James 4:4

Ye adulteresses (moicalide). Moicoi kai (ye adulterers) is spurious (Syrian text only). The feminine form here is a common late word from the masculine moicoi. It is not clear whether the word is to be taken literally here as in Romans 7:3 , or figuratively for all unfaithful followers of Christ (like an unfaithful bride), as in 2 Corinthians 11:1 ; Ephesians 5:24-28 (the Bride of Christ). Either view makes sense in this context, probably the literal view being more in harmony with the language of verses Ephesians 2 . In that case James may include more than Christians in his view, though Paul talks plainly to church members about unchastity ( Ephesians 5:3-5 ). Enmity with God (ecqra tou qeou). Objective genitive qeou with ecqra (predicate and so without article), old word from ecqro, enemy ( Romans 5:10 ), with ei qeon (below and Romans 8:7 ). Whosoever therefore would be (o ean oun boulhqh). Indefinite relative clause with o and modal ean and the first aorist passive (deponent) subjunctive of boulomai, to will (purpose). A friend of the world (pilo tou kosmou). Predicate nominative with infinitive einai agreeing with o. See Romans 2:23 for pilo qeou (friend of God). Maketh himself (kaqistatai). Present passive (not middle) indicative as in Romans 3:6 , "is constituted," "is rendered." An enemy of God (ecqro tou qeou). Predicate nominative and anarthrous and objective genitive (qeou).