King James Version

What Does James 4:13 Mean?

“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 :”

Context

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

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 :

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. It: or, For it is

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live , and do this, or that.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Ye that say . . . .**—The Apostle would reason next with the worldly; not merely those abandoned to pleasure, but any and all absorbed in the quest of gain or advancement. The original is represented a little more closely, thus: *Today and tomorrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade and get gain. *“Mortals think all men mortal but themselves;” yet who does not boast himself of tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1), in spite of a thousand proverbs; and reckon on the wondrous chance of “That untravelled world, whose margin fades For ever and for ever as he roams?”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 4:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.