James 1:7

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does James 1:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;
James 1:7 — American Standard Version

Context — James 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For let not that man think, etc.] Imagine, conclude, or please himself with such thoughts, that he shall receive anything from the Lord; wisdom, or anything else, he is seeking after; for wanting faith, he has nothing to receive with; faith is the grace, which receives the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and all grace from him; which receives a justifying righteousness, pardon of sin, adoption of children, and even the everlasting inheritance, at least, the right unto it; wherefore those who have not faith, as the wavering man, cannot receive any thing.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For--resumed from "For" in Jam 1:6. that man--such a wavering self-deceiver. think--Real faith is something more than a mere thinking or surmise. anything--namely, of the things that he prays for: he does receive many things from God, food, raiment, &c., but these are the general gifts of His providence: of the things specially granted in answer to prayer, the waverer shall not receive "anything," much less wisdom.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord - Compare Hebrews 11:6. A man can hope for favor from God only as he puts confidence in him. He sees the heart; and if he sees that there is no belief in his existence, or his perfections - no real trust in him - no reliance on his promises, his wisdom, his grace - it cannot be proper that he should grant an answer to our petitions. That will account sufficiently for the fact that there are so many prayers unanswered; that we so frequently go to the throne of grace, and are sent empty away. A man that goes to God in such a state of mind, should not expect to receive any favor. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Jam 4:3; Pro 15:8, Pro 21:27; Isa 1:15, Isa 58:3, Isa 58:4 James 1:8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification