JAS front intro exs3 0 # Introduction to James<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of James<br><br>1. Greetings (1:1)<br>1. Testing and maturity (1:2-18)<br>1. Hearing and doing the Word of God (1:19-27)<br>1. True faith seen in works<br>- Word of God (1:19-27)<br>- Royal law of love (2:1-13)<br>- Works (2:14-26)<br>1. Difficulties in community<br>- Dangers of the tongue (3:1-12)<br>- Wisdom from above (3:13-18)<br>- Worldly desires (4:1-12)<br>1. God’s perspective on your decisions<br>- Boasting about tomorrow (4:13-17)<br>- Warning about riches (5:1-6)<br>- Suffering with patience (5:7-11)<br>1. Closing exhortations<br>- Oaths (5:12)<br>- Prayer and healing (5:13-18)<br>- Care for one another (5:19-20)<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of James?<br><br>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.<br><br>This is not the same man as the Apostle James. The Apostle James was killed before this letter was written.<br><br>### What is the Book of James about?<br><br>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.<br><br>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).<br><br>### Who were the “twelve tribes in the dispersion”?<br><br>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.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### Did James disagree with Paul about how a person is justified before God?<br><br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/works]])<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### How should the translator signal transitions between topics in the Book of James?<br><br>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.<br><br>### What are the major issues in the text of the Book of James?<br><br>* “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 i
JAS 1 intro pz2q 0 # James 01 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>James formally introduces this letter in verse 1. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Testing and temptation<br><br>These two words occur together in ([James 1:12-13](./12.md)). 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.<br><br>### Crowns<br><br>The crown that a man who passes the test receives is a reward, something that people who do something especially good receive. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/reward]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Metaphors<br><br>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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### “To the twelve tribes in the dispersion”<br><br>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.<br>
JAS 1 1 ssc8 0 General Information: The apostle James writes this letter to all the Christians. Many of them were Jews, and they lived in many different places.
JAS 1 1 pkt2 figs-explicit Ἰάκωβος, Θεοῦ καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, δοῦλος 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JAS 1 1 l4i7 figs-synecdoche ταῖς δώδεκα φυλαῖς 1 to the twelve tribes 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 1 vza9 figs-abstractnouns ἐν τῇ διασπορᾷ 1 in the dispersion 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 1 2 knw6 πᾶσαν χαρὰν ἡγήσασθε, ἀδελφοί μου, ὅταν πειρασμοῖς περιπέσητε ποικίλοις 1 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you experience various troubles “My fellow believers, think of all your different kinds of troubles as something to celebrate”
JAS 1 3 xud2 figs-abstractnouns τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως κατεργάζεται ὑπομονήν 1 the testing of your faith produces endurance 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 1 4 j2p4 figs-personification ἡ…ὑπομονὴ ἔργον τέλειον ἐχέτω 1 Let endurance complete its work Here endurance is spoken of as if it were a person at work. Alternate translation: “Learn to endure any hardship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
JAS 1 4 unh4 τέλειοι 1 fully developed able to trust in Christ and obey him in all circumstances
JAS 1 4 l7ef ἐν μηδενὶ λειπόμενοι 1 not lacking anything This can be stated in the positive. Alternate translation: “having all that you need” or “being all that you need to be”
JAS 1 5 du7z αἰτείτω παρὰ τοῦ διδόντος, Θεοῦ 1 ask for it from God, the one who gives “ask God for it. He is the one who gives”
JAS 1 5 q2df τοῦ διδόντος, Θεοῦ, πᾶσιν ἁπλῶς, καὶ μὴ ὀνειδίζοντος 1 gives generously and without rebuke to all “gives generously and does not rebuke any”
JAS 1 5 xu31 δοθήσεται αὐτῷ 1 he will give it “God will do it” or “God will answer your prayer”
JAS 1 6 y2mk figs-doublenegatives ἐν πίστει, μηδὲν διακρινόμενος 1 in faith, doubting nothing This can be stated in the positive. Alternate translation: “with complete certainty that God will answer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
JAS 1 6 p12l figs-simile ὁ γὰρ διακρινόμενος ἔοικεν κλύδωνι θαλάσσης, ἀνεμιζομένῳ καὶ ῥιπιζομένῳ. 1 For anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven by the wind and tossed around 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
JAS 1 8 b5t6 figs-metaphor δίψυχος 1 is double-minded 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 8 k89p figs-metaphor ἀκατάστατος ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτοῦ 1 unstable in all his ways Here this person is spoken of as if he cannot stay on one path but instead goes from one to another. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 9 gc9b ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὁ ταπεινὸς 1 the poor brother “the believer who does not have much money”
JAS 1 9 yxs5 figs-metaphor καυχάσθω…ἐν τῷ ὕψει αὐτοῦ 1 boast of his high position Someone whom God has honored is spoken of as if he were standing in a high place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 10 uzk7 figs-ellipsis ὁ δὲ πλούσιος, ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει αὐτοῦ 1 but the rich man of his low position The words “let boast” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “but let the rich man boast of his low position” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
JAS 1 10 w4ta ὁ δὲ πλούσιος 1 but the rich man “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.
JAS 1 10 ulk4 figs-ellipsis ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει αὐτοῦ 1 of his low position A rich believer should be happy if God causes him to suffer. Alternate translation: “should be happy that God has given him difficulties” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
JAS 1 10 nug7 figs-simile ὡς ἄνθος χόρτου παρελεύσεται 1 he will pass away as a wild flower in the grass Rich people are spoken of as being similar to wild flowers, which are alive for only a short time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
JAS 1 11 gv7v figs-metaphor ἡ εὐπρέπεια τοῦ προσώπου αὐτοῦ ἀπώλετο 1 its beauty perishes A flower no longer being beautiful is spoken of as if its beauty dies. Alternate translation: “and it is no longer beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 11 ng26 figs-simile ὁ πλούσιος ἐν ταῖς πορείαις αὐτοῦ μαρανθήσεται 1 the rich man will fade away in the middle of his journey 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
JAS 1 11 sdi2 figs-metaphor ἐν ταῖς πορείαις αὐτοῦ 1 in the middle of his journey 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 12 vcu4 0 Connecting Statement: James reminds the believers who have fled that God does not cause temptation; he tells them how to avoid temptation.
JAS 1 12 m13d μακάριος ἀνὴρ ὃς ὑπομένει πειρασμόν 1 Blessed is the man who endures testing “The man who endures testing is fortunate” or “The man who endures testing is well off”
JAS 1 12 vr4a ὑπομένει πειρασμόν 1 endures testing remains faithful to God during hardships
JAS 1 12 vta6 δόκιμος 1 passed the test he has been approved by God
JAS 1 12 k3hh figs-metaphor λήμψεται τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς 1 receive the crown of life 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 12 hx28 figs-activepassive ἐπηγγείλατο τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν 1 has been promised to those who love God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has promised to those who love him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 1 13 a77a πειραζόμενος 1 when he is tempted “when he desires to do something evil”
JAS 1 13 lh7z figs-activepassive ἀπὸ Θεοῦ πειράζομαι 1 I am tempted by God This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God is trying to make me do something evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 1 13 p5cp figs-activepassive ὁ…Θεὸς ἀπείραστός ἐστιν κακῶν 1 God is not tempted by evil This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one can make God desire to do evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 1 14 nj9m figs-personification ἕκαστος…πειράζεται ὑπὸ τῆς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας 1 each person is tempted by his own desire A person’s desire is spoken of as if it were someone else who was tempting him to sin. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
JAS 1 14 nle5 figs-personification ἐξελκόμενος καὶ δελεαζόμενος 1 which drags him away and entices him Evil desire continues to be spoken of as if it were a person who could drag away someone else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
JAS 1 15 s4cd figs-personification εἶτα ἡ ἐπιθυμία συλλαβοῦσα τίκτει ἁμαρτίαν, ἡ δὲ ἁμαρτία ἀποτελεσθεῖσα, ἀποκύει θάνατον 1 Then after the desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and after the sin is full grown, it gives birth to death 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 16 v195 μὴ πλανᾶσθε 1 Do not be deceived “Do not let anyone deceive you” or “Stop deceiving yourselves”
JAS 1 17 t2nn figs-doublet πᾶσα δόσις ἀγαθὴ, καὶ πᾶν δώρημα τέλειον 1 Every good gift and every perfect gift These two phrases mean basically the same thing. James uses them to emphasize that anything good that a person has comes from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
JAS 1 17 n7d8 figs-metaphor τοῦ Πατρὸς τῶν φώτων 1 the Father of lights God, the creator of all the lights in the sky (sun, moon, and stars), is said to be their “Father.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 17 g5ge figs-simile παρ’ ᾧ οὐκ ἔνι παραλλαγὴ ἢ τροπῆς ἀποσκίασμα. 1 With him there is no changing or shadow because of turning 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
JAS 1 18 mj29 figs-metaphor ἀπεκύησεν ἡμᾶς 1 give us birth God, who brought us eternal life, is spoken of as if he had given us birth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 18 ykq9 λόγῳ ἀληθείας 1 the word of truth Possible meanings are 1) “the message about the truth” or 2) “the true message.”
JAS 1 18 qh2e figs-simile εἰς τὸ εἶναι ἡμᾶς ἀπαρχήν τινα 1 so that we would be a kind of firstfruits 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
JAS 1 19 dt7i ἴστε 1 You know this 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.
JAS 1 19 p728 figs-idiom ἔστω…πᾶς ἄνθρωπος ταχὺς εἰς τὸ ἀκοῦσαι, βραδὺς εἰς τὸ λαλῆσαι 1 Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JAS 1 20 ej4p ὀργὴ…ἀνδρὸς, δικαιοσύνην Θεοῦ οὐκ ἐργάζεται. 1 the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God When a person is always angry, he cannot do God’s work, which is righteous.
JAS 1 21 hit5 figs-metaphor ἀποθέμενοι πᾶσαν ῥυπαρίαν καὶ περισσείαν κακίας 1 take off all sinful filth and abundant amounts of evil 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 21 h226 figs-doublet ἀποθέμενοι πᾶσαν ῥυπαρίαν καὶ περισσείαν κακίας 1 take off all sinful filth and abundant amounts of evil 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
JAS 1 21 h8ty figs-metaphor ῥυπαρίαν 1 sinful filth Here “filth,” that is, dirt, stands for sin and evil. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 21 a3u3 ἐν πραΰτητι 1 In humility “Without pride” or “Without arrogance”
JAS 1 21 i9w1 figs-metaphor δέξασθε τὸν ἔμφυτον λόγον 1 receive the implanted word 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 21 ekl3 figs-explicit σῶσαι τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν 1 save your souls What a person is saved from can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “save you from God’s judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JAS 1 21 z73e figs-synecdoche τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν 1 your souls Here the word “souls” refers to persons.Alternate translation: “yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
JAS 1 23 ewn9 ὅτι εἴ τις ἀκροατὴς λόγου ἐστὶν 1 For if anyone is a hearer of the word “For if anyone listens to the God’s message in the scriptures”
JAS 1 23 r6pp figs-ellipsis καὶ οὐ ποιητής 1 but not a doer 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
JAS 1 23 pw5x figs-simile οὗτος ἔοικεν ἀνδρὶ κατανοοῦντι τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γενέσεως αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐσόπτρῳ 1 he is like a man who examines his natural face in a mirror A person who hears God’s word is like someone who looks in the mirror. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
JAS 1 23 shn9 τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γενέσεως αὐτοῦ 1 his natural face The word “natural” clarifies that James is using the ordinary meaning of the word “face.” Alternate translation: “his face”
JAS 1 24 wu34 figs-explicit καὶ ἀπελήλυθεν, καὶ εὐθέως ἐπελάθετο ὁποῖος ἦν 1 then goes away and immediately forgets what he was like 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
JAS 1 25 kvr7 figs-simile ὁ…παρακύψας εἰς νόμον τέλειον 1 the person who looks carefully into the perfect law This expression continues the image of the law as a mirror. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
JAS 1 25 sf8k figs-explicit νόμον τέλειον, τὸν τῆς ἐλευθερίας 1 the perfect law of freedom 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JAS 1 25 jku1 figs-activepassive οὗτος μακάριος ἐν τῇ ποιήσει αὐτοῦ ἔσται 1 this man will be blessed in his actions This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will bless this man as he obeys the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 1 26 j1bg δοκεῖ θρησκὸς εἶναι 1 thinks himself to be religious “thinks he worships God correctly”
JAS 1 26 vxu1 figs-metonymy γλῶσσαν αὐτοῦ 1 his tongue Controlling one’s tongue stands for controlling one’s speech. Alternate translation: “what he says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 1 26 sex6 figs-metonymy καρδίαν αὐτοῦ 1 his heart Here “heart” refers to his belief or thoughts. Alternate translation: “himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 1 26 q83d τούτου μάταιος ἡ θρησκεία 1 his religion is worthless “he worships God uselessly”
JAS 1 27 g11k figs-doublet καθαρὰ καὶ ἀμίαντος 1 pure and unspoiled 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 27 skf4 figs-metaphor παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρί 1 before our God and Father directed to God (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 1 27 iiv2 ὀρφανοὺς 1 the fatherless “the orphans”
JAS 1 27 r8nj ἐν τῇ θλίψει αὐτῶν 1 in their affliction The fatherless and widows are suffering because their fathers or husbands have died.
JAS 1 27 nmf7 figs-metaphor ἄσπιλον ἑαυτὸν τηρεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ κόσμου 1 to keep oneself unstained by the world 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 2 intro f5zd 0 # James 02 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Favoritism<br><br>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.<br><br>### Justification<br><br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Quotation marks<br><br>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.”<br><br>### “You have…I have”<br><br>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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br>
JAS 2 1 ici9 0 Connecting Statement: 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.
JAS 2 1 kab4 ἀδελφοί μου 1 My brothers James considers his audience to be Jewish believers. Alternate translation: “My fellow believers” or “My brothers and sisters in Christ”
JAS 2 1 qs2x figs-metaphor ἔχετε τὴν πίστιν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 hold to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ Believing in Jesus Christ is spoken of as if it were an object that one could hold onto. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 2 1 x32n figs-inclusive τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 our Lord Jesus Christ The word “our” includes James and his fellow believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
JAS 2 1 en1c προσωπολημψίαις 1 favoritism toward certain people the desire to help some people more than others
JAS 2 2 h5uh figs-hypo ἐὰν…ἀνὴρ 1 Suppose that someone James starts to describe a situation where the believers might give more honor to a rich person than to a poor person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
JAS 2 2 j8d5 χρυσοδακτύλιος, ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ 1 wearing gold rings and fine clothes “dressed like a wealthy person”
JAS 2 3 zx9f σὺ κάθου ὧδε καλῶς 1 sit here in a good place sit in this place of honor
JAS 2 3 ce14 σὺ στῆθι ἐκεῖ 1 stand over there move to a place with less honor
JAS 2 3 h2fy κάθου ὑπὸ τὸ ὑποπόδιόν μου 1 Sit at my feet move to a humble place
JAS 2 4 x9el figs-rquestion οὐ διεκρίθητε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, καὶ ἐγένεσθε κριταὶ διαλογισμῶν πονηρῶν 1 are you not judging among yourselves? Have you not become judges with evil thoughts? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 2 5 m5jr ἀκούσατε, ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί 1 Listen, my beloved brothers James was exhorting his readers as family. “Pay attention, my dear fellow believers”
JAS 2 5 ha52 figs-rquestion οὐχ ὁ Θεὸς ἐξελέξατο τοὺς πτωχοὺς τῷ κόσμῳ, πλουσίους ἐν πίστει, καὶ κληρονόμους τῆς βασιλείας ἧς ἐπηγγείλατο τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν 1 did not God choose…love him? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 2 5 ke2q figs-nominaladj τοὺς πτωχοὺς 1 the poor This refers to poor people in general. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
JAS 2 5 s38z figs-metaphor πλουσίους ἐν πίστει 1 be rich in faith 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 2 5 qii5 figs-metaphor κληρονόμους 1 heirs 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 2 6 yv6y figs-you ὑμεῖς δὲ ἠτιμάσατε 1 But you have James is speaking to his whole audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
JAS 2 6 vr53 ἠτιμάσατε τὸν πτωχόν 1 have dishonored the poor “you have shamed poor people”
JAS 2 6 l2lu figs-rquestion οὐχ οἱ πλούσιοι καταδυναστεύουσιν ὑμῶν 1 Is it not the rich who oppress you? Here James uses a rhetorical question to correct his readers. Alternate translation: “It is rich people who oppress you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
JAS 2 6 eeg5 figs-nominaladj οἱ πλούσιοι 1 the rich This refers to rich people in general. Alternate translation: “rich people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
JAS 2 6 z73x καταδυναστεύουσιν ὑμῶν 1 who oppress you “who treat you badly”
JAS 2 6 s9k1 figs-rquestion αὐτοὶ ἕλκουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς κριτήρια 1 Are they not the ones…to court? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 2 6 h8jn figs-explicit ἕλκουσιν ὑμᾶς εἰς κριτήρια 1 drag you to court “forcibly take you to court to accuse you in front of judges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JAS 2 7 las1 figs-rquestion οὐκ αὐτοὶ βλασφημοῦσιν τὸ καλὸν ὄνομα τὸ ἐπικληθὲν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς 1 Do they not insult…have been called? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 2 7 wd8y figs-metonymy τὸ καλὸν ὄνομα τὸ ἐπικληθὲν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς 1 the good name by which you have been called This refers to Christ’s name. Alternate translation: “the name of Christ who called you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 2 8 fe1i figs-you τελεῖτε 1 you fulfill The word “you” refers to the Jewish believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
JAS 2 8 q9hh νόμον τελεῖτε βασιλικὸν 1 fulfill the royal law “obey God’s law.” The law is “royal” becuase God, the true king, is the one who gave it to people.
JAS 2 8 ymf5 ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν 1 You shall love your neighbor as yourself James is quoting from the book of Leviticus.
JAS 2 8 gll2 τὸν πλησίον σου 1 your neighbor “all people” or “everyone”
JAS 2 8 b9wu καλῶς ποιεῖτε 1 you do well “you are doing well” or “you are doing what is right”
JAS 2 9 cq5h ἁμαρτίαν ἐργάζεσθε 1 committing sin “sinning.” That is, breaking the law.
JAS 2 9 gl2e figs-personification ἐλεγχόμενοι ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου ὡς παραβάται 1 convicted by the law as lawbreakers Here the law is spoken of as if it were a human judge. Alternate translation: “guilty of breaking God’s law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
JAS 2 10 l29g ὅστις γὰρ…τηρήσῃ 1 For whoever obeys “For anyone who obeys”
JAS 2 10 jb5u figs-metaphor πταίσῃ δὲ ἐν ἑνί, γέγονεν πάντων ἔνοχος 1 except that he stumbles…the whole law 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 2 11 c8jm figs-you εἰ…οὐ μοιχεύεις, φονεύεις δέ, γέγονας 1 If you…but if you…you have 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
JAS 2 12 yp6i figs-activepassive διὰ νόμου ἐλευθερίας μέλλοντες κρίνεσθαι 1 who will be judged by means of the law of freedom This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “who know that God will judge them by means of the law of freedom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 2 12 ik76 διὰ νόμου 1 by means of the law This passage implies that it is God who will judge according to his law.
JAS 2 12 e87r νόμου ἐλευθερίας 1 the law of freedom “the law that gives true freedom”
JAS 2 13 yv6l figs-personification κατακαυχᾶται ἔλεος κρίσεως 1 Mercy triumphs over “Mercy is better than” or “Mercy defeats.” Here mercy and justice are spoken of as if they were persons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
JAS 2 14 h384 0 Connecting Statement: James encourages the scattered believers to show their faith before others, just as Abraham showed others his faith by his works.
JAS 2 14 k4e4 figs-rquestion τί τὸ ὄφελος, ἀδελφοί μου, ἐὰν πίστιν λέγῃ τις, ἔχειν ἔργα, δὲ μὴ ἔχῃ 1 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 2 14 c234 figs-abstractnouns ἐὰν πίστιν λέγῃ τις, ἔχειν ἔργα, δὲ μὴ ἔχῃ 1 if someone says he has faith, but he has no works 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 2 14 z9q8 figs-rquestion μὴ δύναται ἡ πίστις σῶσαι αὐτόν? 1 Can that faith save him? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 2 14 g8kr σῶσαι αὐτόν 1 save him “spare him from God’s judgment”
JAS 2 15 f6el ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἀδελφὴ 1 brother or sister a fellow believer in Christ, whether male or female
JAS 2 16 lj89 figs-metonymy θερμαίνεσθε 1 stay warm This means either “have enough clothes to wear” or “have a place to sleep.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 2 16 ngj8 figs-explicit χορτάζεσθε 1 be filled The thing that fills them is food. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “be filled with food” or “have enough to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JAS 2 16 n5jh figs-metonymy τοῦ σώματος 1 for the body to eat, to wear, and to live comfortably (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 2 16 yi63 figs-rquestion τί τὸ ὄφελος? 1 what good is that? James uses a rhetorical question to teach his audience. Alternate translation: “that is not good.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 2 17 me1d figs-metaphor ἡ πίστις, ἐὰν μὴ ἔχῃ ἔργα, νεκρά ἐστιν καθ’ ἑαυτήν 1 faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 2 18 al63 figs-hypo ἀλλ’ ἐρεῖ τις 1 Yet someone may say James describes a hypothetical situation where someone objects to his teaching. James seeks to correct his audience’s understanding of faith and works. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
JAS 2 18 ii8d figs-abstractnouns σὺ πίστιν ἔχεις, κἀγὼ ἔργα ἔχω; δεῖξόν μοι τὴν πίστιν σου χωρὶς τῶν ἔργων, κἀγώ σοι δείξω ἐκ τῶν ἔργων μου τὴν πίστιν. 1 “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 2 19 fv39 τὰ δαιμόνια πιστεύουσιν καὶ φρίσσουσιν 1 the demons believe that, and they tremble “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.
JAS 2 20 ax95 figs-rquestion θέλεις δὲ γνῶναι, ὦ ἄνθρωπε κενέ, ὅτι ἡ πίστις χωρὶς τῶν ἔργων ἀργή ἐστιν? 1 Do you want to know, foolish man, that faith without works is useless? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 2 20 sd63 figs-abstractnouns ὅτι ἡ πίστις χωρὶς τῶν ἔργων ἀργή ἐστιν 1 that faith without works is useless 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 2 21 ysr8 0 General Information: Since these are Jewish believers, they know the story of Abraham, about whom God had told them long ago in his word.
JAS 2 21 q8iv figs-rquestion Ἀβραὰμ ὁ πατὴρ ἡμῶν οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη, ἀνενέγκας Ἰσαὰκ τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον? 1 Was not Abraham our father justified…on the altar? This rhetorical question is used to rebut the foolish man’s arguments from [James 2:18](../02/18.md), who refuses to believe that faith and works go together. Alternate translation: “Abraham our father was certainly justified…on the altar.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 2 21 v3ft figs-metaphor ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη 1 justified by works James speaks of works as if they were objects that one can own. Alternate translation: “justified by doing good deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 2 21 ph1s ὁ πατὴρ 1 father Here “father” is used in the sense of “ancestor.”
JAS 2 22 t832 βλέπεις 1 You see The word “you” is singular, referring to the hypothetical man. James is addressing his whole audience as if they were one person.
JAS 2 22 l1gj figs-metonymy βλέπεις 1 You see The word “see” is a metonym. Alternate translation: “You understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 2 22 vde4 ἡ πίστις συνήργει τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἔργων ἡ πίστις ἐτελειώθη 1 faith worked with his works, and that by works his faith was fully developed 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”
JAS 2 22 bd9d βλέπεις 1 You see James again addresses his audience directly by using the plural form of “you.”
JAS 2 23 qh4i figs-activepassive ἐπληρώθη ἡ Γραφὴ 1 The scripture was fulfilled This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This fulfilled the scripture” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 2 23 l818 figs-metaphor ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην 1 it was counted to him as righteousness “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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 2 24 yha5 figs-activepassive ἐξ ἔργων δικαιοῦται ἄνθρωπος, καὶ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως μόνον 1 it is by works that a man is justified, and not only by faith “actions and faith are what justify a person, and not only faith.” James speaks of works as if they were objects to obtain. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 2 25 hir8 ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ Ῥαὰβ ἡ πόρνη οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη 1 In the same way also…justified by works James says that what was true of Abraham was also true of Rahab. Both were justified by works.
JAS 2 25 dcv5 figs-rquestion Ῥαὰβ ἡ πόρνη οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη, ὑποδεξαμένη τοὺς ἀγγέλους, καὶ ἑτέρᾳ ὁδῷ ἐκβαλοῦσα 1 was not Rahab the prostitute justified by works…another road? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 2 25 pn2f Ῥαὰβ ἡ πόρνη 1 Rahab the prostitute James expected his audience to know the Old Testament story about the woman Rahab.
JAS 2 25 bx6i figs-metaphor ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη 1 justified by works James speaks of works as something to possess. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 2 25 xm5m ἑτέρᾳ ὁδῷ ἐκβαλοῦσα 1 sent them away by another road “then helped them escape and leave the city”
JAS 2 26 uum8 figs-metaphor ὥσπερ γὰρ τὸ σῶμα χωρὶς πνεύματος νεκρόν ἐστιν, οὕτως καὶ ἡ πίστις χωρὶς ἔργων νεκρά ἐστιν 1 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead James is speaking of faith without works as if it were a dead body without the spirit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 3 intro py3p 0 # James 03 General Notes<br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Metaphors<br><br>James teaches his readers that they should live to please God by reminding them of things that they know from everyday life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br>
JAS 3 1 p4uu figs-genericnoun μὴ πολλοὶ 1 Not many of you James is making a generalized statement. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
JAS 3 1 c36b ἀδελφοί μου 1 my brothers “my fellow believers”
JAS 3 1 aw5f figs-explicit μεῖζον κρίμα λημψόμεθα. 1 we who teach will be judged more strictly 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JAS 3 1 v7fa figs-exclusive 1 we who teach James includes himself and other teachers, but not the readers, so the word “we” is exclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
JAS 3 2 ab9h figs-inclusive πταίομεν ἅπαντες 1 we all stumble James speaks of himself, other teachers, and the readers, so the word “we” is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
JAS 3 2 p9ek figs-metaphor πταίομεν 1 stumble Sinning is spoken of as if it were stumbling while walking. Alternate translation: “fail” or “sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 3 2 t6xt ἐν λόγῳ οὐ πταίει 1 does not stumble in words “does not sin by saying wrong things”
JAS 3 2 kn4v οὗτος τέλειος ἀνήρ 1 he is a perfect man “he is spiritually mature”
JAS 3 2 b16h figs-synecdoche χαλιναγωγῆσαι καὶ ὅλον τὸ σῶμα 1 control even his whole body James is referring to one’s heart, emotions, and actions. Alternate translation: “control his behavior” or “control his actions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
JAS 3 3 z2ez 0 General Information: James is developing an argument that small things can control big things.
JAS 3 3 zql3 εἰ δὲ τῶν ἵππων τοὺς χαλινοὺς εἰς τὰ στόματα βάλλομεν 1 Now if we put bits into horses’ mouths 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.
JAS 3 4 yn42 ἰδοὺ, καὶ τὰ πλοῖα, τηλικαῦτα ὄντα, καὶ ὑπὸ ἀνέμων σκληρῶν ἐλαυνόμενα, μετάγεται ὑπὸ ἐλαχίστου πηδαλίου 1 Notice also that ships…are steered by a very small rudder 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.”
JAS 3 4 k7f5 figs-activepassive ὑπὸ ἀνέμων σκληρῶν ἐλαυνόμενα 1 are driven by strong winds, This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “strong winds push them, they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 3 4 jrk1 μετάγεται ὑπὸ ἐλαχίστου πηδαλίου, ὅπου ἡ ὁρμὴ τοῦ εὐθύνοντος βούλεται 1 are steered by a very small rudder to wherever the pilot desires “have a small tool that a person can use to control where the ship goes”
JAS 3 5 wt6i οὕτως καὶ 1 Likewise 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”
JAS 3 5 qx1k μεγάλα αὐχεῖ 1 boasts great things Here “things” is a general word for everything about which these people are proud.
JAS 3 5 fr8x ἡλίκον πῦρ, ἡλίκην ὕλην ἀνάπτει 1 how small a fire sets on fire a large forest 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”
JAS 3 6 wm5q figs-metonymy καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα πῦρ 1 The tongue is also a fire 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 3 6 i61e figs-metaphor ὁ κόσμος τῆς ἀδικίας…καθίσταται ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ἡμῶν 1 a world of sinfulness set among our body parts The enormous effects of sinful speaking are spoken of as if they were a world by themselves. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 3 6 sv44 figs-metaphor ἡ σπιλοῦσα ὅλον τὸ σῶμα 1 It stains the whole body 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 3 6 lf1j figs-metaphor φλογίζουσα τὸν τροχὸν τῆς γενέσεως 1 sets on fire the course of life The phrase “course of life” refers to a person’s entire life. Alternate translation: “it ruins a person’s entire life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 3 6 a7qd figs-activepassive γενέσεως, καὶ φλογιζομένη ὑπὸ τῆς Γεέννης 1 life. It is itself set on fire by hell 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 3 7 ug59 figs-activepassive πᾶσα γὰρ φύσις θηρίων τε καὶ πετεινῶν, ἑρπετῶν τε καὶ ἐναλίων, δαμάζεται καὶ δεδάμασται τῇ φύσει τῇ ἀνθρωπίνῃ 1 For every kind of…mankind 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 3 7 zw5m ἐναλίων 1 sea creature an animal that lives in the sea
JAS 3 8 q9xe figs-metaphor τὴν δὲ γλῶσσαν οὐδεὶς δαμάσαι δύναται ἀνθρώπων 1 But no human being can tame the tongue James speaks of the tongue as if it were a wild animal. Here “tongue” represents a person’s desire to speak evil thoughts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 3 8 m7vi figs-metaphor ἀκατάστατον κακόν 1 It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 3 9 le6h ἐν αὐτῇ εὐλογοῦμεν 1 With it we “We use the tongue to say words that”
JAS 3 9 ucm9 καταρώμεθα τοὺς ἀνθρώπους 1 we curse men “we ask God to harm men”
JAS 3 9 umg1 figs-activepassive τοὺς καθ’ ὁμοίωσιν Θεοῦ γεγονότας 1 who have been made in God’s likeness This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom God made in his likeness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 3 10 a1ly figs-abstractnouns ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ στόματος ἐξέρχεται εὐλογία καὶ κατάρα 1 Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 3 10 qrs2 ἀδελφοί μου 1 My brothers “Fellow Christians”
JAS 3 11 m18q 0 Connecting Statement: 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.
JAS 3 11 mz8d figs-rquestion μήτι ἡ πηγὴ ἐκ τῆς αὐτῆς ὀπῆς βρύει τὸ γλυκὺ καὶ τὸ πικρόν 1 Does a spring pour out from its opening both sweet and bitter water? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 3 12 z3qg figs-rquestion μὴ δύναται, ἀδελφοί μου, συκῆ ἐλαίας ποιῆσαι 1 Does a fig tree, my brothers, make olives? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 3 12 jjj8 ἀδελφοί μου 1 my brothers “my fellow believers”
JAS 3 12 bu4l figs-ellipsis ἢ ἄμπελος σῦκα? 1 Or a grapevine, figs? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
JAS 3 13 fgb7 figs-rquestion τίς σοφὸς καὶ ἐπιστήμων ἐν ὑμῖν? 1 Who is wise and understanding among you? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
JAS 3 13 f9xv figs-abstractnouns δειξάτω ἐκ τῆς καλῆς ἀναστροφῆς τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἐν πραΰτητι σοφίας. 1 Let that person show a good life by his works in the humility of wisdom 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 3 14 js7b figs-metonymy εἰ…ζῆλον πικρὸν ἔχετε, καὶ ἐριθείαν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν 1 if you have bitter jealousy and ambition in your heart 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 3 14 a191 figs-abstractnouns μὴ κατακαυχᾶσθε καὶ ψεύδεσθε κατὰ τῆς ἀληθείας. 1 do not boast and lie against the truth The abstract noun “truth” can be stated as “true.” Alternate translation: “do not boast that you are wise, because that is not true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 3 15 clz6 figs-metonymy οὐκ ἔστιν αὕτη ἡ σοφία ἄνωθεν κατερχομένη 1 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 3 15 g44u figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἔστιν αὕτη ἡ σοφία ἄνωθεν κατερχομένη, ἀλλὰ ἐπίγειος, ψυχική, δαιμονιώδης. 1 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above. Instead, it is earthly, unspiritual, demonic 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 3 15 h36b figs-metonymy ἐπίγειος 1 earthly The word “earthly” refers to the values and behaviors of the people who do not honor God. Alternate translation: “not honoring to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 3 15 a2u6 ψυχική 1 unspiritual “not from the Holy Spirit” or “not spiritual”
JAS 3 16 x5jz figs-abstractnouns ὅπου γὰρ ζῆλος καὶ ἐριθεία, ἐκεῖ ἀκαταστασία καὶ πᾶν φαῦλον πρᾶγμα. 1 For where there are jealousy and ambition, there is confusion and every evil practice 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 3 16 dvd7 ἐκεῖ ἀκαταστασία 1 there is confusion “there is disorder” or “there is chaos”
JAS 3 16 vmt4 πᾶν φαῦλον πρᾶγμα 1 every evil practice “every kind of sinful behavior” or “every kind of wicked deed”
JAS 3 17 s8w4 figs-abstractnouns ἡ δὲ ἄνωθεν σοφία, πρῶτον μὲν ἁγνή ἐστιν 1 But the wisdom from above is first pure 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 3 17 hhk5 πρῶτον μὲν ἁγνή ἐστιν 1 is first pure “is first holy”
JAS 3 17 hfh9 figs-metaphor μεστὴ ἐλέους καὶ καρπῶν ἀγαθῶν 1 full of mercy and good fruits 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 3 17 by2l ἀνυπόκριτος 1 and sincere “and honest” or “and truthful”
JAS 3 18 md56 figs-metaphor καρπὸς…δικαιοσύνης ἐν εἰρήνῃ σπείρεται, τοῖς ποιοῦσιν εἰρήνην 1 The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace among those who make peace 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 3 18 htr1 figs-abstractnouns ποιοῦσιν εἰρήνην 1 make peace 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 4 intro r6vv 0 # James 04 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Adultery<br><br>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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])<br><br>### Law<br><br>James probably uses this word in [James 4:11](../../jas/04/11.md) to refer to “the royal law” ([James 2:8](../../jas/02/08.md)).<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical Questions<br><br>James asks many questions because he wants his readers to think about how they are living. He wants to correct and teach them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Humble<br><br>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.<br>
JAS 4 1 q3pd 0 General Information: In this section, the words “yourselves,” “your,” and “you” are plural and refer to the believers to whom James writes.
JAS 4 1 k21j 0 Connecting Statement: 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.
JAS 4 1 ub82 figs-doublet πόθεν πόλεμοι καὶ πόθεν μάχαι ἐν ὑμῖν? 1 Where do quarrels and disputes among you come from? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 4 1 pqx2 figs-rquestion οὐκ ἐντεῦθεν ἐκ τῶν ἡδονῶν ὑμῶν, τῶν στρατευομένων ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ὑμῶν? 1 Do they not come from your desires that fight among your members? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 4 1 vpe2 figs-personification οὐκ ἐντεῦθεν ἐκ τῶν ἡδονῶν ὑμῶν, τῶν στρατευομένων ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ὑμῶν? 1 Do they not come from your desires that fight among your members? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
JAS 4 1 v5kg ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ὑμῶν 1 among your members Possible meanings are 1) there is fighting among the local believers, or 2) the fighting, that is, the conflict, is inside each believer.
JAS 4 2 khh9 figs-hyperbole φονεύετε καὶ ζηλοῦτε, καὶ οὐ δύνασθε ἐπιτυχεῖν 1 You kill and covet, and you are not able to obtain 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
JAS 4 2 v9m8 figs-doublet μάχεσθε καὶ πολεμεῖτε 1 You fight and quarrel 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
JAS 4 3 nk57 κακῶς αἰτεῖσθε 1 you ask badly 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”
JAS 4 4 efi8 figs-metaphor μοιχαλίδες! 1 You adulteresses! 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 4 4 wu5v figs-rquestion οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἡ φιλία τοῦ κόσμου, ἔχθρα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν? 1 Do you not know…God? James uses this question to teach his audience. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know…God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 4 4 b5ly figs-metonymy ἡ φιλία τοῦ κόσμου 1 friendship with the world This phrase refers to identifying with or participating in the world’s value system and behavior. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 4 4 br36 figs-personification ἡ φιλία τοῦ κόσμου 1 friendship with the world Here the world’s value system is spoken of as if it were a person that others could be friends with. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
JAS 4 4 jf1g figs-metonymy ἡ φιλία τοῦ κόσμου, ἔχθρα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν 1 friendship with the world is hostility against God 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 4 5 i2y4 ἢ δοκεῖτε…κενῶς ἡ Γραφὴ λέγει 1 Or do you think the scripture says in vain 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”
JAS 4 5 bx68 τὸ Πνεῦμα ὃ κατῴκισεν ἐν ἡμῖν 1 The Spirit he caused to live in us 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.
JAS 4 6 ub8z figs-explicit μείζονα δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν 1 But God gives more grace 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JAS 4 6 hyh2 διὸ λέγει 1 so the scripture “Because God gives more grace, the scripture”
JAS 4 6 qs61 figs-nominaladj ὑπερηφάνοις 1 the proud This refers to proud people in general. Alternate translation: “proud people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
JAS 4 6 uu3r figs-nominaladj ταπεινοῖς 1 the humble This refers to humble people in general. Alternate translation: “humble people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
JAS 4 7 da5t ὑποτάγητε οὖν 1 So submit “Because God gives grace to the humble, submit”
JAS 4 8 vd6z figs-you 0 General Information: The word “you” here is plural and refers to the scattered believers to whom James writes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
JAS 4 8 g62m figs-metaphor ἐγγίσατε τῷ Θεῷ 1 Come close to God Here the idea of coming close stands for becoming honest and open with God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 4 8 yh1k figs-parallelism καθαρίσατε χεῖρας, ἁμαρτωλοί, καὶ ἁγνίσατε καρδίας, δίψυχοι. 1 Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded These are two phrases in parallel with each other. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
JAS 4 8 elh1 figs-metonymy καθαρίσατε χεῖρας 1 Cleanse your hands 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 4 8 mw54 figs-metonymy ἁγνίσατε καρδίας 1 purify your hearts Here “hearts” refers to a person’s thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “make your thoughts and intentions right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 4 8 iw61 figs-metaphor δίψυχοι 1 double-minded 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 4 9 kdn8 figs-doublet ταλαιπωρήσατε, καὶ πενθήσατε, καὶ κλαύσατε 1 Grieve, mourn, and cry These three words have similar meanings. James uses them together to emphasize that the people should be truly sorry for not obeying God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
JAS 4 9 rf6g figs-parallelism ὁ γέλως ὑμῶν εἰς πένθος μετατραπήτω, καὶ ἡ χαρὰ εἰς κατήφειαν. 1 Let your laughter turn into sadness and your joy into gloom 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 4 10 an8i figs-metaphor ταπεινώθητε ἐνώπιον Κυρίου 1 Humble yourselves before the Lord “Be humble toward God.” Actions done with God in mind are often spoken of as being done in his physical presence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 4 10 tn5w figs-metaphor ὑψώσει ὑμᾶς 1 he will lift you up 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 4 11 sy54 0 General Information: The words “you” and “your” in this section refer to the believers to whom James writes.
JAS 4 11 r3hc καταλαλεῖτε 1 speak against “speak badly about” or “oppose”
JAS 4 11 uyi9 figs-metonymy ἀδελφοί 1 brothers 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
JAS 4 11 jlx4 ἀλλὰ κριτής 1 but a judge “but you are acting like the person who gives the law”
JAS 4 12 e9da εἷς ἐστιν νομοθέτης καὶ κριτής 1 Only one is the lawgiver and judge This refers to God. “God is the only one who gives laws and judges people”
JAS 4 12 m49q figs-rquestion σὺ δὲ τίς εἶ, ὁ κρίνων τὸν πλησίον? 1 Who are you, you who judge your neighbor? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 4 13 iz9h figs-idiom ποιήσομεν ἐκεῖ ἐνιαυτὸν 1 spend a year there James speaks of spending time as if it were money. “stay there for a year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
JAS 4 14 b7ir figs-rquestion οἵτινες οὐκ ἐπίστασθε τὸ τῆς αὔριον, ποία ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν? 1 Who knows what will happen tomorrow, and what is your life? 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 4 14 a9v2 figs-metaphor ἀτμὶς γάρ ἐστε, ἡ πρὸς ὀλίγον φαινομένη, ἔπειτα καὶ ἀφανιζομένη. 1 For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 4 15 gj65 ἀντὶ τοῦ λέγειν ὑμᾶς 1 Instead, you should say “Instead, your attitude should be”
JAS 4 15 e1il ζήσομεν καὶ ποιήσομεν, τοῦτο ἢ ἐκεῖνο 1 we will live and do this or that “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.
JAS 4 17 q84z εἰδότι οὖν καλὸν ποιεῖν, καὶ μὴ ποιοῦντι, ἁμαρτία αὐτῷ ἐστιν. 1 for anyone who knows to do good but does not do it, for him it is sin Anyone who fails to do the good he knows he should do is guilty of sin.
JAS 5 intro ud8q 0 # James 05 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Eternity<br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]])<br><br>### Oaths<br>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.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Elijah<br>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.<br><br>### “Save his soul from death”<br>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: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])<br>
JAS 5 1 phs3 0 Connecting Statement: James warns rich people about their focus on pleasure and riches.
JAS 5 1 gel9 figs-explicit οἱ πλούσιοι 1 you who are rich 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
JAS 5 1 l3wd figs-abstractnouns ἐπὶ ταῖς ταλαιπωρίαις ὑμῶν ταῖς ἐπερχομέναις 1 because of the miseries coming on you 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
JAS 5 2 gq45 figs-pastforfuture ὁ πλοῦτος ὑμῶν σέσηπεν, καὶ τὰ ἱμάτια ὑμῶν σητόβρωτα γέγονεν. 1 Your riches have rotted, and your clothes have become moth-eaten. 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
JAS 5 3 am1u figs-pastforfuture ὁ χρυσὸς ὑμῶν καὶ ὁ ἄργυρος κατίωται, 1 Your gold and your silver have become tarnished 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])
JAS 5 3 wj9v χρυσὸς…ἄργυρος 1 gold…silver These things are mentioned as examples of things that are valuable to wealthy people.
JAS 5 3 q4pm κατίωται,…ὁ ἰὸς αὐτῶν 1 have become tarnished…their rust 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”
JAS 5 3 e55t figs-personification ὁ ἰὸς αὐτῶν εἰς μαρτύριον ὑμῖν ἔσται 1 their rust will be a witness against you. It 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] )
JAS 5 3 i37x figs-simile φάγεται τὰς σάρκας ὑμῶν ὡς πῦρ. 1 will consume…like fire Here the corrosion is spoken of as if it were a fire that will burn up their owners. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 5 3 j6fe figs-metaphor πῦρ 1 fire 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 5 3 np1u figs-metonymy ἐν ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις 1 for the last days 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 5 4 gcj5 0 Connecting Statement: James continues to warn rich people about thier focus on pleasure and riches.
JAS 5 4 e9iy figs-personification ὁ μισθὸς τῶν ἐργατῶν, τῶν ἀμησάντων τὰς χώρας ὑμῶν, ὁ ἀφυστερημένος ἀφ’ ὑμῶν, κράζει, 1 the pay of the laborers is crying out—the pay that you have withheld from those who harvested your fields 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
JAS 5 4 n21a figs-metaphor αἱ βοαὶ τῶν θερισάντων, εἰς τὰ ὦτα Κυρίου Σαβαὼθ εἰσελήλυθαν. 1 the cries of the harvesters have gone into the ears of the Lord of hosts 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 5 4 h9y8 figs-metaphor εἰς τὰ ὦτα Κυρίου Σαβαὼθ 1 into the ears of the Lord of hosts God is spoken of as if he had ears as humans have. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 5 5 xt8h figs-metaphor ἐθρέψατε τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ σφαγῆς. 1 You have fattened your hearts for a day of slaughter 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 5 5 pr31 figs-metonymy τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν 1 your hearts The “heart” was considered to be the center of human desire, and here stands for the entire person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 5 6 u5c5 κατεδικάσατε, ἐφονεύσατε τὸν δίκαιον, 1 You have condemned…the righteous person 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.
JAS 5 6 lq6p figs-genericnoun τὸν δίκαιον, οὐκ ἀντιτάσσεται 1 the righteous person. He does not “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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
JAS 5 6 z7w1 ἀντιτάσσεται ὑμῖν 1 resist you “oppose you”
JAS 5 7 n888 0 General Information: In closing, James reminds the believers about the Lord’s coming and gives several short lessons on how to live for the Lord.
JAS 5 7 xr6g 0 Connecting Statement: James changes topics from a rebuke of the rich people to an exhortation to the believers.
JAS 5 7 a4sv μακροθυμήσατε οὖν 1 So be patient “Because of this, wait and be calm”
JAS 5 7 wgk4 figs-metonymy ἕως τῆς παρουσίας τοῦ Κυρίου. 1 until the Lord’s coming 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 5 7 y4er figs-metaphor ὁ γεωργὸς 1 the farmer James makes an analogy using farmers and believers to teach what it means to be patient. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 5 8 bbn1 figs-metonymy στηρίξατε τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν 1 Make your hearts strong James is equating the believers’ hearts to their will to remain committed. Alternate translation: “Stay committed” or “Keep your faith strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 5 8 jw3b ἡ παρουσία τοῦ Κυρίου ἤγγικεν. 1 the Lord’s coming is near “the Lord will return soon”
JAS 5 9 k74r μὴ στενάζετε, ἀδελφοί, κατ’ ἀλλήλων, ἵνα μὴ κριθῆτε. 1 Do not complain, brothers…you James is writing to all the scattered Jewish believers.
JAS 5 9 w9xv κατ’ ἀλλήλων 1 against one another “about each other”
JAS 5 9 z3p7 figs-activepassive μὴ κριθῆτε 1 you will be not judged This can be stated in the active. Alternate translation: “Christ will not judge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 5 9 ita4 ἰδοὺ, ὁ κριτὴς 1 See, the judge “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: the judge”
JAS 5 9 g938 figs-metaphor ὁ κριτὴς πρὸ τῶν θυρῶν ἕστηκεν. 1 the judge is standing at the door 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 5 10 sic1 τῆς κακοπαθίας καὶ τῆς μακροθυμίας, τοὺς προφήτας, οἳ ἐλάλησαν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Κυρίου 1 the suffering and patience of the prophets, those who spoke in the name of the Lord “how the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord suffered persecution with patience”
JAS 5 10 pvs3 figs-metonymy οἳ ἐλάλησαν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Κυρίου. 1 spoke in the name of the Lord “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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 5 11 xwr8 ἰδοὺ, μακαρίζομεν 1 See, we regard “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: we regard”
JAS 5 11 s3nl τοὺς ὑπομείναντας 1 those who endured “those who continued obeying God even through hardship”
JAS 5 12 bjt3 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί μου 1 my brothers This refers to all believers including women. Alternate translation: “my fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
JAS 5 12 s755 μὴ ὀμνύετε 1 do not swear 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”
JAS 5 12 t1uq figs-metonymy μήτε τὸν οὐρανὸν, μήτε τὴν γῆν 1 either by heaven or by the earth The words “heaven” and “earth” refer to the spiritual or human authorities that are in heaven and earth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 5 12 m3ve ἤτω…ὑμῶν τὸ ναὶ, ναὶ, καὶ τὸ οὒ, οὔ, 1 let your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No,” “do what you say you will do, or say that something is true, without making an oath”
JAS 5 12 f6mx figs-metaphor ἵνα μὴ ὑπὸ κρίσιν πέσητε 1 so you do not fall under judgment 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 5 13 m3e6 figs-rquestion κακοπαθεῖ τις ἐν ὑμῖν? προσευχέσθω. 1 Is anyone among you suffering hardship? Let him pray 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 5 13 wdf7 figs-rquestion εὐθυμεῖ τις? ψαλλέτω. 1 Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 5 14 in34 figs-rquestion ἀσθενεῖ τις ἐν ὑμῖν? προσκαλεσάσθω 1 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
JAS 5 14 fik7 figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου 1 in the name of the Lord “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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 5 15 c8q6 figs-metonymy ἡ εὐχὴ τῆς πίστεως σώσει τὸν κάμνοντα 1 The prayer of faith will heal the sick person 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 5 15 qiw4 ἡ εὐχὴ τῆς πίστεως 1 The prayer of faith “The prayer made by believers” or “The prayer that people pray believing God will do as they ask”
JAS 5 15 ei3q ἐγερεῖ αὐτὸν ὁ Κύριος 1 the Lord will raise him up “the Lord will make him well” or “the Lord will enable him to resume his normal life”
JAS 5 16 t2iq 0 General Information: As these were Jewish believers, James reminds them to pray by recalling one of the prophets of old and that prophet’s practical prayers.
JAS 5 16 i8cm ἀλλήλοις 1 to one another “to each other”
JAS 5 16 mzk8 figs-activepassive ὅπως ἰαθῆτε 1 so that you may be healed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that God may heal you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
JAS 5 16 zk62 figs-metaphor πολὺ ἰσχύει δέησις δικαίου ἐνεργουμένη. 1 The prayer of a righteous person is very strong in its working 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 5 17 vhw2 προσευχῇ προσηύξατο 1 prayed earnestly “prayed eagerly” or “prayed passionately”
JAS 5 18 zwc9 ὁ οὐρανὸς ὑετὸν ἔδωκεν 1 The heavens gave rain “The heavens” probably refers to the sky, which is presented as the source of the rain. Alternate translation: “Rain fell from the sky”
JAS 5 18 yi7m ἡ γῆ ἐβλάστησεν τὸν καρπὸν αὐτῆς 1 the earth produced its fruit Here the earth is presented as the source of the crops.
JAS 5 18 s76l figs-metonymy τὸν καρπὸν 1 fruit Here “fruit” stands for all the crops of the farmers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 5 19 xr4l figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί 1 brothers Here this word probably refers to both men and women. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
JAS 5 19 dv4v figs-metaphor ἐάν τις ἐν ὑμῖν πλανηθῇ ἀπὸ τῆς ἀληθείας, καὶ ἐπιστρέψῃ τις αὐτόν 1 if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone brings him back 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
JAS 5 20 xg1y figs-metonymy ὁ ἐπιστρέψας ἁμαρτωλὸν ἐκ πλάνης ὁδοῦ αὐτοῦ, σώσει ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἐκ θανάτου, καὶ καλύψει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν. 1 whoever turns a sinner from his wandering way…will cover over a great number of sins 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
JAS 5 20 pd78 figs-synecdoche σώσει ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἐκ θανάτου, καὶ καλύψει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν. 1 will save him from death, and will cover over a great number of sins 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
JAS 5 20 rh4d figs-metaphor καλύψει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν. 1 will cover over a great number of sins 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
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