultimate giver of all good things.

#### Literary Devices
James employs several potent **literary devices** in this verse to underscore his message. The use of **asyndeton** in the opening clauses ("Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war...") creates a rapid, impactful rhythm, emphasizing the relentless and escalating nature of their sinful pursuits. The phrase "ye kill" is a powerful **hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of their malice or destructive actions to shock the reader into recognizing the severity of their unchecked desires. It could also be seen as **metonymy**, where "killing" represents the destruction of relationships or spiritual life caused by covetousness. The verse also features striking **antithesis** or **juxtaposition** between human striving ("ye fight and war") and divine provision ("because ye ask not"), highlighting the ironic futility of their worldly methods compared to the simple, effective power of prayer. The repeated phrase "ye have not" functions as a **refrain**, driving home the central point of their persistent lack despite their aggressive efforts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 4:2 is a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, human desire, and divine provision. It asserts that much of the conflict and discontent in human relationships stems not from external circumstances, but from unbridled internal desires that are at odds with God's will. The verse underscores the futility of seeking fulfillment through worldly means, demonstrating that such pursuits only lead to further lack and strife. Crucially, it highlights prayer as the indispensable channel for receiving from God, implying that a failure to pray is a failure to acknowledge God's sovereignty and generosity. This neglect of prayer reveals a self-reliant spirit that bypasses divine grace, leading to spiritual barrenness and continued conflict.

* [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")
* [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Confidence in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 4:2 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting believers to honestly examine the true sources of conflict and discontent in their lives and communities. It challenges us to identify whether our "having not" is a result of God's withholding or our own failure to approach Him in humble, dependent prayer. The verse calls us to repent of self-reliant striving and the pursuit of worldly desires that breed conflict, instead turning to God as the ultimate provider. It reminds us that true satisfaction and peace come not from aggressively grasping for what we want, but from submitting our desires to God and trusting in His perfect will and provision, accessed through consistent and fervent prayer. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of dependence, recognizing that our heavenly Father delights to give good gifts to His children who ask Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What unfulfilled desires might be driving conflict or discontent in my own life or relationships?**
* **In what areas have I been "fighting and warring" in my own strength, rather than "asking" God for His provision and guidance?**
* **How might a renewed commitment to prayer transform my approach to perceived needs and desires?**
* **Am I truly trusting God to provide, or am I relying on my own efforts and worldly methods?**

### FAQ
**Does "ye kill" in James 4:2 refer to literal murder?**

Answer: While the Greek word `phoneúō` (G5407) can certainly mean literal murder, in the context of James 4:2, it is widely understood by scholars as a strong **hyperbole** or **metonymy** to emphasize the extreme destructive potential of unbridled desire. James is likely referring to the "killing" of relationships, reputations, or spiritual vitality through envy, slander, and bitter rivalry, which are consequences of covetousness. The intensity of the word underscores the severity of the sin, suggesting that the malice driven by covetousness is akin to the intent behind murder, even if not physically carried out. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Matthew 5:21-22 - Anger and Murder"), where anger and insult are equated with the spirit of murder.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 4:2, with its stark portrayal of human striving and lack due to neglected prayer, finds its profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "lust" and "desire to have" that lead to conflict in the human heart are direct consequences of humanity's fallen nature, a condition from which Christ came to deliver us. While humans "fight and war" in their futile attempts to obtain satisfaction, Jesus perfectly exemplified a life of complete dependence on the Father, consistently "asking" and receiving. His life was marked by perfect obedience and submission to God's will, even to the point of death on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Humility and Obedience"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus addresses the very root of our sinful desires, offering forgiveness and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to reorient our hearts from self-centered craving to God-centered worship. Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate answer to our "asking not," for He has opened the way for us to approach God confidently in prayer, as taught in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace"). He is not only the object of our faith but also the mediator of our prayers, ensuring that when we "ask in His name," according to God's will, we "have" what we truly need, as promised in [John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name"). Thus, Christ fulfills the indictment of James 4:2 by providing both the remedy for our sinful desires and the means to truly obtain from God.

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

John 16:24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Matthew 7:8

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

James 1:5

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.

Luke 11:9

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Luke 11:13

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

John 4:10

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.