James 4:9
"Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom...." — James 4:9 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes.
“Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.”James 4:9 (NIV)
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Surrounding verses
Read James 4:9 with the verses next to it, then open James 4 in full.
When people use this verse
People often open James 4:9 when they are looking for Scripture on grief.
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“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1
What is this verse about?
James 4:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James. This verse comes from chapter 4, which can be read in full at the James chapter 4 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How people apply it
As you reflect on James 4:9, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.
Related verses
Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Jeremiah 31:13Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:15This is what the Lord says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.”
Matthew 2:18“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Matthew 5:4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Psalms 35:14I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.
Deuteronomy 34:8The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.
Isaiah 40:1Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
A short prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in James 4:9. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Quick answers
What does James 4:9 mean?
"Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom...." — James 4:9 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations. The original biblical context enriches our understanding of how this verse applies today.
What is the context of James 4:9?
James 4:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James. This verse comes from chapter 4, which can be read in full at the James chapter 4 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How does James 4:9 read in other translations?
James 4:9 is available in NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB on this page. Open the compare view to read them side by side.