James 1:3
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
the trying--the testing or proving of your faith, namely, by "divers temptations." Compare Rom 5:3, tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience (in the original dokime, akin to dokimion, "trying," here; there it is experience: here the "trying" or testing, whence experience flows). patience--The original implies more; persevering endurance and continuance (compare Luk 8:15).
Open source ↗After the inscription and salutation (Jam 1:1) Christians are taught how to conduct themselves when under the cross. Several graces and duties are recommended; and those who endure their trials and afflictions as the apostle here directs are pronounced blessed and are assured of a glorious reward (Jam 1:2-12). But those sins which bring sufferings, or the weakness and faults men are chargeable with under them, are by no means to be imputed to God, who cannot be the author of sin, but is the author of all good (Jam 1:13-18). All passion, and rash anger, and vile affections, ought to be suppressed. The word of God should be made our chief study: and what we hear and know of it we must take care to practise, otherwise our religion will prove but a vain thing. To this is added an account wherein pure religion consists (Jam 1:19-27).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.