James 4:5

KJV

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

KJV (with Strong's)

{G2228} Do ye think {G1380} that {G3754} the scripture {G1124} saith {G3004} in vain {G2761}, The spirit {G4151} that {G3739} dwelleth {G2730} in {G1722} us {G2254} lusteth {G1971} to {G4314} envy {G5355}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Or do you suppose the Scripture speaks in vain when it says that there is a spirit in us which longs to envy?

Berean Standard Bible

Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?

American Standard Version

Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 4:5 presents a profound rhetorical question, challenging believers to acknowledge the inherent truth of Scripture regarding the human spirit's deep-seated inclination towards selfish desires and destructive envy. This verse serves as a stark reminder that the internal conflicts and external strife observed among believers stem from an unredeemed or unchecked inner disposition, setting the stage for James's call to humility and reliance on God's greater grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 4:5 is strategically positioned within a broader discourse on the origins of conflict and worldliness among believers. The preceding verses (James 4:1-3) directly attribute quarrels and fights to the "lusts that war in your members," highlighting how unfulfilled desires lead to covetousness, murder (spiritual or literal), and ineffective prayer motivated by selfish pleasure. James 4:4 then issues a severe warning against "friendship with the world," equating it to spiritual adultery and enmity against God. Verse 5, introduced by a rhetorical question, reinforces the deep-seated nature of this internal struggle, acting as a theological underpinning for the exhortation to humble oneself before God and receive His grace in [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Gives More Grace"). It functions as a bridge, explaining *why* the previous accusations are true and *why* God's grace is so desperately needed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** James addresses Jewish Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire, a community grappling with internal divisions and external pressures. The "lusts" and "envy" he condemns were not abstract concepts but tangible issues causing strife within their congregations, likely stemming from social stratification, economic competition, or spiritual pride. In the Greco-Roman world, envy (`phthonos`) was a recognized and often condemned vice, seen as a destructive force in society. James's strong language reflects a prophetic tradition, common in Jewish wisdom literature, that directly confronts sin within the community. The emphasis on "Scripture" underscores the Jewish heritage of his audience, appealing to their understanding of God's revealed truth as the ultimate arbiter of human behavior and spiritual reality.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in James's epistle. Firstly, it underscores the **Authority and Truth of Scripture**, even when James is paraphrasing or summarizing a pervasive biblical principle rather than quoting verbatim. The rhetorical question, "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain?", affirms the enduring relevance of God's Word in exposing the human condition, echoing sentiments found in passages like [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - The Wickedness of Man's Heart"). Secondly, it highlights the **Inherent Sinfulness of the Human Spirit**, revealing that the deepest desires of our unredeemed nature are prone to self-serving ambitions and destructive passions, a theme echoed in [Galatians 5:17](/galatians/5-17 "Galatians 5:17 - The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit"). Finally, the verse warns against the profound danger of **Envy and Worldly Desire**, presenting them not as minor failings but as powerful forces that lead to conflict and spiritual alienation from God, aligning with other biblical warnings against the "works of the flesh" found in [Galatians 5:21](/galatians/5-21 "Galatians 5:21 - Works of the Flesh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **scripture (Greek, _graphḗ'_):** From *graphō*, meaning "to write," this term refers to a document, specifically holy Writ or its contents. In this context, it emphasizes the divine authority and truthfulness of the Old Testament, which James asserts contains a profound, if not directly quoted, principle about human nature. James posits that this truth is not stated "in vain," meaning it is not without purpose or effect, but rather accurately describes the human condition.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From *pneō* (to breathe), this word denotes a current of air, breath, or by analogy, a spirit. Here, it refers to the human spirit or the inner disposition of a person. It is the core of one's being, the seat of desires and inclinations. James's statement implies that this innate human spirit, apart from divine intervention, possesses a fundamental bent towards self-centeredness and sin.
* **lusteth (Greek, _epipothéō'_):** From *epi* (upon) and *potheō* (to yearn), this verb means to dote upon or intensely crave possession, whether lawfully or wrongfully. In this context, it describes a powerful, passionate, and often negative desire. The "spirit" is depicted as having a strong, almost insatiable, longing or craving for something, specifically "envy." This term highlights the intensity and pervasive nature of the sinful inclination.
* **envy (Greek, _phthónos'_):** This noun refers to ill-will, jealousy, or spite, often arising from the prosperity or superiority of another. It signifies a resentful desire for something possessed by another, coupled with a malicious desire for that person to lose it. James identifies this destructive emotion as the ultimate aim or outcome of the human spirit's unchecked desires, leading directly to the conflicts he addresses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question designed to elicit an emphatic "No!" from the readers. James is not asking if they genuinely doubt the Scripture's truth, but rather challenging their practical disregard for its principles. The phrase "in vain" (Greek: *kenōs*) means "to no purpose" or "without effect." James implies that the Scripture's teaching about human nature and sin is profoundly true and directly relevant to their current conflicts, not an empty or irrelevant statement. While no single Old Testament verse contains this exact wording, James is likely summarizing a pervasive biblical theme concerning the inherent sinfulness of the human heart, as seen in passages like [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - The Wickedness of Man's Heart") or [Proverbs 21:10](/proverbs/21-10 "Proverbs 21:10 - The Soul of the Wicked Desires Evil").
* **"The spirit that dwelleth in us"**: This clause identifies the source of the problem. The "spirit" here refers to the human spirit, the inner core of our being, our natural disposition. The phrase "that dwelleth in us" (Greek: *katoikeō*, meaning "to house permanently, reside") emphasizes that this inclination is not external or superficial but deeply ingrained within our very nature. It speaks to the pervasive reality of indwelling sin, a concept explored extensively by Paul in [Romans 7](/romans/7 "Romans 7 - The Struggle with Sin").
* **"lusteth to envy?"**: This final clause describes the specific, destructive inclination of the human spirit. The verb "lusteth" (Greek: *epipothéō*) signifies an intense craving or strong desire. The object of this intense desire is "envy" (Greek: *phthónos*), which is a bitter resentment or ill-will towards another's possessions, advantages, or success. James is asserting that the natural, unredeemed human spirit is inherently prone to this destructive form of jealousy, which then manifests in the quarrels and conflicts he addresses earlier in the chapter.

#### Literary Devices
James employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey his message. The verse opens with a striking **Rhetorical Question** ("Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain?"), which is not meant to be answered literally but to provoke thought and affirm an obvious truth. This technique immediately engages the reader, forcing them to confront their assumptions about the authority of Scripture and the reality of their own inner lives. Furthermore, James utilizes **Personification** when he states, "The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy." By attributing the action of "lusting" (an intense desire) to the "spirit," he gives an abstract concept a tangible, active role, vividly portraying the powerful, internal drive towards sin. Finally, the verse contains a significant **Allusion** or **Paraphrase** of Old Testament teaching. While not a direct quote, James summarizes a pervasive biblical truth about human depravity and the heart's inclination towards evil (e.g., [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - The Imagination of Man's Heart is Evil")). This indirect reference underscores the timeless and universal nature of the problem he addresses, grounding his pastoral admonition in divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 4:5 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of human sin and the necessity of divine grace. It asserts the deep-seated inclination of the human spirit towards selfish desires and envy, demonstrating that the conflicts and worldly attachments observed among believers are not superficial issues but symptoms of a fundamental spiritual problem. This verse aligns with the biblical doctrine of human depravity, which posits that sin has permeated every aspect of human nature, including our innermost desires and motivations. It underscores that even after conversion, the struggle with the "flesh" (our sinful nature) persists, requiring continuous reliance on God's transforming power. The "spirit" here, referring to the human spirit, is shown to be naturally prone to self-centeredness, highlighting the need for the Holy Spirit's indwelling to redirect and purify our desires. This theological truth serves as a crucial foundation for understanding why humility and submission to God (as called for in [James 4:6-10](/james/4-6-10 "James 4:6-10 - Humility and Submission to God")) are essential for spiritual growth and peace.

* [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "The Wickedness of Man's Heart")
* [Galatians 5:17](/galatians/5-17 "The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit")
* [Romans 7:18](/romans/7-18 "No Good Thing in My Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 4:5 is a piercing mirror, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truth about our own inner inclinations. It challenges the superficial assumption that our conflicts are merely external misunderstandings, revealing instead that they often spring from a deeper, more insidious source within: the human spirit's natural bent towards selfish desires and destructive envy. For believers, this verse serves as a sober reminder that conversion does not eradicate the capacity for sin, but rather initiates a lifelong process of sanctification where we must continually yield our "spirit" to the Holy Spirit. It calls us to radical honesty about our motivations, urging us to examine whether our desires align with God's kingdom or with the fleeting pleasures of the world. Recognizing the powerful pull of envy and self-centeredness within is the crucial first step towards genuine repentance and spiritual transformation. We cannot overcome these deep-seated inclinations by sheer willpower; instead, we are driven to humble dependence on God's "more grace," which alone can purify our hearts and redirect our passions towards Christ-likeness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I observe the "spirit that dwelleth in me lusting to envy"?**
* **How do my unexamined desires contribute to conflict in my relationships, whether with family, friends, or fellow believers?**
* **What practical steps can I take to humble myself before God and actively seek His grace to transform my inner desires away from envy and towards godly contentment?**
* **How does my understanding of this verse impact my prayer life and the motives behind my requests to God?**

### FAQ

**Is James 4:5 a direct quote from the Old Testament?**

Answer: No, James 4:5 is not a direct, verbatim quote from any single Old Testament passage. Instead, it is widely understood by scholars to be a summary, paraphrase, or allusion to a pervasive biblical principle found throughout the Old Testament. James, writing to Jewish Christians, often draws upon the spirit and teaching of the Hebrew Scriptures rather than providing precise citations. The core idea—that the human heart or spirit is inherently inclined towards evil, including envy and selfish desires—is a consistent theme in passages like [Genesis 6:5](/genesis/6-5 "Genesis 6:5 - The Wickedness of Man's Heart"), [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - The Imagination of Man's Heart is Evil"), and even the warning to Cain in [Genesis 4:7](/genesis/4-7 "Genesis 4:7 - Sin's Desire"). James is asserting that this fundamental truth about human nature is part of what "the scripture saith" and is not "in vain" (i.e., it is profoundly true and relevant).

**What "spirit" is James referring to in this verse?**

Answer: In James 4:5, "the spirit that dwelleth in us" refers to the human spirit, or our natural, unredeemed disposition. It is the inner core of our being, the seat of our desires, thoughts, and motivations. James is highlighting the innate human inclination towards sin, specifically towards envy and selfish desires, which is present within every person apart from the transforming work of God. This is distinct from the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers them to overcome these sinful inclinations, as discussed by Paul in [Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of God Dwells in You"). James emphasizes that our natural human spirit, left to its own devices, is prone to destructive passions that lead to conflict and worldliness.

**How does "lusteth to envy" relate to the conflicts James describes earlier in the chapter?**

Answer: The phrase "lusteth to envy" directly explains the root cause of the "wars and fightings" that James addresses at the beginning of [James 4](/james/4 "James 4 - Warnings Against Worldliness and Pride"). James argues that these external conflicts are not random occurrences but stem from internal, unfulfilled desires. When the human spirit "lusts" (intensely craves) for things it does not have, and sees others possessing them, it naturally leads to "envy" (resentment and ill-will). This envy then fuels covetousness, disputes, and even spiritual "murder" (as implied in [James 4:2](/james/4-2 "James 4:2 - Desires Leading to Conflict")). Thus, the verse reveals that the societal and relational strife among believers is a direct manifestation of their unbridled, self-centered desires and the envy that arises from them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 4:5 starkly exposes the deep-seated problem of the human spirit's inclination to envy and selfish lusts, a condition that leads to conflict and spiritual adultery against God. This inherent depravity of the human heart finds its ultimate solution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament hinted at humanity's pervasive sinfulness, Christ's coming provides the means for radical transformation. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering forgiveness and a new nature to all who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice, the power of sin, including the "lusting to envy," is broken. Furthermore, the indwelling Holy Spirit, given by Christ, empowers believers to overcome the desires of the flesh. As [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us") declares, the righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled in us "who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Christ's work enables us to "crucify the flesh with its passions and desires" ([Galatians 5:24](/galatians/5-24 "Galatians 5:24 - Crucifying the Flesh")), replacing destructive envy with the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). In Christ, we are not merely told to suppress our sinful inclinations, but are given a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and a New Spirit")), enabling us to live not for selfish gain or envy, but for the glory of God and the good of others, reflecting the self-sacrificial love of our Savior ([Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Consideration for Others")).

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

2 Corinthians 6:16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Numbers 11:29

And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, [and] that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Psalms 37:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

Genesis 8:21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Genesis 26:14

For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.