FocusWithheld 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 5:4
KJVBehold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
Read it in context
Warning to the Rich and Exhortation to Patience
Start reading at James 5:1 (James 5:1 to James 5:12).
This verse is part of a larger discourse unit that begins with a strong condemnation of the rich for their unrighteousness and transitions into an exhortation for believers to be patient until the coming of the Lord.
- 5:1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
- 5:2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
- 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
- 5:4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
- 5:5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
- 5:6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
- 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
- 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
- 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
- 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
- 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
- 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
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 main event or theme? The main theme is the injustice of rich men defrauding their laborers by withholding wages, and God's awareness of these cries for justice.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His righteous character as the one who hears the cries of the oppressed and will judge those who commit fraud and injustice, especially against the vulnerable. He is the "Lord of sabaoth," meaning the Lord of hosts or armies, emphasizing His power and authority to act.
- What is the literary style? The literary style of this passage is a prophetic denunciation or a 'woe' oracle, similar to those found in Old Testament prophets, condemning the rich for their unrighteousness and warning of impending judgment.
When
- When was it written? The letter was written around A.D. 45 to 50. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described, such as the defrauding of laborers, were occurring during the early church period when the letter was written. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The acts of defrauding laborers would have occurred in the fields and places of work where the rich employed them, likely across the regions where the scattered Jewish believers lived. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, James, was located in Jerusalem when he wrote this letter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Warning to the Rich and Exhortation to Patience (James 5:1 to James 5:12). Start reading at James 5:1. This verse is part of a larger discourse unit that begins with a strong condemnation of the rich for their unrighteousness and transitions into an exhortation for believers to be patient until the coming of the Lord.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is part of a strong warning to the rich (James 5:1-6) who have accumulated wealth through unrighteous means. It sets the stage for the subsequent exhortation to believers to be patient and steadfast, knowing that the Lord's coming will bring judgment for the wicked and vindication for the righteous. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The passage points to Christ by revealing the character of the one God as a righteous judge who hears the cries of the oppressed. Christ, as the Lord, embodies this divine justice and will execute judgment upon those who defraud others, as He Himself warned against the dangers of riches and injustice. The coming of the Lord, mentioned in James 5:7-8, refers to Christ's return to judge and establish His kingdom, fulfilling the justice of the "Lord of sabaoth." interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, this passage calls believers to uphold justice and fairness in all their dealings, especially in employment. It warns against exploiting others for personal gain and reminds us that God hears the cries of the mistreated. It encourages us to live righteously, knowing that God is aware of all actions and will bring judgment upon injustice. interpretation
Cited: James 5:1, James 5:4, James 5:7, James 5:8, James 5:9
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
- the hire Lev 19:13 Deut 24:14-15 Job 24:10-11 Job 31:38-39 Isa 5:7 Jer 22:13 Hab 2:11 Mal 3:5
- the cries Gen 4:10 Exod 2:23-24 Exod 3:9 Exod 22:22-24,27 Deut 24:15 Job 34:28 Ps 9:12 Luke 18:7
- Lord Rom 9:29 Isa 1:9
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 Prayer and restoration
James 5:13–20FocusCare 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.