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James 4:14

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

James 4:14

Verse 14 of 17

Scripture focus

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.

James 4:14 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on James 4:14

Theological / Devotional

Whereas. Or, “inasmuch.” Verse 14 is parenthetical.

What. That is, What is the nature of your life?

It is. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10), for the reading “Ye are.”

Vapour. Or, “mist,” “breath.” A man’s existence in this world is uncertain and of short duration at best (see 1 Chron. 29:15; Job 8:9; Ps. 102:11; James 1:10, 11).

Little time. Emphasis is upon the shortness of life rather than upon the fact of life.

Vanisheth. That is, human life begins to disappear almost as soon as it appears. Life, like vapor, can be dissipated suddenly.

By SdaBc