James 4:5

Scripture. That is, the OT in general, inasmuch as this quotation is not from any particular passage of Scripture. However, the thought is parallel to the general teaching of the OT (cf. Gen. 6:3-5; Ex. 20:5).

Vain. Gr. kenos, “empty,” “without worthy content.” The scriptural references that declare the love of God for man are not “empty” words.

Spirit. That is, the Holy Spirit, if the translations below (see under “envy”) be adopted. Other NT passages teach the indwelling nature of the Holy Spirit (see on John 14:16, 17; 1 Cor. 6:19).

Dwelleth. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “to cause to dwell,” “to give a dwelling to” (see the translations given below under “envy”).

Lusteth. Gr. epipotheō, “to pursue with love,” “to yearn for earnestly” (cf. Rom. 1:11; 2 Cor. 5:2; 9:14; Phil. 1:8; 2:26; 1 Thess. 3:6; 2 Tim. 1:4).

Envy. Gr. phthonos, “jealousy.” The Greek here is difficult. Some translate the passage “With jealousy He [God] [yearns] for the Spirit which He has caused to dwell in us”; others, “The Holy Spirit whom He [God] has caused to dwell within us yearns earnestly with jealousy.” God frequently describes Himself as “jealous” (see Num. 25:11; 1 Kings 14:22; Eze. 23:25; Zeph. 1:18; Zech. 1:14; 8:2; see on Ex. 20:5; Deut. 32:16; Ps. 78:58; Eze. 36:5; Joel 2:18). Paul compared his intense love for the church at Corinth with God’s jealousy for His people (see on 2 Cor. 11:2). The friendship of church members for the world grieves the “jealous” Spirit of God, who seeks our undivided affections. Man’s jealousy is selfish; God’s jealousy reflects simply His intense concern for the welfare of His children.