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Delve into the insightful argument presented in James 4:13–17 about the uncertainties of tomorrow and the importance of living wisely today. Explore the concept of planning for the future while embracing the present moment. Gain a deeper understanding of the contrasts between earthly riches and spiritual wealth as outlined in this thought-provoking passage. Discover the timeless relevance of James’ teachings in guiding our decision-making and priorities.
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James 4:13 – 5:11 KGR, ch. 6 Rodney J. Decker, ThD
Argument of Jas 4:13–17 σήμερονἢαὔριονπορευσόμεθαεἰςτήνδετὴνπόλινκαὶποιήσομενἐκεῖἐνιαυτὸνκαὶἐμπορευσόμεθακαὶκερδήσομεν Ἄγενῦν οἱλέγοντες i.e., We have plans… ἀντὶτοῦλέγεινὑμᾶς· Yet… (concessive clause intro w. rel. pron. WGG-663) οἵτινεςοὐκἐπίστασθετὸτῆςαὔριονποίαἡζωὴὑμῶν Replacement/ substitution: “instead” ἀτμὶςγάρἐστεἡπρὸςὀλίγονφαινομένη, ἔπειτακαὶἀφανιζομένη. ἐὰνὁκύριοςθελήσῃκαὶζήσομενκαὶποιήσομεντοῦτοἢἐκεῖνο Explanation
Time ref. of Verbs in 5:2–3 Context would seem to make best sense if the perfects refer to future conditions: ὁπλοῦτοςὑμῶνσέσηπεν Perfect Have their riches already become rotted and their garments moth-eaten? Has their gold and silver already corroded? καὶτὰἱμάτιαὑμῶνσητόβρωταγέγονεν Perfect 3ὁχρυσὸςὑμῶνκαὶὁἄργυροςκατίωται Perfect Your riches will rot and your garments will be moth-eaten, your gold and silver will corrode one day… [And then where will you be?] How are they described in v. 1a? What is their lifestyle in v. 5? καὶὁἰὸςαὐτῶνεἰςμαρτύριονὑμῖνἔσται Future If the 3 perfects describe past events, would they still be rich and living in luxury and self-indulgence?! And would James be rebuking them for this? καὶφάγεταιτὰςσάρκαςὑμῶνὡςπῦρ. Future ἐθησαυρίσατεἐνἐσχάταιςἡμέραις. Aorist