James 4:9
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Be afflicted--literally, "Endure misery," that is, mourn over your wretchedness through sin. Repent with deep sorrow instead of your present laughter. A blessed mourning. Contrast Isa 22:12-13; Luk 6:25. James does not add here, as in Jam 5:1, "howl," where he foretells the doom of the impenitent at the coming destruction of Jerusalem. heaviness--literally, "falling of the countenance," casting down of the eyes.
Open source ↗In this chapter we are directed to consider, I. Some causes of contention, besides those mentioned in the foregoing chapter, and to watch against them (Jam 4:1-5). II. We are taught to abandon the friendship of this world, so as to submit and subject ourselves entirely to God (Jam 4:4-10). III. All detraction and rash judgment of others are to be carefully avoided (Jam 4:11, Jam 4:12). IV. We must preserve a constant regard, and pay the utmost deference to the disposals of divine Providence (Jam 4:13 to the end).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow.
Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word.
so that when I make atonement for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your disgrace, declares the Lord GOD.”
The survivors will escape and live in the mountains, moaning like doves of the valley, each for his own iniquity.
My harp is tuned to mourning and my flute to the sound of weeping.
Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.
But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony.
They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”