Texts in Conversation
James quotes a scripture whose source is unknown. The Apocalypse of Moses uses similar language that may represent a form of the lost proverb James cites, showing how early writers drew on sayings that did not survive.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
Apocalypse of Moses 31:4
Pseudepigrapha, Hebrew Bible Expansions
1 And when Eve had said this in the midst of her sons, while Adam was lying ill and bound to die after a single day from the sickness which had fastened upon him, 2 she says to him: 'How is it that you die and I live or how long have I to live after you are dead? Tell me.' 3 And Adam says to her: 'Pay no heed to this, for you do not linger after me, but even both of us are to die together. And she shall lie in my place. But when I die, anoint me and let no man touch me till the angel of the Lord shall speak somewhat concerning me. 4 For God will not forget me, but will seek His own creature; and now arise rather and pray to God till I give up my spirit into His hands who gave it to me. For we do not know how we are to meet our Maker, whether He be angry with us, or be merciful and intend to pity and receive us.'
James 4:5
New Testament
4 Adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world means hostility toward God? So whoever decides to be the world’s friend makes himself God’s enemy. 5 Or do you think the scripture means nothing when it says, “The spirit that God caused to live within us has an envious yearning”? 6 But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.” 7 So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into despair.
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Notes and References
"... James 4:5 appears to cite an unknown Scripture (pseudepigraphal?) ... The pseudepigraphal writings Life of Adam and Eve and Apocalypse of Moses have several parallels in the writings of the New Testament. In this last reference, life of Adam and Eve and Apocalypse of Moses are the names given to somewhat different versions (respectively, Latin and Greek) of the same ancient book, which is also called Life of Adam and Eve. Several New Testament themes may be found in these two pseudepigraphal books: worship of God by angels (Heb 1:6; LAE 13-14); God as light (Jas 1:17; LAE 28:2; Apoc. Mos. 36:3); tree of life (Rev 22:2; Apoc. Mos. 9:3); Eve as the source of sin (2 Cor 11:3: 1 Tim 2:14; Apoc. Mos. 14:2); death following the sin of Adam (Rom 5:12-21; Apoc. Mos. 14:2); death as the separation of soul and body (2 Cor 5:1-5; Apoc. Mos. 31); Satan as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14: LAE 9:1; Apoc. Mos. 17: I); paradise located in the third heaven (2 Cor 12:2; Apoc. Mos. 37:5); and covetousness as the root of all sin (Rom 7:7; Apoc. Mos. 19:3) ..."
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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