Oppressive wealth warned
James 5:1–6FocusWithheld wages and coming judgment
Connection to the wholeJames denounces wealth accumulated through oppression and places injustice before the Lord who hears the labourers' cries.
interpretation James 5:17
KJVElias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
Read it in context
Prayer and restoration
Start reading at James 5:13 (James 5:13 to James 5:20).
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.
The final instructions direct the community toward prayer, confession, and restoring those who wander from the truth.
- 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
- 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
- 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
- 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
- 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
- 5:18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
- 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
- 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
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 4:1–5:20): James challenges his hearers about quarrels, pride, presumptuous plans, and oppressive wealth, then instructs the brethren about patience, prayer, elders, and restoring someone who wanders. 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? Prayer and restoration. Read James 5:13 through James 5:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The final instructions direct the community toward prayer, confession, and restoring those who wander from the truth. 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 Prayer and restoration (James 5:13 to James 5:20). Start reading at James 5:13. 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 5:13, James 5:20, James 1:1, 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
- Elias 1 Kgs 17:1
- Elijah Acts 10:26 Acts 14:15
- and he Rom 11:2 Rev 11:6
- and it rained not Luke 4:25
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
James 5
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
Be patient and speak truthfully
James 5:7–12FocusThe Lord's coming and faithful examples
Connection to the wholeThe readers are called to endure without grumbling, following examples of patience and avoiding careless oaths.
interpretation FocusCare for the sick and the wandering
Connection to the wholeThe final instructions direct the community toward prayer, confession, and restoring those who wander from the truth.
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
Trials and God's gifts
James 1:1–18FocusEndurance, 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 FocusWealth, 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.