FocusPerseverance before God
Connection to the wholeJames joins trials with endurance and asking for wisdom, while placing both low and high social standing under the uncertainty of earthly life.
interpretation James 1:6
KJVBut let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Read it in context
Trials, wisdom, and status
Start reading at James 1:1 (James 1:1 to James 1:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
James joins trials with endurance and asking for wisdom, while placing both low and high social standing under the uncertainty of earthly life.
- 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
- 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
- 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
- 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
- 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
- 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
- 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
- 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
- 1:9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
- 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
- 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
- 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, is the named author. He is traditionally identified as James the Lord's brother and a leader of the Jerusalem church. Biblical references: James 1:1; Galatians 1:19; Acts 15:13. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (James 1:1–2:26): James addresses the twelve tribes in the dispersion as brethren, challenging them about trials, obedience, partiality in the assembly, and faith expressed in deeds. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The twelve tribes scattered abroad, as the greeting states; the letter addresses its hearers as brethren who hold faith in Jesus Christ. Biblical references: James 1:1; James 2:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Trials, wisdom, and status. Read James 1:1 through James 1:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? James joins trials with endurance and asking for wisdom, while placing both low and high social standing under the uncertainty of earthly life. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter addresses trials and conduct among its readers without providing a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The twelve tribes scattered abroad are addressed; the exact place of writing is not stated. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Trials, wisdom, and status (James 1:1 to James 1:12). Start reading at James 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter names the Lord Jesus Christ and insists that faith be shown in conduct. Its teaching about works should be read within its examples of claimed faith that fails to act. See James 1:1, James 2:1, James 2:17, James 2:18. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Be a doer of the word, control speech, reject partiality, and care for those in need. A verbal claim to faith is tested by the conduct the letter describes. interpretation
Cited: James 1:1, James 1:12, James 2:1, James 2:17, James 2:18
Who wrote it, and how we know
James, the Lord's brother
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
James 1:1
Early traditionTradition identifies him as James the Lord's brother, leader in Jerusalem.
What is debatedSeveral men are named James in the New Testament, so the identification rests on tradition.
Related passages
- let Matt 21:22 Mark 11:22-24 1 Tim 2:8 Heb 11:6
- he Gen 49:4 Eph 4:14 Heb 10:23 Heb 13:9 2 Pet 2:17 Jude 1:12-13
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
James 1
James identifies himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ and addresses the twelve tribes scattered abroad. The letter tests professed faith by endurance, obedience, impartial love, controlled speech, and practical mercy.
James 1:1 James 1:22 James 2:17
Temptation and God's goodness
James 1:13–18FocusDesire rather than divine enticement
Connection to the wholeJames traces temptation to wrongful desire and contrasts that process with the good gifts and new birth associated with God's word.
interpretation Receive and do the word
James 1:19–27FocusPractical religion
Connection to the wholeThe call to hear is joined to doing, with speech, care for the vulnerable, and separation from worldly corruption testing religious profession.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
James
James identifies himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ and addresses the twelve tribes scattered abroad. The letter tests professed faith by endurance, obedience, impartial love, controlled speech, and practical mercy.
James 1:1 James 1:22 James 2:17
FocusEndurance, wisdom, and desire
Connection to the wholeJames distinguishes testing from temptation to evil and directs the readers toward God's generosity and their response under pressure.
interpretation Hearers who become doers
James 1:19–2:26FocusImpartiality and living faith
Connection to the wholeThe word received must shape conduct toward others; the extended argument refuses to separate professed faith from obedient works.
interpretation Speech, wisdom, and conflict
James 3:1–4:12FocusThe tongue and the heart's allegiance
Connection to the wholeTeaching about speech leads to contrasts in wisdom and a diagnosis of quarrels rooted in divided desires.
interpretation Humble plans and patient conduct
James 4:13–5:20FocusWealth, the Lord's coming, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe closing movement addresses boasting, oppression, endurance, truthful speech, prayer, and restoring the wanderer.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.