James 1
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Commentaries
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James, a servant of God - For an account of this person, or rather for the conjectures concerning him, see the preface. He neither calls himself an apostle, nor does he say that he was the brother of Christ, or bishop of Jerusalem; whether he was James the elder, son of Zebedee, or James the less, called our Lord's brother, or some other person of the same name, we know not. The assertions of writers concerning these points are worthy of no regard. The Church has always received him as an apostle of Christ. To the twelve tribes - scattered abroad - To the Jews, whether converted to Christianity or not, who lived out of Judea, and sojourned among the Gentiles for the purpose of trade or commerce. At this time there were Jews partly traveling, partly sojourning, and partly resident in most parts of the civilized world; particularly in Asia, Greece, Egypt, and Italy. I see no reason for restricting it to Jewish believers only; it was sent to all whom it might concern, but particularly to those who had received the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ; much less must we confine it to those who were scattered abroad at the persecution raised concerning Stephen, Act 8:1, etc.; Act 11:19, etc. That the twelve tribes were in actual existence when James wrote this epistle, Dr. Macknight thinks evident from the following facts: "1. Notwithstanding Cyrus allowed all the Jews in his dominions to return to their own land, many of them did not return. This happened agreeably to God's purpose, in permitting them to be carried captive into Assyria and Babylonia; for he intended to make himself known among the heathens, by means of the knowledge of his being and perfections, which the Jews, in their dispersion, would communicate to them. This also was the reason that God determined that the t…
Open source ↗INSCRIPTION: EXHORTATION ON HEARING, SPEAKING, AND WRATH. (Jam. 1:1-27) James--an apostle of the circumcision, with Peter and John, James in Jerusalem, Palestine, and Syria; Peter in Babylon and the East; John in Ephesus and Asia Minor. Peter addresses the dispersed Jews of Pontus, Galatia, and Cappadocia; James, the Israelites of the twelve tribes scattered abroad. servant of God--not that he was not an apostle; for Paul, an apostle, also calls himself so; but as addressing the Israelites generally, including even indirectly the unbelieving, he in humility omits the title "apostle"; so Paul in writing to the Hebrews; similarly Jude, an apostle, in his General Epistle. Jesus Christ--not mentioned again save in Jam 2:1; not at all in his speeches (Act 15:14-15; Act 21:20-21), lest his introducing the name of Jesus oftener should seem to arise from vanity, as being "the Lord's brother" [BENGEL]. His teaching being practical, rather than doctrinal, required less frequent mention of Christ's name. scattered abroad--literally "which are in the dispersion." The dispersion of the Israelites, and their connection with Jerusalem as a center of religion, was a divinely ordered means of propagating Christianity. The pilgrim troops of the law became caravans of the Gospel [WORDSWORTH]. greeting--found in no other Christian letter, but in James and the Jerusalem Synod's Epistle to the Gentile churches; an undesigned coincidence and mark or genuineness. In the original Greek (chairein) for "greeting," there is a connection with the "joy" to which they are exhorted amidst their existing distresses from poverty and consequent oppression. Compare Rom 15:26, which alludes to their poverty.
Open source ↗James, a servant of God,.... That is, of God the Father; not by creation only, as every man is; nor merely by calling grace, as is every regenerate person; but by office, as a preacher of the Gospel, being one that served God in the Gospel of his Son, and was an apostle of Christ; nor is this any sufficient objection to his being one, since others of the apostles so style themselves: and of the Lord Jesus Christ; the Ethiopic version reads this in connection with the former clause, without the copulative "and", "James, the servant of God, our Lord Jesus Christ": and so some consider the copulative as explanative of who is meant by God, even the Lord Jesus Christ: but it seems best to understand them as distinct; and that this apostle was not only the servant of God the Father, but of his Son Jesus Christ, and that in the same sense, referring to his office as an apostle of Christ, and minister of the word: to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad; by whom are meant believing Jews, who were of the several tribes of Israel, and which were in number "twelve", according to the number and names of the twelve patriarchs, the sons of Jacob; and these were not the Christian Jews, who were scattered abroad upon the persecution raised at the death of Stephen, Act 8:1 but they were the posterity of those who had been dispersed in former captivities, by the Assyrians and others, and who remained in the several countries whither they were carried, and never returned. The Jews say (f), that the ten tribes will never return, and that they will have no part nor portion in the world to come; but these the Gospel met with in their dispersion, and by it they were effectually called and converted, and are the same that Peter writes to, Pe1 1:1 Pe2 1:1. And thus we read of an hundred…
Open source ↗We have here the inscription of this epistle, which consists of three principal parts. I. The character by which our author desires to be known: James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was a prime-minister in Christ's kingdom, yet he styles himself only a servant. Note hence, Those who are highest in office or attainments in the church of Christ are but servants. They should not therefore act as masters, but as ministers. Further, Though James is called by the evangelist the brother of our Lord, yet it was his glory to serve Christ in the spirit, rather than to boast of his being akin according to the flesh. Hence let us learn to prize this title above all others in the world - the servants of God and of Christ. Again, it is to be observed that James professes himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ; to teach us that in all services we should have an eye to the Son as well as the Father. We cannot acceptably serve the Father, unless we are also servants of the Son. God will have all men to honour the Son as they honour the Father (Joh 5:23), looking for acceptance in Christ and assistance from him, and yielding all obedience to him, thus confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. II. The apostle here mentions the condition of those to whom he writes: The twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. Some understand this of the dispersion upon the persecution of Stephen, Acts 8. But that only reached to Judea and Samaria. Others by the Jews of the dispersion understand those who were in Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, and other kingdoms into which their wars had driven them. The greatest part indeed of ten of the twelve tribes were lost in captivity; but yet some of every tribe were preserved and they are still honou…
Open source ↗1:1 James: See “James, Brother of Jesus” Profile. • By identifying his readers as the “twelve tribes,” James affirms Christianity’s continuity with Israel’s heritage. The Exile had dispersed the twelve tribes, but Jewish interpreters looked forward to God reuniting them (see Psalms of Solomon 17:26-28; Testament of Benjamin 9:2; cp. Ezek 37:15-28; Matt 19:28). Christ has spiritually brought an end to Israel’s exile and reunited the tribes. • Jews scattered abroad (Greek diaspora) were living outside Palestine (John 7:35; Acts 2:5; 8:1; 11:19). • Greetings! (Greek chairein): This greeting is typical in first-century Greek letters (Acts 15:23; 23:26) and interpersonally (Matt 26:49; Luke 1:28).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Ἰάκωβος (Iákōbos, G2385) — Jacobus, the name of three Israelites δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus δώδεκα (dṓdeka, G1427) — two and ten, i.e. a dozen φυλή (phylḗ, G5443) — an offshoot, i.e. race or clan ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. διασπορά (diasporá, G1290) — dispersion, i.e. (specially and concretely) the (converted) Israelite resident in Gentile… χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation…
Open source ↗μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai, G2233) — to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e. consider πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole χαρά (chará, G5479) — cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… περιπίπτω (peripíptō, G4045) — to fall into something that is all around, i.e. light among or upon, be surrounded with ποικίλος (poikílos, G4164) — motley, i.e. various in character πειρασμός (peirasmós, G3986) — a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation,…
Open source ↗γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because δοκίμιον (dokímion, G1383) — a testing; by implication, trustworthiness ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… κατεργάζομαι (katergázomai, G2716) — to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion ὑπομονή (hypomonḗ, G5281) — cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ὑπομονή (hypomonḗ, G5281) — cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy τέλειος (téleios, G5046) — complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.);… ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ὦ (ō, G5600) — (may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with G1487 (εἰ) and its… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὁλόκληρος (holóklēros, G3648) — complete in every part, i.e. perfectly sound (in body) λείπω (leípō, G3007) — to leave, i.e. (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you λείπω (leípō, G3007) — to leave, i.e. (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent σοφία (sophía, G4678) — wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual) αἰτέω (aitéō, G154) — to ask (in genitive case) παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἁπλῶς (haplōs, G574) — bountifully; καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὀνειδίζω (oneidízō, G3679) — to defame, i.e. rail at, chide, taunt μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. αἰτέω (aitéō, G154) — to ask (in genitive case) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) διακρίνω (diakrínō, G1252) — to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἴκω (eíkō, G1503) — to resemble κλύδων (klýdōn, G2830) — a surge of the sea (literally or figuratively) θάλασσα (thálassa, G2281) — the sea (genitive case or specially) ἀνεμίζω (anemízō, G416) — to toss with the wind καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ῥιπίζω (rhipízō, G4494) — to breeze up, i.e. (by analogy) to agitate (into waves)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… οἴομαι (oíomai, G3633) — to make like (oneself), i.e. imagine (be of the opinion) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗δίψυχος (dípsychos, G1374) — two-spirited, i.e. vacillating (in opinion or purpose) ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) ἀκατάστατος (akatástatos, G182) — inconstant ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὁδός (hodós, G3598) — a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. καυχάομαι (kaucháomai, G2744) — to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ταπεινός (tapeinós, G5011) — depressed, i.e. (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὕψος (hýpsos, G5311) — elevation, i.e. (abstractly) altitude, (specially), the sky, or (figuratively) dignity
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πλούσιος (ploúsios, G4145) — wealthy; figuratively, abounding with ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ταπείνωσις (tapeínōsis, G5014) — depression (in rank or feeling) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἄνθος (ánthos, G438) — a blossom χόρτος (chórtos, G5528) — a "court" or "garden", i.e. (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation παρέρχομαι (parérchomai, G3928) — to come near or aside, i.e. to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἥλιος (hḗlios, G2246) — perhaps akin to the alternate of G138 (αἱρέομαι)); the sun; by implication, light ἀνατέλλω (anatéllō, G393) — to (cause to) arise σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… καύσων (kaúsōn, G2742) — a glare καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ξηραίνω (xēraínō, G3583) — to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature χόρτος (chórtos, G5528) — a "court" or "garden", i.e. (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation ἄνθος (ánthos, G438) — a blossom αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐκπίπτω (ekpíptō, G1601) — to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become… εὐπρέπεια (euprépeia, G2143) — good suitableness, i.e. gracefulness πρόσωπον (prósōpon, G4383) — the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by… ἀπόλλυμι (apóllymi, G622) — to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
Open source ↗μακάριος (makários, G3107) — supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ὑπομένω (hypoménō, G5278) — to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have… πειρασμός (peirasmós, G3986) — a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation,… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because δόκιμος (dókimos, G1384) — properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e. approved γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) στέφανος (stéphanos, G4735) — a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor… ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ἐπαγγέλλω (epangéllō, G1861) — to announce upon (reflexively), i.e. (by implication) to engage to do something, to… ἀγαπάω (agapáō, G25) — to love (in a social or moral sense)
Open source ↗λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) πειράζω (peirázō, G3985) — to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἀπείραστος (apeírastos, G551) — untried, i.e. not temptable ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are κακός (kakós, G2556) — worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 (πονηρός) properly refers to effects), i.e.… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every πειράζω (peirázō, G3985) — to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline ἐξέλκω (exélkō, G1828) — to drag forth, i.e. (figuratively) to entice (to sin) ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, G1939) — a longing (especially for what is forbidden) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δελεάζω (deleázō, G1185) — to entrap, i.e. (figuratively) delude
Open source ↗Cross-references
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And they will know that I am the LORD, when I disperse them among the nations and scatter them throughout the countries.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen
At this, the Jews said to one another, “Where does He intend to go that we will not find Him? Will He go where the Jews are dispersed among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?
And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to realize as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.
Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known.
and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.
When they had finished speaking, James declared, “Brothers, listen to me!
And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.
The next day Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were present.