James 5:13
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Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
afflicted--referring to the "suffering affliction" (Jam 5:10). let him pray--not "swear" in rash impatience. merry--joyous in mind. sing psalms--of praise. Paul and Silas sang psalms even in affliction.
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle denounces the judgments of God upon those rich men who oppress the poor, showing them how great their sin and folly are in the sight of God, and how grievous the punishments would be which should fall upon themselves (Jam 5:1-6). Hereupon, all the faithful are exhorted to patience under their trials and sufferings (Jam 5:7-11). The sin of swearing is cautioned against (Jam 5:12). We are directed how to act, both under affliction and in prosperity (Jam 5:13). Prayer for the sick, and anointing with oil, are prescribed (Jam 5:14, Jam 5:15). Christians are directed to acknowledge their faults one to another, and to pray one for another, and the efficacy of prayer is proved (Jam 5:16-18). And, lastly, it is recommended to us to do what we can for bringing back those that stray from the ways of truth.
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.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice.
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,
During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.
As my life was fading away, I remembered the LORD. My prayer went up to You, to Your holy temple.
Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds.
In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Though each of the peoples may walk in the name of his god, yet we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.
As they drank the wine, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.