Introduction to James

How to Study the Bible

a slave By calling himself a slave or servant of Christ, James acknowledges his humble willingness to be at the Lord’s disposal and live according to His principles. See note on Rom 1:1.

twelve tribes Although the 12 tribal divisions ceased to function as geopolitical units in 722 bc, biblical writers continued to use this designation for Israel. The prophets used this term to refer to the future restored people of God (e.g., Ezek 47:13, 22; Isa 49:6; Zech 9:1).

in the dispersion Usually refers to Jews living in or scattered outside of Israel, possibly suggesting that James wrote to Jewish believers in these areas. The 12 tribes could have a symbolic sense, representing all God’s people under the new covenant who are scattered from their true homeland until God’s promises come to fruition (Jas 5:7–8).

1:2 brothers James speaks as one among peers; he is addressing his fellow Christians.

all joy Or “nothing but joy,” or “supreme joy.” James refers to an extended state of well-being rather than an immediate feeling of happiness or pleasure.

you encounter The plural Greek verb here, peripesēte, indicates that James is speaking to the entire church rather than individual believers. He encourages a community of believers undergoing trials for their faith, not just individuals experiencing personal difficulties (e.g., vv. 16–17; 2:15–16; 4:3–6).

various trials The Greek word here, peirasmos, refers to an unwelcome or unexpected experience. James may be referring to trials in general, or to specific hardships such as persecution (2:6, 7; 4:3, 13), sickness (5:14), and poverty (vv. 9–11; 2:1–7; 5:1–6).

1:3 endurance Expresses a growing determination in the face of adversity, based on hope. Those who suffer can express joy (v. 2) during times of trial because of their confidence in the day in which Christ will vindicate them (1 Pet 4:13).

1:4 mature and complete Those who are suffering should have joy (Jas 1:2) because trials serve as a path to Christian maturity. Complete and mature individuals show integrity and single-minded devotion to God; they are characterized by godliness.

1:5 wisdom Refers to the knowledge of God’s plans and purposes and the ability to live accordingly. Wise people can identify the nature and purpose of their trials and understand how to overcome them.

Wisdom and Related Terms

let him ask for it from God James describes God as the giver of wisdom (see note on Prov 2:6), which aids sufferers in their trials.

without reservation and not reproaching Indicates that God gives regardless of a person’s previous record (Luke 6:35).

1:6 in faith James describes faith that manifests itself in action. God hears the prayers of those whose lives demonstrate that they have faith in Him. The wording used here does not imply that people must have a certain degree or standard of faith for God to hear their prayers.

Faith

the surf of the sea James describes a life of instability and uncertainty—characteristics of one who doubts—as a continual succession of waves.

1:8 double-minded Describes someone who tries to live two contradictory lifestyles (see Pr 11:3).

1:9 brother of humble circumstances The community that James addresses might have been facing conditions of poverty (see Jas 2:1–7).

boast Conveys the sense of being glad or joyful (rather than the familiar sense of arrogant boasting).

1:10 the rich person in his humiliation It is unclear whether the rich person is a member of the church or a person outside the church.

like a flower of the grass This imagery comes from Isa 40:6–7 (compare Psa 37:2; Job 15:30–33). He likens their destruction to the grass, which withers in the heat.

1:12 Blessed is the person who endures testing In this context, “blessed” describes an attitude of determined courage that is unaffected by external circumstances. See Job 5:17; Psa 1:1 and note; Psa 32:2; Prov 8:32, 34.

1:13 No one who is being tempted should say James cautions Christians against interpreting temptations of their sinful desires as a test from God. As James makes clear in the following verses, humans alone are responsible for choosing to sin.

1:14 enticed The Greek word deleazō describes drawing in an unsuspecting victim with an attractive bait or lure.

1:15 gives birth to sin James uses the analogy of human conception and birth to describe sin. Desire is conceived when a person yields to temptation, which results in the “birth” of sin. As sin matures, this ultimately leads to God’s judgment of death.

1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift James already has described one of these gifts as wisdom (James 1:5).

Father of lights Recalling the creation account, James refers to God’s power over the sun, moon, and stars (Gen 1:14–18; Psa 136:7; Jer 31:35).

no variation or shadow of change The fluctuation in light given off by the heavenly bodies contrasts with God’s constant nature.

1:18 By his will he gave birth to us James again uses birth imagery.

the message of truth Refers to the gospel message (Eph 1:13; Col 1:5; 2 Tim 2:15).

first fruits This term may refer to Israel, the first product of God’s self-revelation to Abraham (Jer 2:3), or to Christians (1 Cor 15:20, 23).

1:20 the righteousness of God The Greek phrase used here may describe the righteous character of God or the righteousness that comes from God—His gift of salvation. It may also refer to the righteousness that God expects from his people.

1:21 implanted message James describes the gospel as a seed that is planted (see Jer 31:33).

1:22 not hearers only James’ audience would have probably heard this message in the context of public worship (Rev 1:3).

1:24 he looks at himself and goes away By looking in a mirror, one can gain an accurate self-appraisal and identify areas that need attention. James uses this analogy to illustrate that those who hear the message without acting on it are like those who, after observing themselves, leave and forget what they look like.

1:25 the perfect law of liberty Although James may be referring to the law of Moses (Pss 19:7; 119:32, 45–46, 96), he more likely refers to the law of Moses as now perceived through Jesus’ interpretation and supplementation (Matt 5:17). Here, “law” is equivalent to “the word” in James 1:18, 21, 22.

1:27 orphans and widows Orphans and widows were particularly vulnerable in ancient times (Deut 14:29; Ezek 22:7; Acts 6:1–6).