Robertson Word Pictures - James 4:4 - 4:4

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Robertson Word Pictures - James 4:4 - 4:4


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Ye adulteresses (moichalides). Moichoi kai (ye adulterers) is spurious (Syrian text only). The feminine form here is a common late word from the masculine moichoi. It is not clear whether the word is to be taken literally here as in Rom 7:3, or figuratively for all unfaithful followers of Christ (like an unfaithful bride), as in 2Co 11:1.; Eph 5:24-28 (the Bride of Christ). Either view makes sense in this context, probably the literal view being more in harmony with the language of Jam 4:2. In that case James may include more than Christians in his view, though Paul talks plainly to church members about unchastity (Eph 5:3-5).

Enmity with God (echthra tou theou). Objective genitive theou with echthra (predicate and so without article), old word from echthros, enemy (Rom 5:10), with eis theon (below and Rom 8:7).

Whosoever therefore would be (hos ean oun boulēthēi). Indefinite relative clause with hos and modal ean and the first aorist passive (deponent) subjunctive of boulomai, to will (purpose).

A friend of the world (philos tou kosmou). Predicate nominative with infinitive einai agreeing with hos. See note on Jam 2:23 for philos theou (friend of God).

Maketh himself (kathistatai). Present passive (not middle) indicative as in Jam 3:6, “is constituted,” “is rendered.”

An enemy of God (echthros tou theou). Predicate nominative and anarthrous and objective genitive (theou).