King James Version

What Does James 1:7 Mean?

James 1:7 in the King James Version says “For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” — study this verse from James chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”

James 1:7 · KJV

Context

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.

6

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

9

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: rejoice: or, glory rejoice: or, glory

Read James 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. James issues a sober warning: the doubting person should not "think" (oiesthō, οἰέσθω) he will receive anything. The verb carries the idea of a fanciful assumption—wishful thinking disconnected from covenant loyalty. To "receive" (lēmpsetai, λήμψεται) is not to earn but to welcome God's gifts; chronic distrust closes the hands that would have been filled.

In Reformed thought, this does not deny God's compassion toward the weak but exposes hardened unbelief that refuses to submit to His wisdom. James echoes Jesus' teaching that prayer without faith is empty babble. God's generosity does not negate the necessity of trusting Him; grace is bestowed along the path of dependent obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Some diaspora believers flirted with double allegiance—attending synagogue gatherings while appeasing local patrons or pagan guilds. James, as Jerusalem's pillar, clarifies that such divided loyalties obstruct divine blessing. Paul's letters similarly confront double-minded Galatians tempted to add law observance to grace.

The admonition would have comforted persecuted Christians tempted to believe that God had forgotten them: their assurance was not in visible success but in steadfast trust aligned with apostolic teaching.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you cultivated habits of prayer that expect God to answer, or do you default to skepticism?
  2. What might repentance look like for subtle unbelief that blocks receiving God's wisdom?
  3. How can community help you hold fast to faith when circumstances stay difficult?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
μὴ1 of 12

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γὰρ2 of 12

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

οἰέσθω3 of 12

“let”

G3633

to make like (oneself), i.e., imagine (be of the opinion)

ὁ4 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνθρωπος5 of 12

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐκεῖνος6 of 12

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ὅτι7 of 12

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

λήψεταί8 of 12

“he shall receive”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τι9 of 12

“any thing”

G5100

some or any person or object

παρὰ10 of 12

“of”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τοῦ11 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου12 of 12

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

James 1:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to James 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 4:3Isaiah 58:3-4Proverbs 21:27Proverbs 15:8Isaiah 1:15

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