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: James 4:13

Explanation

James 4:13 addresses the presumptuous attitudes of those who make confident plans for the future without considering the will of God. The verse highlights the arrogance inherent in making detailed plans (“To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:”) without acknowledging the uncertainty of life and without deference to God’s sovereignty. It suggests that such confidence in one’s ability to control the future is misguided and reveals a lack of humility before God.

Historical Context

This epistle was written by James, who is thought to be the brother of Jesus Christ. It was likely written to Jewish Christians scattered abroad, possibly around 45-49 A.D. This was a period after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension when the early church was spreading throughout the Roman Empire. In those times, traveling merchants were common, and making plans for business ventures was a normal part of life. However, James cautions his readers against the presumption of certainty in commercial undertakings without acknowledging the providence of God.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, James 4:13 confronts human pride and the illusion of control over one’s life and circumstances. It posits a God-centered worldview against a self-centered worldview. This verse raises the issue of divine providence versus human autonomy and implies that a proper understanding of God’s role in the world includes recognizing our own limitations and dependence on Him.

Different theological viewpoints approach this issue in diverse ways. Calvinists, for example, would emphasize the sovereignty of God over all aspects of life, including human plans, whereas Arminians might focus on human responsibility while still acknowledging God’s ultimate control.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, James 4:13 suggests that individuals should adopt a posture of humility and dependence on God when making plans. This entails seeking God’s guidance in prayer, remaining open to His leading, and being prepared to adjust one’s plans according to His will. It teaches believers to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live, and do this or that,” as elaborated in the subsequent verses, which emphasizes a submission to God’s authority.

Cross-References

• Proverbs 27:1: “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”
• Luke 12:16-21: The parable of the rich fool, who planned to build larger barns for his goods, not knowing he would die that night.
• Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
• Ecclesiastes 8:7: “For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?”

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek is “πορευσόμεθα” (poreusometha), which translates as “we will go” and reveals an intention or determination to undertake a journey or action. “ἐμπορευσόμεθα” (emporeusometha), translated as “buy and sell,” also stands out, referring to engaging in business or trade. These terms together depict a confident declaration of future actions, which James critiques as lacking the acknowledgement of God’s will.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, the future was often seen as something that could be divined or predicted through various means, such as oracles or omens. The Jewish and Christian perspective stood somewhat apart from this by emphasizing a personal God who is actively involved in human affairs and has a will that is sometimes beyond human understanding. Unlike the fatalistic or deterministic views seen in some ancient religions, Christianity promotes a dynamic relationship with the divine in shaping the future.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of the universe often emphasize deterministic laws of physics or chaotic systems where exact predictions of the future are impossible. James 4:13 does not directly intersect with these scientific concepts but does coincide with the recognition that human ability to predict and control the future is limited. While the verse does not engage with scientific methodology, it echoes the humility before the unknown that many scientists express.

Commentaries

Commentators on James 4:13 tend to emphasize the passage’s call to humility and recognition of God’s sovereignty. For example, Matthew Henry’s commentary notes that we should “remember the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death,” suggesting that the verse calls us to reflect upon our own mortality and the greater authority of God over our lives. Other scholars interpret this verse as a warning against the materialism and self-reliance that were prevalent in the culture of the time and continue to be relevant today.