John Bengel Commentary - James 4:2 - 4:2

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John Bengel Commentary - James 4:2 - 4:2


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Jam 4:2. Ἐπιθυμεῖτε, ye desire) A kind of Anaphora[47] whereby the sentiment is repeated with increased force. Ye desire, with disposition towards an object; ye kill and envy, with the action and disposition of individuals against individuals; ye fight and war, with the action of many against many.-φονεύετε καὶ ζηλοῦτε, ye kill and envy) Ye kill through hatred and envy. One sentiment is expressed by two words. The same verb occurs, ch. Jam 5:6. He who covets any object, desires that the former possessor may be removed out of the way. He speaks of murderers, as in Jam 4:4 of adulterers. Comp. 1Jn 3:15. Thus, φονεύετε, do ye murder? Psa 62:3 (Septuagint), חְּרָצְחוּ for this Hebrew reading, holding a middle place between the others, is[48] well supported by the Halle reviewers. And the tenor of the whole Epistle of James has a very close resemblance to the whole of this Psalm. See notes at Jam 4:7; Jam 4:12; Jam 4:14; Jam 1:3; Jam 3:10. See also Psa 10:8.-οὐκ ἕχετε δὲ) See App. Crit., Ed. ii., on this passage.[49]-ΔΙᾺ, on account of) This agrees (coheres) with the threefold clause, and ye have not; and ye cannot obtain; but ye have not.-μὴ αἰτεῖσθαι, your not asking) For the lustful, the murderer, and the contentious man, cannot pray.

[47] See Append. on ANAPHORA.

[48] See note on chapter Jam 2:23.

[49] AB Vulg. omit δέ. Rec. Text retains it without any very old authority.-E.