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James

James front

Introduction to James

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of James
  1. Greetings (1:1)
  2. Testing and maturity (1:2-18)
  3. Hearing and doing the Word of God (1:19-27)
  4. True faith seen in works
  5. Word of God (1:19-27)
  6. Royal law of love (2:1-13)
  7. Works (2:14-26)
  8. Difficulties in community
  9. Dangers of the tongue (3:1-12)
  10. Wisdom from above (3:13-18)
  11. Worldly desires (4:1-12)
  12. God’s perspective on your decisions
  13. Boasting about tomorrow (4:13-17)
  14. Warning about riches (5:1-6)
  15. Suffering with patience (5:7-11)
  16. Closing exhortations
  17. Oaths (5:12)
  18. Prayer and healing (5:13-18)
  19. Care for one another (5:19-20)
Who wrote the Book of James?

The author identifies himself as James. This was probably James, the half-brother of Jesus. James was a leader in the early church and was part of the Jerusalem council. The Apostle Paul also called him a “pillar” of the church.

This is not the same man as the Apostle James. The Apostle James was killed before this letter was written.

What is the Book of James about?

In this letter, James encouraged believers who were suffering. He told them know that God uses their suffering to help them become mature Christians. James also told them of the need for believers to do good deeds. He wrote much in this letter about how believers should live and treat one another. For example, he commanded them to treat one another fairly, to not fight with one another, and to use riches wisely.

James taught his readers by using many examples from nature such as in 1:6, 11 and 3:1-12. Also, many parts of this letter are similar to what Jesus wrote in the Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5-7).

Who were the “twelve tribes in the dispersion”?

James said he was writing to the “twelve tribes in the dispersion” (1:1). Some scholars think that James was writing to Jewish Christians. Other scholars think that James was writing to all Christians in general. This letter is known as one of the “General Epistles” since it was not written to a specific church or individual.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “James.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “A Letter from James” or “The Letter James Wrote.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Did James disagree with Paul about how a person is justified before God?

Paul taught in Romans that Christians are justified by faith and not by works. James seems to teach that Christians are justified by works. This can be confusing. But a better understanding of what Paul and James taught shows that they agree with one another. Both of them taught that a person needs faith in order to be justified. And they both taught that true faith will cause a person to do good works. Paul and James taught about these things in different ways because they had different audiences who needed to know different things about being justified. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and faith and work, works, deeds)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How should the translator signal transitions between topics in the Book of James?

The letter quickly changes topics. Sometimes James does not tell the readers that he is about to change topics. It is acceptable to allow the verses to appear disconnected from each other. It may make sense to set the passages apart by starting a new line or putting a space between topics.

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of James?
  • “Do you want to know, foolish man, that faith without works is useless?” (2:20). The ULT, UST, and modern versions read this way. Some older versions read, “Do you want to know, foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.

(See: Textual Variants)

James 1

James 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

James formally introduces this letter in verse 1. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.

Special concepts in this chapter

Testing and temptation

These two words occur together in (James 1:12-13). Both words speak of a person who is able to choose between doing something good and doing something evil. The difference between them is important. God is testing the person and wants him to do what is good. Satan is tempting the person and wants him to do what is evil.

Crowns

The crown that a man who passes the test receives is a reward, something that people who do something especially good receive. (See: reward, prize, deserve)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

James uses many metaphors in this chapter, and you will need to understand the material on the metaphor page before you can translate them well. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“To the twelve tribes in the dispersion”

It is not clear to whom James wrote this letter. He calls himself a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, so he was probably writing to Christians. But he calls his readers “the twelve tribes in the dispersion,” words which usually refer to Jews. It is possible that he is using the words as a metaphor for “all people whom God has chosen” or that he wrote the letter at a time when most Christians had grown up as Jews.

James 1:1

The apostle James writes this letter to all the Christians. Many of them were Jews, and they lived in many different places.

Ἰάκωβος, Θεοῦ καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, δοῦλος

The phrase “this letter is from” is implied. Alternate translation: “This letter is from James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ταῖς δώδεκα φυλαῖς

Possible meanings are (1) this is a synecdoche for Jewish Christians, or (2) this is a metaphor for all Christians. Alternate translation: “to God’s faithful people” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

ἐν τῇ διασπορᾷ

The term “dispersion” normally referred to the Jews who were scattered in other countries, away from their homeland Israel. This abstract noun can be expressed with a phrase with the verb “scattered.” Alternate translation: “who are scattered around the world” or “who live in other countries” (See: Abstract Nouns)

χαίρειν

a basic greeting, such as “Hello!” or “Good day!”

James 1:2

πᾶσαν χαρὰν ἡγήσασθε, ἀδελφοί μου, ὅταν πειρασμοῖς περιπέσητε ποικίλοις

“My fellow believers, think of all your different kinds of troubles as something to celebrate”

James 1:3

τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως κατεργάζεται ὑπομονήν

The expressions “the testing,” “your faith,” and “endurance” are nouns that stand for actions. God does the testing, that is, he finds out how much the believers trust and obey him. Believers (“you”) believe in him and endure suffering. Alternate translation: “when you suffer hardships, God is finding out how much you trust him. As a result, you will become able to endure even more hardships” (See: Abstract Nouns)

James 1:4

ἡ…ὑπομονὴ ἔργον τέλειον ἐχέτω

Here endurance is spoken of as if it were a person at work. Alternate translation: “Learn to endure any hardship” (See: Personification)

τέλειοι

able to trust in Christ and obey him in all circumstances

ἐν μηδενὶ λειπόμενοι

This can be stated in the positive. Alternate translation: “having all that you need” or “being all that you need to be”

James 1:5

αἰτείτω παρὰ τοῦ διδόντος, Θεοῦ

“ask God for it. He is the one who gives”

τοῦ διδόντος, Θεοῦ, πᾶσιν ἁπλῶς, καὶ μὴ ὀνειδίζοντος

“gives generously and does not rebuke any”

δοθήσεται αὐτῷ

“God will do it” or “God will answer your prayer”

James 1:6

ἐν πίστει, μηδὲν διακρινόμενος

This can be stated in the positive. Alternate translation: “with complete certainty that God will answer” (See: Double Negatives)

ὁ γὰρ διακρινόμενος ἔοικεν κλύδωνι θαλάσσης, ἀνεμιζομένῳ καὶ ῥιπιζομένῳ.

Anyone who doubts that God will help him is said to be like the water in the ocean or in a large lake, which keeps moving in different directions. (See: Simile)

James 1:8

δίψυχος

The word “double-minded” refers to a person’s thoughts when he is unable to make a decision. Alternate translation: “cannot decide if he will follow Jesus or not” (See: Metaphor)

ἀκατάστατος ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτοῦ

Here this person is spoken of as if he cannot stay on one path but instead goes from one to another. (See: Metaphor)

James 1:9

ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὁ ταπεινὸς

“the believer who does not have much money”

καυχάσθω…ἐν τῷ ὕψει αὐτοῦ

Someone whom God has honored is spoken of as if he were standing in a high place. (See: Metaphor)

James 1:10

ὁ δὲ πλούσιος, ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει αὐτοῦ

The words “let boast” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “but let the rich man boast of his low position” (See: Ellipsis)

ὁ δὲ πλούσιος

“but the man who has a lot of money.” Possible meanings are (1) the rich man is a believer or (2) the rich man is an unbeliever.

ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει αὐτοῦ

A rich believer should be happy if God causes him to suffer. Alternate translation: “should be happy that God has given him difficulties” (See: Ellipsis)

ὡς ἄνθος χόρτου παρελεύσεται

Rich people are spoken of as being similar to wild flowers, which are alive for only a short time. (See: Simile)

James 1:11

ἡ εὐπρέπεια τοῦ προσώπου αὐτοῦ ἀπώλετο

A flower no longer being beautiful is spoken of as if its beauty dies. Alternate translation: “and it is no longer beautiful” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ πλούσιος ἐν ταῖς πορείαις αὐτοῦ μαρανθήσεται

Here the flower simile is probably continued. As flowers do not die suddenly but instead fade away over a short time, so also the rich people may not die suddenly but instead take a little time to disappear. (See: Simile)

ἐν ταῖς πορείαις αὐτοῦ

A rich man’s activities in daily life are spoken of as if they are a journey that he is making. This metaphor implies that he is giving no thought to his coming death, and that it will takes him by surprise. (See: Metaphor)

James 1:12

James reminds the believers who have fled that God does not cause temptation; he tells them how to avoid temptation.

μακάριος ἀνὴρ ὃς ὑπομένει πειρασμόν

“The man who endures testing is fortunate” or “The man who endures testing is well off”

ὑπομένει πειρασμόν

remains faithful to God during hardships

δόκιμος

he has been approved by God

λήμψεται τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς

Eternal life is spoken of as if it were a wreath of leaves placed on the head of a victorious athlete. Alternate translation: “receive eternal life as his reward” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπηγγείλατο τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has promised to those who love him” (See: Active or Passive)

James 1:13

πειραζόμενος

“when he desires to do something evil”

ἀπὸ Θεοῦ πειράζομαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God is trying to make me do something evil” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ…Θεὸς ἀπείραστός ἐστιν κακῶν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one can make God desire to do evil” (See: Active or Passive)

πειράζει δὲ αὐτὸς οὐδένα

“and God himself does not try to persuade anyone do evil”

James 1:14

ἕκαστος…πειράζεται ὑπὸ τῆς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας

A person’s desire is spoken of as if it were someone else who was tempting him to sin. (See: Personification)

ἐξελκόμενος καὶ δελεαζόμενος

Evil desire continues to be spoken of as if it were a person who could drag away someone else. (See: Personification)

δελεαζόμενος

attracts, persuades someone to do evil

James 1:15

εἶτα ἡ ἐπιθυμία συλλαβοῦσα τίκτει ἁμαρτίαν, ἡ δὲ ἁμαρτία ἀποτελεσθεῖσα, ἀποκύει θάνατον

Desire continues to be spoken of as a person, this time clearly as a woman who becomes pregnant with a child. The child is identified as sin. Sin is another female baby that grows up, becomes pregnant, and gives birth to death. This chain of metaphors is a picture of someone who ends up dying both spiritually and physically because of his evil desires and his sin. (See: Personification and Metaphor)

James 1:16

μὴ πλανᾶσθε

“Do not let anyone deceive you” or “Stop deceiving yourselves”

James 1:17

πᾶσα δόσις ἀγαθὴ, καὶ πᾶν δώρημα τέλειον

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. James uses them to emphasize that anything good that a person has comes from God. (See: Doublet)

τοῦ Πατρὸς τῶν φώτων

God, the creator of all the lights in the sky (sun, moon, and stars), is said to be their “Father.” (See: Metaphor)

παρ’ ᾧ οὐκ ἔνι παραλλαγὴ ἢ τροπῆς ἀποσκίασμα.

This expression pictures God as an unchanging light, like the sun, moon, planets, and stars in the sky. This is in contrast to shadows here on earth that constantly change. Alternate translation: “God does not change. He is as constant as the sun, moon, and stars in the sky, rather than like shadows which appear and disappear on earth” (See: Simile)

James 1:18

ἀπεκύησεν ἡμᾶς

God, who brought us eternal life, is spoken of as if he had given us birth. (See: Metaphor)

λόγῳ ἀληθείας

Possible meanings are (1) “the message about the truth” or (2) “the true message.”

εἰς τὸ εἶναι ἡμᾶς ἀπαρχήν τινα

James is using the traditional Hebrew idea of firstfruits as a way to describe the value of the Christian believers to God. He implies that there will be many more believers in the future. Alternate translation: “so that we would be like an offering of firstfruits” (See: Simile)

James 1:19

ἴστε

Possible meanings are (1) “Know this” as a command, to pay attention to what I am about to write or (2) “You know this” as a statement, that I am about to remind you of something that you already know.

ἔστω…πᾶς ἄνθρωπος ταχὺς εἰς τὸ ἀκοῦσαι, βραδὺς εἰς τὸ λαλῆσαι

These sayings are idioms that mean people should first listen intently, and then consider carefully what they say. Here “slow to speak” does not mean speaking slowly. (See: Idiom)

βραδὺς εἰς ὀργήν

“not get angry quickly”

James 1:20

ὀργὴ…ἀνδρὸς, δικαιοσύνην Θεοῦ οὐκ ἐργάζεται.

When a person is always angry, he cannot do God’s work, which is righteous.

James 1:21

ἀποθέμενοι πᾶσαν ῥυπαρίαν καὶ περισσείαν κακίας

Sin and evil are spoken of here as if they were clothing that could be taken off. Alternate translation: “stop doing all filthy sins and stop doing abundant amounts of evil” (See: Metaphor)

ἀποθέμενοι πᾶσαν ῥυπαρίαν καὶ περισσείαν κακίας

Here the expressions “sinful filth” and “evil” share similar meanings. James uses them to emphasize how bad sin is. Alternate translation: “stop doing every kind of sinful behavior” (See: Doublet)

ῥυπαρίαν

Here “filth,” that is, dirt, stands for sin and evil. (See: Metaphor)

ἐν πραΰτητι

“Without pride” or “Without arrogance”

δέξασθε τὸν ἔμφυτον λόγον

The expression “implant” means to place one thing inside of another. Here God’s word is spoken of as if it were a plant made to grow inside believers. Alternate translation: “obey the message God has spoken to you” (See: Metaphor)

σῶσαι τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν

What a person is saved from can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “save you from God’s judgment” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν

Here the word “souls” refers to persons.Alternate translation: “yourselves” (See: Synecdoche)

James 1:22

γίνεσθε δὲ ποιηταὶ λόγου

“Be people who follow God’s instructions”

παραλογιζόμενοι ἑαυτούς

“fooling yourselves”

James 1:23

ὅτι εἴ τις ἀκροατὴς λόγου ἐστὶν

“For if anyone listens to the God’s message in the scriptures”

καὶ οὐ ποιητής

The word “is” and “of the word” are understood from the previous phrase. The noun “doer” can also be expressed with the verbs “do” or “obey.” Alternate translation: “but is not a doer of the word” or “but does not obey the word” (See: Ellipsis)

οὗτος ἔοικεν ἀνδρὶ κατανοοῦντι τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γενέσεως αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐσόπτρῳ

A person who hears God’s word is like someone who looks in the mirror. (See: Simile)

τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γενέσεως αὐτοῦ

The word “natural” clarifies that James is using the ordinary meaning of the word “face.” Alternate translation: “his face”

James 1:24

καὶ ἀπελήλυθεν, καὶ εὐθέως ἐπελάθετο ὁποῖος ἦν

It is implied that though he may see that he needs to do something, such as wash his face or fix his hair, he walks away and forgets to do it. This what a person who does not obey God’s word is like. Alternate translation: “then goes away and immediately forgets to do what he saw he needed to do” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Simile)

James 1:25

ὁ…παρακύψας εἰς νόμον τέλειον

This expression continues the image of the law as a mirror. (See: Simile)

νόμον τέλειον, τὸν τῆς ἐλευθερίας

The relationship between the law and freedom can be expressed clearly. Here “freedom” probably refers to freedom from sin. Alternate translation: “the perfect law that gives freedom” or “the perfect law that makes those who follow it free” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὗτος μακάριος ἐν τῇ ποιήσει αὐτοῦ ἔσται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will bless this man as he obeys the law” (See: Active or Passive)

James 1:26

δοκεῖ θρησκὸς εἶναι

“thinks he worships God correctly”

γλῶσσαν αὐτοῦ

Controlling one’s tongue stands for controlling one’s speech. Alternate translation: “what he says” (See: Metonymy)

ἀπατῶν

gets someone to believe something that is not true

καρδίαν αὐτοῦ

Here “heart” refers to his belief or thoughts. Alternate translation: “himself” (See: Metonymy)

τούτου μάταιος ἡ θρησκεία

“he worships God uselessly”

James 1:27

καθαρὰ καὶ ἀμίαντος

James speaks of religion, the way one worships God, as if it could be physically pure and unspoiled. These are traditional ways for Jews to say that something is acceptable to God. Alternate translation: “Completely acceptable” (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί

directed to God (See: Metaphor)

ὀρφανοὺς

“the orphans”

ἐν τῇ θλίψει αὐτῶν

The fatherless and widows are suffering because their fathers or husbands have died.

ἄσπιλον ἑαυτὸν τηρεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ κόσμου

Sin in the world is spoken of as something dirty that can stain a person. Alternate translation: “to not allow the evil in the world to cause oneself to sin” (See: Metaphor)

James 2

James 02 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Favoritism

Some of James’s readers treated rich and powerful people well and treated poor people badly. This is called favoritism, and James tells them that this is wrong. God wants his people to treat both rich people and poor people well.

Justification

Justification is what happens when God makes a person righteous. James says here that God makes righteous or justifies people who do good works along with having faith. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness and faith)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Quotation marks

The words “Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works” are hard to understand. Some people think that they are what “someone may say,” like the words in the quotation marks. Most versions translate them as words that James is saying back to that “someone.”

“You have…I have”

Some people think that the words “you” and “I” are metonyms for “some people” and “other people.” If they are correct, verse 18 could be translated, “Someone may say, ‘Some people have faith and other people have works. Not everyone has both.’” If the next sentence is also what “someone may say,” it could be translated “Some people show their faith without works, and other people show their faith by their works. Both have faith.” In both cases, the reader will understand only if you add the extra sentence. It is probably best to translate as the ULT does. (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

James 2:1

James continues to tell the scattered Jewish believers how to live by loving one another and reminds them not to favor rich people over poor brothers.

ἀδελφοί μου

James considers his audience to be Jewish believers. Alternate translation: “My fellow believers” or “My brothers and sisters in Christ”

ἔχετε τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Believing in Jesus Christ is spoken of as if it were an object that one could hold onto. (See: Metaphor)

τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

The word “our” includes James and his fellow believers. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

προσωπολημψίαις

the desire to help some people more than others

James 2:2

ἐὰν…ἀνὴρ

James starts to describe a situation where the believers might give more honor to a rich person than to a poor person. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

χρυσοδακτύλιος, ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ

“dressed like a wealthy person”

James 2:3

σὺ κάθου ὧδε καλῶς

sit in this place of honor

σὺ στῆθι ἐκεῖ

move to a place with less honor

κάθου ὑπὸ τὸ ὑποπόδιόν μου

move to a humble place

James 2:4

οὐ διεκρίθητε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, καὶ ἐγένεσθε κριταὶ διαλογισμῶν πονηρῶν

James is using rhetorical questions to teach and possibly scold his readers. Alternate translation: “you are making judgments among yourselves and becoming judges with evil thoughts.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

James 2:5

ἀκούσατε, ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί

James was exhorting his readers as family. “Pay attention, my dear fellow believers”

οὐχ ὁ Θεὸς ἐξελέξατο τοὺς πτωχοὺς τῷ κόσμῳ, πλουσίους ἐν πίστει, καὶ κληρονόμους τῆς βασιλείας ἧς ἐπηγγείλατο τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν

Here James uses a rhetorical question to teach his readers not to show favoritism. It can be made a statement. Alternate translation: “God has chosen…love him” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τοὺς πτωχοὺς

This refers to poor people in general. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

πλουσίους ἐν πίστει

Having much faith is spoken of as being wealthy or rich. The object of faith may have to be specified. Alternate translation: “have strong faith in Christ” (See: Metaphor)

κληρονόμους

The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. (See: Metaphor)

James 2:6

ὑμεῖς δὲ ἠτιμάσατε

James is speaking to his whole audience. (See: Forms of You)

ἠτιμάσατε τὸν πτωχόν

“you have shamed poor people”

οὐχ οἱ πλούσιοι καταδυναστεύουσιν ὑμῶν

Here James uses a rhetorical question to correct his readers. Alternate translation: “It is rich people who oppress you.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Nominal Adjectives)

οἱ πλούσιοι

This refers to rich people in general. Alternate translation: “rich people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

καταδυναστεύουσιν ὑμῶν

“who treat you badly”

αὐτοὶ ἕλκουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς κριτήρια

Here James uses a rhetorical question to correct his readers. It can be made a statement. Alternate translation: “The rich people are the ones…to court.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἕλκουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς κριτήρια

“forcibly take you to court to accuse you in front of judges” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

James 2:7

οὐκ αὐτοὶ βλασφημοῦσιν τὸ καλὸν ὄνομα τὸ ἐπικληθὲν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς

Here James uses a rhetorical question to correct and teach his readers. It can be made a statement. Alternate translation: “The rich people insult…have been called.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

τὸ καλὸν ὄνομα τὸ ἐπικληθὲν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς

This refers to Christ’s name. Alternate translation: “the name of Christ who called you” (See: Metonymy)

James 2:8

τελεῖτε

The word “you” refers to the Jewish believers. (See: Forms of You)

νόμον τελεῖτε βασιλικὸν

“obey God’s law.” The law is “royal” becuase God, the true king, is the one who gave it to people.

ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν

James is quoting from the book of Leviticus.

τὸν πλησίον σου

“all people” or “everyone”

καλῶς ποιεῖτε

“you are doing well” or “you are doing what is right”

James 2:9

εἰ…προσωπολημπτεῖτε

“give special treatment to” or “give honor to”

ἁμαρτίαν ἐργάζεσθε

“sinning.” That is, breaking the law.

ἐλεγχόμενοι ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου ὡς παραβάται

Here the law is spoken of as if it were a human judge. Alternate translation: “guilty of breaking God’s law” (See: Personification)

James 2:10

ὅστις γὰρ…τηρήσῃ

“For anyone who obeys”

πταίσῃ δὲ ἐν ἑνί, γέγονεν πάντων ἔνοχος

Stumbling is falling down while one is trying to walk. Disobeying one point of the law is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking. (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ἑνί

because of disobedience to just one requirement of the law

James 2:11

ὁ γὰρ εἰπών

This refers to God, who gave the law to Moses.

μὴ μοιχεύσῃς

To “commit” is to do an action.

εἰ…οὐ μοιχεύεις, φονεύεις δέ, γέγονας

Here “you” means “each one of you.” Although James was writing to many Jewish believers, in this case, he used the singular form as if he was writing to each person individually. (See: Forms of You)

James 2:12

οὕτως λαλεῖτε, καὶ οὕτως ποιεῖτε

“So you must speak and obey.” James commanded the people to do this.

διὰ νόμου ἐλευθερίας μέλλοντες κρίνεσθαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “who know that God will judge them by means of the law of freedom” (See: Active or Passive)

διὰ νόμου

This passage implies that it is God who will judge according to his law.

νόμου ἐλευθερίας

“the law that gives true freedom”

James 2:13

κατακαυχᾶται ἔλεος κρίσεως

“Mercy is better than” or “Mercy defeats.” Here mercy and justice are spoken of as if they were persons. (See: Personification)

James 2:14

James encourages the scattered believers to show their faith before others, just as Abraham showed others his faith by his works.

τί τὸ ὄφελος, ἀδελφοί μου, ἐὰν πίστιν λέγῃ τις, ἔχειν ἔργα, δὲ μὴ ἔχῃ

James is using a rhetorical question to teach his audience. Alternate translation: “It is no good at all, fellow believers, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐὰν πίστιν λέγῃ τις, ἔχειν ἔργα, δὲ μὴ ἔχῃ

The can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “faith” and “works.” Alternate translation: “if someone says he believes in God but he does not do what God commands” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μὴ δύναται ἡ πίστις σῶσαι αὐτόν?

James is using a rhetorical question to teach his audience. This can be restated to remove the abstract noun “faith.” Alternate translation: “That faith cannot save him.” or “If a person does not do what God commands, then just saying he believes in God will not save him.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Abstract Nouns)

σῶσαι αὐτόν

“spare him from God’s judgment”

James 2:15

ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἀδελφὴ

a fellow believer in Christ, whether male or female

James 2:16

θερμαίνεσθε

This means either “have enough clothes to wear” or “have a place to sleep.” (See: Metonymy)

χορτάζεσθε

The thing that fills them is food. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “be filled with food” or “have enough to eat” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῦ σώματος

to eat, to wear, and to live comfortably (See: Metonymy)

τί τὸ ὄφελος?

James uses a rhetorical question to teach his audience. Alternate translation: “that is not good.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

James 2:17

ἡ πίστις, ἐὰν μὴ ἔχῃ ἔργα, νεκρά ἐστιν καθ’ ἑαυτήν

James speaks of faith as if it were alive if one does good works, and of faith as if it were dead if one does not do good deeds. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “faith” and “works.” Alternate translation: “a person who says he believes God, but does not do what God commands, does not really believe God” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

James 2:18

ἀλλ’ ἐρεῖ τις

James describes a hypothetical situation where someone objects to his teaching. James seeks to correct his audience’s understanding of faith and works. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

σὺ πίστιν ἔχεις, κἀγὼ ἔργα ἔχω; δεῖξόν μοι τὴν πίστιν σου χωρὶς τῶν ἔργων, κἀγώ σοι δείξω ἐκ τῶν ἔργων μου τὴν πίστιν.

James is describing how someone may argue against his teaching and how he would respond. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “faith” and “works.” Alternate translation: “‘It is acceptable that you believe God and that I do what God commands.’ Prove to me that you can believe God and not do what he commands, and I will prove to you that I believe God by doing what he commands” (See: Abstract Nouns)

James 2:19

τὰ δαιμόνια πιστεύουσιν καὶ φρίσσουσιν

“the demons also believe, but they shake with fear.” James contrasts the demons with those who claim to believe and not do good deeds. James states that the demons are wiser because they fear God while the others do not.

James 2:20

θέλεις δὲ γνῶναι, ὦ ἄνθρωπε κενέ, ὅτι ἡ πίστις χωρὶς τῶν ἔργων ἀργή ἐστιν?

James uses this question to introduce the next part of his teaching. Alternate translation: “Listen to me, foolish man, and I will show that faith without works is useless.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ὅτι ἡ πίστις χωρὶς τῶν ἔργων ἀργή ἐστιν

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “faith” and “works.” Alternate translation: “that if you do not do what God commands, then it is useless for you to say that you believe in God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

James 2:21

Since these are Jewish believers, they know the story of Abraham, about whom God had told them long ago in his word.

Ἀβραὰμ ὁ πατὴρ ἡμῶν οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη, ἀνενέγκας Ἰσαὰκ τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον?

This rhetorical question is used to rebut the foolish man’s arguments from James 2:18, who refuses to believe that faith and works go together. Alternate translation: “Abraham our father was certainly justified…on the altar.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη

James speaks of works as if they were objects that one can own. Alternate translation: “justified by doing good deeds” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ πατὴρ

Here “father” is used in the sense of “ancestor.”

James 2:22

βλέπεις

The word “you” is singular, referring to the hypothetical man. James is addressing his whole audience as if they were one person.

βλέπεις

The word “see” is a metonym. Alternate translation: “You understand” (See: Metonymy)

ἡ πίστις συνήργει τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἔργων ἡ πίστις ἐτελειώθη

James speaks as if “faith” and “works” are things that can work together and help each other. Alternate translation: “because Abraham believed God, he did what God commanded. And because Abraham did what God commanded, he believed God completely”

βλέπεις

James again addresses his audience directly by using the plural form of “you.”

James 2:23

ἐπληρώθη ἡ Γραφὴ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This fulfilled the scripture” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην

“God regarded his faith as righteousness.” Abraham’s faith and righteousness were treated as if they were able to be counted as having value. (See: Metaphor)

James 2:24

ἐξ ἔργων δικαιοῦται ἄνθρωπος, καὶ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως μόνον

“actions and faith are what justify a person, and not only faith.” James speaks of works as if they were objects to obtain. (See: Active or Passive and Metaphor)

James 2:25

ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ Ῥαὰβ ἡ πόρνη οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη

James says that what was true of Abraham was also true of Rahab. Both were justified by works.

Ῥαὰβ ἡ πόρνη οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη, ὑποδεξαμένη τοὺς ἀγγέλους, καὶ ἑτέρᾳ ὁδῷ ἐκβαλοῦσα

James is using this rhetorical question to instruct his audience. Alternate translation: “it was what Rahab the prostitute did that justified her…another road.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Active or Passive)

Ῥαὰβ ἡ πόρνη

James expected his audience to know the Old Testament story about the woman Rahab.

ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη

James speaks of works as something to possess. (See: Metaphor)

ἀγγέλους

people who bring news from another place

ἑτέρᾳ ὁδῷ ἐκβαλοῦσα

“then helped them escape and leave the city”

James 2:26

ὥσπερ γὰρ τὸ σῶμα χωρὶς πνεύματος νεκρόν ἐστιν, οὕτως καὶ ἡ πίστις χωρὶς ἔργων νεκρά ἐστιν

James is speaking of faith without works as if it were a dead body without the spirit. (See: Metaphor)

James 3

James 03 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

James teaches his readers that they should live to please God by reminding them of things that they know from everyday life. (See: Metaphor)

James 3:1

μὴ πολλοὶ

James is making a generalized statement. (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

ἀδελφοί μου

“my fellow believers”

μεῖζον κρίμα λημψόμεθα.

This passage speaks of stricter judgment that will come from God on those who teach others about him. Alternate translation: “God will judge us who teach more severely because we know his word better than some people whom we have taught” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

James includes himself and other teachers, but not the readers, so the word “we” is exclusive. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

James 3:2

πταίομεν ἅπαντες

James speaks of himself, other teachers, and the readers, so the word “we” is inclusive. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

πταίομεν

Sinning is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking. Alternate translation: “fail” or “sin” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν λόγῳ οὐ πταίει

“does not sin by saying wrong things”

οὗτος τέλειος ἀνήρ

“he is spiritually mature”

χαλιναγωγῆσαι καὶ ὅλον τὸ σῶμα

James is referring to one’s heart, emotions, and actions. Alternate translation: “control his behavior” or “control his actions” (See: Synecdoche)

James 3:3

James is developing an argument that small things can control big things.

εἰ δὲ τῶν ἵππων τοὺς χαλινοὺς εἰς τὰ στόματα βάλλομεν

James speaks about horses’ bits. A bit is a small piece of metal that is placed into a horse’s mouth to control where it goes.

εἰ δὲ

“If” or “When”

τῶν ἵππων

A horse is a large animal used to carry things or people.

James 3:4

ἰδοὺ, καὶ τὰ πλοῖα, τηλικαῦτα ὄντα, καὶ ὑπὸ ἀνέμων σκληρῶν ἐλαυνόμενα, μετάγεται ὑπὸ ἐλαχίστου πηδαλίου

A ship is like a truck that floats on water. A rudder is a flat piece of wood or metal at the back of the ship, used to control where it goes. The word “rudder” could also be translated as “tool.”

ὑπὸ ἀνέμων σκληρῶν ἐλαυνόμενα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “strong winds push them, they” (See: Active or Passive)

μετάγεται ὑπὸ ἐλαχίστου πηδαλίου, ὅπου ἡ ὁρμὴ τοῦ εὐθύνοντος βούλεται

“have a small tool that a person can use to control where the ship goes”

James 3:5

οὕτως καὶ

This word signals the analogy of the tongue to the horses’ bits and the ships’ rudders mentioned in the previous verses. Alternate translation: “In the same way”

μεγάλα αὐχεῖ

Here “things” is a general word for everything about which these people are proud.

ἰδοὺ

“Think about”

ἡλίκον πῦρ, ἡλίκην ὕλην ἀνάπτει

In order to help people understand the harm that the tongue can cause, James speaks of the harm that a small flame can cause. Alternate translation: “how a small flame can start a fire that burns many trees”

James 3:6

καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα πῦρ

The tongue is a metonym for what people say. James calls it a fire because of the great damage it can do. Alternate translation: “The tongue is like a fire” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

ὁ κόσμος τῆς ἀδικίας…καθίσταται ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ἡμῶν

The enormous effects of sinful speaking are spoken of as if they were a world by themselves. (See: Metaphor)

ἡ σπιλοῦσα ὅλον τὸ σῶμα

Sinful speaking is spoken of metaphorically as if it stained one’s body. And becoming unacceptable to God is spoken of as if it were dirt on the body. (See: Metaphor)

φλογίζουσα τὸν τροχὸν τῆς γενέσεως

The phrase “course of life” refers to a person’s entire life. Alternate translation: “it ruins a person’s entire life” (See: Metaphor)

γενέσεως, καὶ φλογιζομένη ὑπὸ τῆς Γεέννης

The word “itself” refers to the tongue. Also, here “hell” refers to the powers of evil or to the devil. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “life because the devil uses it for evil” (See: Active or Passive and Metaphor)

James 3:7

πᾶσα γὰρ φύσις θηρίων τε καὶ πετεινῶν, ἑρπετῶν τε καὶ ἐναλίων, δαμάζεται καὶ δεδάμασται τῇ φύσει τῇ ἀνθρωπίνῃ

The phrase “every kind” is a general statement referring to all or many kinds of wild animals. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People have learned to control many kinds of wild animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures” (See: Active or Passive)

ἑρπετῶν

This is an animal that crawls on the ground. (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐναλίων

an animal that lives in the sea

James 3:8

τὴν δὲ γλῶσσαν οὐδεὶς δαμάσαι δύναται ἀνθρώπων

James speaks of the tongue as if it were a wild animal. Here “tongue” represents a person’s desire to speak evil thoughts. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

ἀκατάστατον κακόν

James speaks of the harm that people can cause by what they say as if the tongue were an evil and poisonous creature that can kill people. Alternate translation: “It is like a restless and evil creature, full of deadly poison” or “It is like a restless and evil creature that can kill people with its venom” (See: Metaphor)

James 3:9

ἐν αὐτῇ εὐλογοῦμεν

“We use the tongue to say words that”

καταρώμεθα τοὺς ἀνθρώπους

“we ask God to harm men”

τοὺς καθ’ ὁμοίωσιν Θεοῦ γεγονότας

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God made in his likeness” (See: Active or Passive)

James 3:10

ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ στόματος ἐξέρχεται εὐλογία καὶ κατάρα

The nouns “blessing” and “cursing” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “With the same mouth, a person blesses people and curses people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀδελφοί μου

“Fellow Christians”

οὐ χρή,…ταῦτα οὕτως γίνεσθαι

“these things are wrong”

James 3:11

After James stresses that the words of believers should not both bless and curse, he gives examples from nature to teach his readers that people who honor God by worshiping him should also live in right ways.

μήτι ἡ πηγὴ ἐκ τῆς αὐτῆς ὀπῆς βρύει τὸ γλυκὺ καὶ τὸ πικρόν

James uses a rhetorical question to remind believers about what happens in nature. This can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: “You know that a spring does not pour out both sweet water and bitter water.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

James 3:12

μὴ δύναται, ἀδελφοί μου, συκῆ ἐλαίας ποιῆσαι

James uses another rhetorical question to remind the believers about what happens in nature. Alternate translation: “Brothers, you know that a fig tree cannot grow olives.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἀδελφοί μου

“my fellow believers”

ἢ ἄμπελος σῦκα?

The word “make” is understood from the previous phrase. James uses another rhetorical question to remind the believers about what happens in nature. Alternate translation: “Or does a grapevine make figs?” or “And a grapevine cannot grow figs.” (See: Ellipsis)

James 3:13

τίς σοφὸς καὶ ἐπιστήμων ἐν ὑμῖν?

James uses this question to teach his audience about proper behavior. The words “wise” and “understanding” are similar. Alternate translation: “I will tell you how a wise and understanding person is to act.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Doublet)

δειξάτω ἐκ τῆς καλῆς ἀναστροφῆς τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἐν πραΰτητι σοφίας.

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “humility” and “wisdom.” Alternate translation: “That person should live a good life by doing the kind of deeds that come from being humble and wise” (See: Abstract Nouns)

James 3:14

εἰ…ζῆλον πικρὸν ἔχετε, καὶ ἐριθείαν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s emotions or thoughts. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “jealousy” and “ambition.” Alternate translation: “if you are jealous and selfish” or “if you desire what other people have and you want to succeed even if it harms others” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns)

μὴ κατακαυχᾶσθε καὶ ψεύδεσθε κατὰ τῆς ἀληθείας.

The abstract noun “truth” can be stated as “true.” Alternate translation: “do not boast that you are wise, because that is not true” (See: Abstract Nouns)

James 3:15

οὐκ ἔστιν αὕτη ἡ σοφία ἄνωθεν κατερχομένη

Here “This” refers to the “bitter jealousy and strife” described in the previous verses. The phrase “from above” is a metonym that represents “heaven” which represents God himself. Alternate translation: “This is not the kind of wisdom that God teaches us from heaven” (See: Metonymy)

οὐκ ἔστιν αὕτη ἡ σοφία ἄνωθεν κατερχομένη, ἀλλὰ ἐπίγειος, ψυχική, δαιμονιώδης.

The abstract noun “wisdom” can be stated as “wise.” - Alternate translation: “Whoever acts like this is not wise according to what God in heaven teaches us. Instead this person is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐπίγειος

The word “earthly” refers to the values and behaviors of the people who do not honor God. Alternate translation: “not honoring to God” (See: Metonymy)

ψυχική

“not from the Holy Spirit” or “not spiritual”

δαιμονιώδης

“from demons”

James 3:16

ὅπου γὰρ ζῆλος καὶ ἐριθεία, ἐκεῖ ἀκαταστασία καὶ πᾶν φαῦλον πρᾶγμα.

This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns “jealousy,” “ambition,” and “confusion.” Alternate translation: “For when people are jealous and selfish, this causes them to act in disorderly and evil ways” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐκεῖ ἀκαταστασία

“there is disorder” or “there is chaos”

πᾶν φαῦλον πρᾶγμα

“every kind of sinful behavior” or “every kind of wicked deed”

James 3:17

ἡ δὲ ἄνωθεν σοφία, πρῶτον μὲν ἁγνή ἐστιν

Here “from above” is metonym that represents “heaven” which represents God himself. The abstract noun “wisdom” can be stated as “wise.” Alternate translation: “But when a person is wise according to what God in heaven teaches, he acts in ways that are first pure” (See: Abstract Nouns)

πρῶτον μὲν ἁγνή ἐστιν

“is first holy”

μεστὴ ἐλέους καὶ καρπῶν ἀγαθῶν

Here “good fruits” refer to kind things that people do for others as a result of having wisdom from God. Alternate translation: “full of mercy and good deeds” (See: Metaphor)

ἀνυπόκριτος

“and honest” or “and truthful”

James 3:18

καρπὸς…δικαιοσύνης ἐν εἰρήνῃ σπείρεται, τοῖς ποιοῦσιν εἰρήνην

People making peace is spoken of as if they were sowing seeds, and righteousness is spoken of as if it were the fruit that grows up as a result of making peace. Alternate translation: “The result of making peace is righteousness” or “Those who work peacefully to help people live in peace produce righteousness” (See: Metaphor)

ποιοῦσιν εἰρήνην

The abstract noun “peace” can be stated as “peacefully.” Alternate translation: “cause people to live peacefully” or “help people not to be angry with each other” (See: Abstract Nouns)

James 4

James 04 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Adultery

Writers in the Bible often speak of adultery as a metaphor for people who say they love God but do things that God hates. (See: Metaphor and godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness)

Law

James probably uses this word in James 4:11 to refer to “the royal law” (James 2:8).

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

James asks many questions because he wants his readers to think about how they are living. He wants to correct and teach them. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Humble

This word probably usually refers to people who are not proud. James uses the word here to refer to people who are not proud and who also trust in Jesus and obey him.

James 4:1

In this section, the words “yourselves,” “your,” and “you” are plural and refer to the believers to whom James writes.

James rebukes these believers for their worldliness and their lack of humility. He again urges them to watch how they speak to and about each other.

πόθεν πόλεμοι καὶ πόθεν μάχαι ἐν ὑμῖν?

The abstract nouns “quarrels” and “disputes” mean basically the same thing and can be translated with verbs. Alternate translation: “Why do you quarrel and dispute among yourselves?” or “Why do you fight among yourselves?” (See: Doublet and Abstract Nouns)

οὐκ ἐντεῦθεν ἐκ τῶν ἡδονῶν ὑμῶν, τῶν στρατευομένων ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ὑμῶν?

James uses this question to rebuke his audience. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “They come from your evil desires for things, desires that fight among your members.” or “They come from your desires for evil things, desires that fight among your members.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

οὐκ ἐντεῦθεν ἐκ τῶν ἡδονῶν ὑμῶν, τῶν στρατευομένων ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ὑμῶν?

James speaks of desires as they were enemies who waged war against the believers. In reality, of course, it is the people who have these desires who fight among themselves. Alternate translation: “They come from your desires for evil things, by which you end up harming each other” (See: Personification)

ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ὑμῶν

Possible meanings are (1) there is fighting among the local believers, or (2) the fighting, that is, the conflict, is inside each believer.

James 4:2

φονεύετε καὶ ζηλοῦτε, καὶ οὐ δύνασθε ἐπιτυχεῖν

The phrase “You kill” expresses how badly the people behave in order to get what they want. It can be translated as “You do all kinds of evil things to get what you cannot have” (See: Hyperbole)

μάχεσθε καὶ πολεμεῖτε

The words “fight” and “quarrel” mean basically the same thing. James uses them to emphasize how much the people argue among themselves. Alternate translation: “You constantly fight” (See: Doublet)

James 4:3

κακῶς αἰτεῖσθε

Possible meanings are (1) “you ask with wrong motives” or “you ask with bad attitudes” or (2) “you are asking for wrong things” or “you are asking for bad things”

James 4:4

μοιχαλίδες!

James speaks of believers as being like wives who sleep with men other than their husbands. Alternate translation: “You are not being faithful to God!” (See: Metaphor)

οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἡ φιλία τοῦ κόσμου, ἔχθρα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν?

James uses this question to teach his audience. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know…God!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἡ φιλία τοῦ κόσμου

This phrase refers to identifying with or participating in the world’s value system and behavior. (See: Metonymy)

ἡ φιλία τοῦ κόσμου

Here the world’s value system is spoken of as if it were a person that others could be friends with. (See: Personification)

ἡ φιλία τοῦ κόσμου, ἔχθρα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν

One who is friends with the world is an enemy of God. Here “friendship with the world” stands for being friends with the world, and “hostility against God” stands for being hostile against God. Alternate translation: “friends of the world are enemies of God” (See: Metonymy)

James 4:5

ἢ δοκεῖτε…κενῶς ἡ Γραφὴ λέγει

This is a rhetorical question James uses to exhort his audience. To speak in vain is to speak uselessly. Alternate translation: “There is a reason that scripture says”

τὸ Πνεῦμα ὃ κατῴκισεν ἐν ἡμῖν

Some versions, including the ULT and UST, understand this as a reference to the Holy Spirit. Other versions translate this as “the spirit” and mean by it the human spirit that each person has been created to have. We suggest that you use the meaning that is presented in other translations used by your readers.

James 4:6

μείζονα δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν

How this phrase relates to the previous verse can be made explicit: “But, even though our spirits may desire what we cannot have, God gives us even more grace, if we will humble ourselves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

διὸ λέγει

“Because God gives more grace, the scripture”

ὑπερηφάνοις

This refers to proud people in general. Alternate translation: “proud people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

ταπεινοῖς

This refers to humble people in general. Alternate translation: “humble people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

James 4:7

ὑποτάγητε οὖν

“Because God gives grace to the humble, submit”

ὑποτάγητε…τῷ Θεῷ

“obey God”

ἀντίστητε…τῷ διαβόλῳ

“Oppose the devil” or “Do not do what the devil wants”

φεύξεται

“he will run away”

ὑμῶν

Here this pronoun is plural and refers to James’ audience. (See: Forms of You)

James 4:8

The word “you” here is plural and refers to the scattered believers to whom James writes. (See: Forms of You)

ἐγγίσατε τῷ Θεῷ

Here the idea of coming close stands for becoming honest and open with God. (See: Metaphor)

καθαρίσατε χεῖρας, ἁμαρτωλοί, καὶ ἁγνίσατε καρδίας, δίψυχοι.

These are two phrases in parallel with each other. (See: Parallelism)

καθαρίσατε χεῖρας

This expression is a command for people to do righteous acts instead of unrighteous acts. Alternate translation: “Behave in a way that honors God” (See: Metonymy)

ἁγνίσατε καρδίας

Here “hearts” refers to a person’s thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “make your thoughts and intentions right” (See: Metonymy)

δίψυχοι

The word “double-minded” refers to a person who cannot make a firm decision about something. Alternate translation: “double-minded people” or “people who cannot decide if you want to obey God or not” (See: Metaphor)

James 4:9

ταλαιπωρήσατε, καὶ πενθήσατε, καὶ κλαύσατε

These three words have similar meanings. James uses them together to emphasize that the people should be truly sorry for not obeying God. (See: Doublet and Exclamations)

ὁ γέλως ὑμῶν εἰς πένθος μετατραπήτω, καὶ ἡ χαρὰ εἰς κατήφειαν.

This is saying the same thing in different ways for emphasis. The abstract nouns “laughter,” “sadness,” “joy,” and “gloom” can be translated as verbs or adjectives. Alternate translation: “Stop laughing and be sad. Stop being joyful and be gloomy” (See: Parallelism and Abstract Nouns)

James 4:10

ταπεινώθητε ἐνώπιον Κυρίου

“Be humble toward God.” Actions done with God in mind are often spoken of as being done in his physical presence. (See: Metaphor)

ὑψώσει ὑμᾶς

James indicates that God will honor the humble person by saying God will pick that person up off the ground physically from where that person had prostrated himself in humility. Alternate translation: “he will honor you” (See: Metaphor)

James 4:11

The words “you” and “your” in this section refer to the believers to whom James writes.

καταλαλεῖτε

“speak badly about” or “oppose”

ἀδελφοί

James speaks of the believers as if they are biological brothers. The term here includes women as well as men. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” (See: Metonymy and When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἀλλὰ κριτής

“but you are acting like the person who gives the law”

James 4:12

εἷς ἐστιν νομοθέτης καὶ κριτής

This refers to God. “God is the only one who gives laws and judges people”

σὺ δὲ τίς εἶ, ὁ κρίνων τὸν πλησίον?

This is a rhetorical question James uses to scold his audience. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are just a human and cannot judge another human.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

James 4:13

ποιήσομεν ἐκεῖ ἐνιαυτὸν

James speaks of spending time as if it were money. “stay there for a year” (See: Idiom)

James 4:14

οἵτινες οὐκ ἐπίστασθε τὸ τῆς αὔριον, ποία ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν?

James uses these questions to correct his audience and to teach these believers that physical life is not that important. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate translation: “No one knows what will happen tomorrow, and your life does not last very long!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἀτμὶς γάρ ἐστε, ἡ πρὸς ὀλίγον φαινομένη, ἔπειτα καὶ ἀφανιζομένη.

James speaks of people as if they were a mist that appears and then quickly goes away. Alternate translation: “You live for only a short amount of time, and then you die” (See: Metaphor)

James 4:15

ἀντὶ τοῦ λέγειν ὑμᾶς

“Instead, your attitude should be”

ζήσομεν καὶ ποιήσομεν, τοῦτο ἢ ἐκεῖνο

“we will live long enough to do what we have planned to do.” The word “we” does not directly refer to James or his audience but is part of the example of how James’ audience should consider the future.

James 4:17

εἰδότι οὖν καλὸν ποιεῖν, καὶ μὴ ποιοῦντι, ἁμαρτία αὐτῷ ἐστιν.

Anyone who fails to do the good he knows he should do is guilty of sin.

James 5

James 05 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Eternity

This chapter contrasts living for things of this world, which will not last, with living for things that will last for eternity. It is also important to live with the expectation that Jesus will return soon. (See: eternity, everlasting, eternal, forever)

Oaths

Scholars are divided over whether this passage teaches all oaths are wrong. Most scholars believe some oaths are permissible and James instead is teaching Christians to have integrity.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Elijah

This story will be difficult to understand if the books of 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles have not yet been translated.

“Save his soul from death”

This probably teaches that the person who stops their sinful lifestyle will not be punished with physical death as a consequence of their sin. On the other hand, some scholars believe this passage teaches about eternal salvation. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and die, dead, deadly, death, and save, saved, safe, salvation)

James 5:1

James warns rich people about their focus on pleasure and riches.

οἱ πλούσιοι

Possible meanings are (1) James is giving a strong warning to wealthy believers or (2) James is talking about wealthy unbelievers. Alternate translation: “you who are rich and say you honor God” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπὶ ταῖς ταλαιπωρίαις ὑμῶν ταῖς ἐπερχομέναις

James states that these people will suffer terribly in the future and writes as if their sufferings were objects that were coming toward them. The abstract noun “miseries” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “because you will suffer terribly in the future” (See: Abstract Nouns)

James 5:2

ὁ πλοῦτος ὑμῶν σέσηπεν, καὶ τὰ ἱμάτια ὑμῶν σητόβρωτα γέγονεν.

Earthly riches do not last nor do they have any eternal value. James speaks of these events as if they had already happened. Alternate translation: “Your riches will rot, and your clothes will be eaten by moths.” (See: Predictive Past)

ὁ πλοῦτος…τὰ ἱμάτια

These things are mentioned as examples of things that are valuable to wealthy people.

James 5:3

ὁ χρυσὸς ὑμῶν καὶ ὁ ἄργυρος κατίωται,

Earthly riches do not last nor do they have any eternal value. James speaks of these events as if they had already happened. Alternate translation: “Your riches will rot, and your clothes will be eaten by moths. Your gold and silver will become tarnished” (See: Predictive Past)

χρυσὸς…ἄργυρος

These things are mentioned as examples of things that are valuable to wealthy people.

κατίωται,…ὁ ἰὸς αὐτῶν

These phrases are used here to describe how gold and silver are ruined. Alternate translation: “are ruined…their ruined condition” or “are corroded…their corrosion”

ὁ ἰὸς αὐτῶν εἰς μαρτύριον ὑμῖν ἔσται

James wrote of their valuable things being ruined as if they were a person in a courtroom accusing the wicked of their crimes. Alternate translation: “and when God judges you, your ruined treasures will be like someone who accuses you in court. Their corrosion” (See: Personification and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information )

φάγεται τὰς σάρκας ὑμῶν ὡς πῦρ.

Here the corrosion is spoken of as if it were a fire that will burn up their owners. (See: Simile and Metaphor)

τὰς σάρκας ὑμῶν

Here “flesh” stands for the physical body. (See: Metonymy)

πῦρ

The idea of fire here is meant to lead people to remember that fire often stands for God’s punishment that will come on all the wicked. (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις

This refers to the time right before God comes to judge all people. The wicked think they are storing up riches for the future, but what they are doing is storing up judgment. Alternate translation: “for when God is about to judge you” (See: Metonymy)

James 5:4

James continues to warn rich people about thier focus on pleasure and riches.

ὁ μισθὸς τῶν ἐργατῶν, τῶν ἀμησάντων τὰς χώρας ὑμῶν, ὁ ἀφυστερημένος ἀφ’ ὑμῶν, κράζει,

The money that should have been paid is spoken of as a person who is shouting because of the injustice done to him. Alternate translation: “the fact that you did not pay those you hired to work in your fields shows that you have done wrong” (See: Personification)

αἱ βοαὶ τῶν θερισάντων, εἰς τὰ ὦτα Κυρίου Σαβαὼθ εἰσελήλυθαν.

The shouts of the harvesters are spoken of as if they could be heard in heaven. Alternate translation: “the Lord of hosts has heard the cries of the harvesters” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς τὰ ὦτα Κυρίου Σαβαὼθ

God is spoken of as if he had ears as humans have. (See: Metaphor)

James 5:5

ἐθρέψατε τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ σφαγῆς.

Here people are viewed as if they were cattle, luxuriously fed on grain so they would become fattened to be slaughtered for a feast. However, no one will feast at the time of judgment. Alternate translation: “Your greed has only prepared you for harsh eternal judgment” (See: Metaphor)

τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν

The “heart” was considered to be the center of human desire, and here stands for the entire person. (See: Metonymy)

James 5:6

κατεδικάσατε, ἐφονεύσατε τὸν δίκαιον,

This is probably not “condemned” in the legal sense of a judge passing a sentence of death on a criminal. Instead, it probably refers to the wicked and powerful people who decide to mistreat the poor until they die.

τὸν δίκαιον, οὐκ ἀντιτάσσεται

“the people who do what is right. They do not.” Here “the righteous person” refers to righteous people in general and not to a specific person. Alternate translation: “righteous people. They do not” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

ἀντιτάσσεται ὑμῖν

“oppose you”

James 5:7

In closing, James reminds the believers about the Lord’s coming and gives several short lessons on how to live for the Lord.

James changes topics from a rebuke of the rich people to an exhortation to the believers.

μακροθυμήσατε οὖν

“Because of this, wait and be calm”

ἕως τῆς παρουσίας τοῦ Κυρίου.

This phrase refers to the return of Jesus, when he will begin his kingdom on the earth and judge all people. Alternate translation: “until Christ’s return” (See: Metonymy)

ὁ γεωργὸς

James makes an analogy using farmers and believers to teach what it means to be patient. (See: Metaphor)

James 5:8

στηρίξατε τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν

James is equating the believers’ hearts to their will to remain committed. Alternate translation: “Stay committed” or “Keep your faith strong” (See: Metonymy)

ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Κυρίου ἤγγικεν.

“the Lord will return soon”

James 5:9

μὴ στενάζετε, ἀδελφοί, κατ’ ἀλλήλων, ἵνα μὴ κριθῆτε.

James is writing to all the scattered Jewish believers.

κατ’ ἀλλήλων

“about each other”

μὴ κριθῆτε

This can be stated in the active. Alternate translation: “Christ will not judge you” (See: Active or Passive)

ἰδοὺ, ὁ κριτὴς

“Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: the judge”

ὁ κριτὴς πρὸ τῶν θυρῶν ἕστηκεν.

James compares Jesus, the judge, to a person about to walk through a door to emphasize how soon Jesus will return to judge the world. Alternate translation: “the judge is coming soon” (See: Metaphor)

James 5:10

τῆς κακοπαθίας καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας, τοὺς προφήτας, οἳ ἐλάλησαν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Κυρίου

“how the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord suffered persecution with patience”

οἳ ἐλάλησαν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Κυρίου.

“Name” here is a metonym for the person of the Lord. Alternate translation: “by the authority of the Lord” or “spoke for the Lord to the people” (See: Metonymy)

James 5:11

ἰδοὺ, μακαρίζομεν

“Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: we regard”

τοὺς ὑπομείναντας

“those who continued obeying God even through hardship”

James 5:12

πρὸ πάντων…ἀδελφοί μου,

“This is important, may brothers:” or “Especially, my brothers,”

ἀδελφοί μου

This refers to all believers including women. Alternate translation: “my fellow believers” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

μὴ ὀμνύετε

To “swear” is to say that you will do something, or that something is true, and to be held accountable by a higher authority. Alternate translation: “do not make an oath” or “do not make a vow”

μήτε τὸν οὐρανὸν, μήτε τὴν γῆν

The words “heaven” and “earth” refer to the spiritual or human authorities that are in heaven and earth. (See: Metonymy)

ἤτω…ὑμῶν τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ,

“do what you say you will do, or say that something is true, without making an oath”

ἵνα μὴ ὑπὸ κρίσιν πέσητε

Being condemned is spoken of as if one had fallen, crushed by the weight of something heavy. Alternate translation: “so God will not punish you” (See: Metaphor)

James 5:13

κακοπαθεῖ τις ἐν ὑμῖν? προσευχέσθω.

James uses this question to cause the readers to reflect on their need. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “If anyone is enduring troubles, he should pray” (See: Rhetorical Question)

εὐθυμεῖ τις? ψαλλέτω.

James uses this question to cause the readers to reflect on their blessings. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “If anyone is happy, he should sing songs of praise” (See: Rhetorical Question)

James 5:14

ἀσθενεῖ τις ἐν ὑμῖν? προσκαλεσάσθω

James uses this question to cause the readers to reflect on their need. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “If anyone is sick, he should call” (See: Rhetorical Question)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου

“Name” is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “by the authority of the Lord” or “with the authority that the Lord has given hthem” (See: Metonymy)

James 5:15

ἡ εὐχὴ τῆς πίστεως σώσει τὸν κάμνοντα

The writer speaks of God hearing believers pray for sick people and healing those people as if the prayers themselves healed the people. Alternate translation: “The Lord will hear the prayer of faith and will heal the sick person” (See: Metonymy)

ἡ εὐχὴ τῆς πίστεως

“The prayer made by believers” or “The prayer that people pray believing God will do as they ask”

ἐγερεῖ αὐτὸν ὁ Κύριος

“the Lord will make him well” or “the Lord will enable him to resume his normal life”

James 5:16

As these were Jewish believers, James reminds them to pray by recalling one of the prophets of old and that prophet’s practical prayers.

ἐξομολογεῖσθε οὖν…τὰς ἁμαρτίας,

Admit to other believers things you did wrong so that you can be forgiven.

ἀλλήλοις

“to each other”

ὅπως ἰαθῆτε

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that God may heal you” (See: Active or Passive)

πολὺ ἰσχύει δέησις δικαίου ἐνεργουμένη.

Prayer is presented as if it were an object that was strong or powerful. Alternate translation: “When the person who obeys God prays, God will do great things” (See: Metaphor)

James 5:17

προσευχῇ προσηύξατο

“prayed eagerly” or “prayed passionately”

τρεῖς…ἕξ

“3…6” (See: Numbers)

James 5:18

ὁ οὐρανὸς ὑετὸν ἔδωκεν

“The heavens” probably refers to the sky, which is presented as the source of the rain. Alternate translation: “Rain fell from the sky”

ἡ γῆ ἐβλάστησεν τὸν καρπὸν αὐτῆς

Here the earth is presented as the source of the crops.

τὸν καρπὸν

Here “fruit” stands for all the crops of the farmers. (See: Metonymy)

James 5:19

ἀδελφοί

Here this word probably refers to both men and women. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἐάν τις ἐν ὑμῖν πλανηθῇ ἀπὸ τῆς ἀληθείας, καὶ ἐπιστρέψῃ τις αὐτόν

A believer who stops trusting in God and obeying him is spoken of as if he were a sheep that wandered away from the flock. The person who persuades him to trust in God again is spoken of as if he were a shepherd who went to search for the lost sheep. Alternate translation: “whenever anyone stops obeying God, and another person helps him start obeying again” (See: Metaphor)

James 5:20

ὁ ἐπιστρέψας ἁμαρτωλὸν ἐκ πλάνης ὁδοῦ αὐτοῦ, σώσει ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἐκ θανάτου, καὶ καλύψει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν.

James means that God will use the actions of this person to persuade the sinner to repent and be saved. But James speaks as if it were this other person who actually saved the sinner’s soul from death. (See: Metonymy)

σώσει ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἐκ θανάτου, καὶ καλύψει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν.

Here “death” refers to spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Alternate translation: “will save him from spiritual death, and God will forgive the sinner for all of his sins” (See: Synecdoche)

καλύψει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν.

Possible meanings are (1) the person who brings back the disobedient brother will have his sins forgiven or (2) the disobedient brother, when he returns to the Lord, will have his sins forgiven. Sins are spoken of as if they were objects that God could cover so that he would not see them, so that he would forgive them. (See: Metaphor)