Bible Strands
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — James writes to Jewish believers in the dispersion, picking up the "not lacking anything" of verse 4 and naming the one thing they may still lack: wisdom.
The words — Λεῖπεται (leipetai, "lacks") echoes the deficiency language of verse 4, binding the two statements together. Αἰτεῖτω (aiteitō, "he should ask") is a present imperative, implying repeated or ongoing asking rather than a single request.
The thread — Proverbs 2:3 calls the reader to "call out" for insight; John 15:7 promises that asking in abiding relationship will be answered; Jeremiah 29:12 pairs calling upon God with His listening.
Why it lands — It tells the reader the deficiency is real, the remedy is a direct request, and the giver does not hold back or resent the asking. The burden shifts entirely from the asker to the one asked.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 2:3 if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,
- John 15:7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
- Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
- Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
- 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
- 2 Chronicles 1:10 Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
- Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
- James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
- 1 Kings 3:7 And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.
- John 14:13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.