James 4:2

You covet, and do not have, so you kill; and envy, and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.

Revised King James New Testament

In The King James Version

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

In Context

1What causes strife and quarrels among you? do they not come from your passions, which are at war in your members?

3You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it upon your pleasures.

Read all of James 4

Cross References

Luke 11:9And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.

John 16:24Until now you have asked for nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.

James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally, and without reproach; and it shall be given him.

Matthew Henry on James 4:2-11

Origin of War and Contention; Against Pride; Submission to God. ( a. d. 61.) 1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever… Read the whole commentary →

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