King James Version

What Does James 4:15 Mean?

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

Context

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.

But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **For that ye ought to say . . . .**—Referring to James 4:13, in some such a continuation of reproof as this: *Woe unto you that say, *. . . . *instead of saying, *“*If the Lord will*”. . . . In fact, it is a thing of the past, not of time, but completed action on the part of God—“If the Lord *have willed* it, we shall both live and do this or that.” Such is far, be it noted, from Fatalism, in even its best form, as under the teaching of Islam. The sovereignty of God is acknowledged, but with it is plainly recognised the existence of man’s free will, dependent, however, on the permission of the Most High for its fleeting duration and power. St. Paul speaks in similar tone of coming to Corinth, “if the Lord will” (1Corinthians 4:19); and “God willing” (D.V.), “the reference of all the contingencies of the future to One supremely wise and loving Will, has been in all ages of Christendom the stay and strength of devout souls.”

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 4:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.