What does James 4:5 mean?

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? James 4:5

Explanation

James 4:5 is a somewhat enigmatic verse, and there has been considerable debate about its interpretation. The verse asks rhetorically whether the listeners believe that Scripture speaks without purpose when it says that “The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?” This passage is thought to reference human tendencies – specifically, the propensity of the human spirit toward jealousy and covetousness. The “spirit that dwelleth in us” could refer to the natural, unconverted human nature inclined to sinful desires – or it could be interpreted as the Holy Spirit that is grieved by such jealous inclinations. The rhetorical question implies that the Scriptures (Old Testament, in context) had a serious and meaningful point when addressing human envy.

Historical Context

The Epistle of James is traditionally believed to have been written by James, the brother of Jesus, who was a leader in the early Christian church in Jerusalem. It is generally dated to the mid-first century. The audience of the epistle is primarily Jewish Christians scattered among the nations (James 1:1). James writes with a very practical tone, addressing ethical practices and true faith. The verse appears in a context where James confronts the readers about quarrels and fights arising from their desires. The cultural context of the passage suggests a conflict between the values of the Christian faith and the prevalent societal values of ambition and status.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, there are various interpretations of this verse. One view is that James is cautioning believers against the envy and selfish ambition that can reside in the human heart, contrasting human nature with divine wisdom. Another interpretation is that it is a reference to the Holy Spirit given to believers, and that the spirit of the world within us conflicts with the divine Spirit, which aligns with narratives in Galatians about the battle between flesh and spirit.

Practical Applications

The teachings of James 4:5 can be applied to daily life by encouraging self-examination of one’s motivations and desires. Believers are reminded of the perils of envy and how it can lead to destructive behaviors and conflicts within communities. It advocates for the cultivation of humility and submission to God as antidotes to envy and selfish ambition.

Cross-References

• Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
• 1 Peter 2:11 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for “lusteth” is “epipothei,” which means to long for or desire intensely. The word “envy” is “phthonon,” which can be translated as jealousy or malcontent toward another’s advantages or possessions. Analyzing these key words underscores the intensity of the desires and the potentially negative emotional state they invoke.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

James’ warning about the dangers of envy was not unique to Christian teachings. In ancient Greek philosophy, for instance, envy (φθόνος – phthonos) was viewed as a destructive emotion. Similarly, in Judaism, there were teachings against envy, reverberating through the wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs 14:30). In many ancient mythologies, envy played a role in the narratives of gods and heroes, often leading to downfall or strife.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology aligns with the scriptural view that envy can have negative effects on mental health and interpersonal relationships. Social comparison theory in psychology suggests that comparing ourselves to others can result in feelings of envy, which can fuel conflict and dissatisfaction. There is also research indicating that envy can lead to depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems.

Commentaries

Commentaries offer a range of interpretations for James 4:5. Some commentators have suggested that this verse is difficult because it seems to quote scripture that does not exist verbatim in the Old Testament. Others suggest that James could be summarizing a general scriptural principle rather than quoting a specific verse. Notably, Matthew Henry’s Commentary posits that James is alluding to the sinful inclinations in mankind that are opposed to the divine law. John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes suggests that James is illustrating the opposition between the Holy Spirit and the evil nature that remains in believers. Many agree that regardless of the exact reference, the core message warns against giving in to envy and encourages a spirit of humility.