Note: Words are shown in their original Greek order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings.
Ἰάκωβος θεοῦ καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοῦλος ταῖς δώδεκα φυλαῖς ταῖς ἐν τῇ διασπορᾷ χαίρειν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing James G2385 Ἰάκωβος Iákōbos N-Nom-Sg-M of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj of [the] Lord G2962 κυρίου κύριος kýrios N-Gen-Sg-M Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦ Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Gen-Sg-M Christ G5547 Χριστοῦ Χριστός Christós N-Gen-Sg-M a servant G1401 δοῦλος doûlos N-Nom-Sg-M To the G3588 ταῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-F twelve G1427 δώδεκα dṓdeka Adj-Dat-Pl-F tribes G5443 φυλαῖς φυλή phylḗ N-Dat-Pl-F the G3588 ταῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-F in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F Dispersion G1290 διασπορᾷ διασπορά diasporá N-Dat-Sg-F farewell G5463 χαίρειν χαίρω chaírō V-Pres-Act
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
Πᾶσαν χαρὰν ἡγήσασθε ἀδελφοί μου ὅταν πειρασμοῖς περιπέσητε ποικίλοις
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing All G3956 Πᾶσαν πᾶς pâs Adj-Acc-Sg-F joy G5479 χαρὰν χαρά chará N-Acc-Sg-F do esteem [it] G2233 ἡγήσασθε ἡγέομαι hēgéomai V-Aor-Mid-Imp-Pl-2P brothers G80 ἀδελφοί ἀδελφός adelphós N-Voc-Pl-M of mine G1473 μου ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P when G3752 ὅταν hótan Conj trials G3986 πειρασμοῖς πειρασμός peirasmós N-Dat-Pl-M you may fall into G4045 περιπέσητε περιπίπτω peripíptō V-2nd-Act-Sub-Pl-2P various G4164 ποικίλοις ποικίλος poikílos Adj-Dat-Pl-M
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
γινώσκοντες ὅτι τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως κατεργάζεται ὑπομονήν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing knowing G1097 γινώσκοντες γινώσκω ginṓskō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Pl-M that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N testing G1383 δοκίμιον dokímion N-Nom-Sg-N of your G4771 ὑμῶν σύ sý Pers-Gen-Pl-2P the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F faith G4102 πίστεως πίστις pístis N-Gen-Sg-F produces G2716 κατεργάζεται κατεργάζομαι katergázomai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P endurance G5281 ὑπομονήν ὑπομονή hypomonḗ N-Acc-Sg-F
4 Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
ἡ δὲ ὑπομονὴ ἔργον τέλειον ἐχέτω ἵνα ἦτε τέλειοι καὶ ὁλόκληροι ἐν μηδενὶ λειπόμενοι
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F And G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj endurance G5281 ὑπομονὴ ὑπομονή hypomonḗ N-Nom-Sg-F work G2041 ἔργον érgon N-Acc-Sg-N [its] perfect G5046 τέλειον τέλειος téleios Adj-Acc-Sg-N should have G2192 ἐχέτω ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Sg-3P so that G2443 ἵνα hína Conj you may be G1510 ἦτε εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Sub-Pl-2P perfect G5046 τέλειοι τέλειος téleios Adj-Nom-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj complete G3648 ὁλόκληροι ὁλόκληρος holóklēros Adj-Nom-Pl-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep nothing G3367 μηδενὶ μηδείς mēdeís Adj-Dat-Sg-N lacking G3007 λειπόμενοι λείπω leípō V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Pl-M
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Εἰ δέ τις ὑμῶν λείπεται σοφίας αἰτείτω παρὰ τοῦ διδόντος θεοῦ πᾶσιν ἁπλῶς καὶ μὴ ὀνειδίζοντος καὶ δοθήσεται αὐτῷ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing If G1487 Εἰ εἰ ei Conj now G1161 δέ dé Conj any G5100 τις τὶς tìs Inde-Nom-Sg-M of you G4771 ὑμῶν σύ sý Pers-Gen-Pl-2P lacks G3007 λείπεται λείπω leípō V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P wisdom G4678 σοφίας σοφία sophía N-Gen-Sg-F he should ask G154 αἰτείτω αἰτέω aitéō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Sg-3P from G3844 παρὰ παρά pará Prep the [One] G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M giving G1325 διδόντος δίδωμι dídōmi V-Pres-Act-Gen-Sg-M God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M to all G3956 πᾶσιν πᾶς pâs Adj-Dat-Pl-M generously G574 ἁπλῶς haplōs Adv and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega finding fault G3679 ὀνειδίζοντος ὀνειδίζω oneidízō V-Pres-Act-Gen-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj it will be given G1325 δοθήσεται δίδωμι dídōmi V-Fut-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P to him G846 αὐτῷ αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Sg-M
6 But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
αἰτείτω δὲ ἐν πίστει μηδὲν διακρινόμενος ὁ γὰρ διακρινόμενος ἔοικεν κλύδωνι θαλάσσης ἀνεμιζομένῳ καὶ ῥιπιζομένῳ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he should ask G154 αἰτείτω αἰτέω aitéō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Sg-3P however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj in G1722 ἐν en Prep faith G4102 πίστει πίστις pístis N-Dat-Sg-F nothing G3367 μηδὲν μηδείς mēdeís Adj-Acc-Sg-N doubting G1252 διακρινόμενος διακρίνω diakrínō V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Sg-M The [one] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj doubting G1252 διακρινόμενος διακρίνω diakrínō V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Sg-M he has been likened G1503 ἔοικεν εἴκω eíkō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to a wave G2830 κλύδωνι κλύδων klýdōn N-Dat-Sg-M of [the] sea G2281 θαλάσσης θάλασσα thálassa N-Gen-Sg-F being blown by the wind G416 ἀνεμιζομένῳ ἀνεμίζω anemízō V-Pres-Pass-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj being tossed by the wind G4494 ῥιπιζομένῳ ῥιπίζω rhipízō V-Pres-Pass-Dat-Sg-M
7 That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
μὴ γὰρ οἰέσθω ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐκεῖνος ὅτι λήμψεταί τι παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj should suppose G3633 οἰέσθω οἴομαι oíomai V-Pres-Mid-Imp-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M man G444 ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Nom-Sg-M that G1565 ἐκεῖνος ekeînos Demo-Nom-Sg-M that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj he will receive G2983 λήμψεταί λαμβάνω lambánō V-Fut-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P anything G5100 τι τὶς tìs Inde-Acc-Sg-N from G3844 παρὰ παρά pará Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M Lord G2962 κυρίου κύριος kýrios N-Gen-Sg-M
8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
ἀνὴρ δίψυχος ἀκατάστατος ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing [He is] a man G435 ἀνὴρ ἀνήρ anḗr N-Nom-Sg-M double-minded G1374 δίψυχος dípsychos Adj-Nom-Sg-M unstable G182 ἀκατάστατος akatástatos Adj-Nom-Sg-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep all G3956 πάσαις πᾶς pâs Adj-Dat-Pl-F the G3588 ταῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-F ways G3598 ὁδοῖς ὁδός hodós N-Dat-Pl-F of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M
9 The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position.
Καυχάσθω δὲ ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὁ ταπεινὸς ἐν τῷ ὕψει αὐτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing should boast G2744 Καυχάσθω καυχάομαι kaucháomai V-Pres-Mid-Imp-Sg-3P however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M brother G80 ἀδελφὸς ἀδελφός adelphós N-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M of low degree G5011 ταπεινὸς ταπεινός tapeinós Adj-Nom-Sg-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-N exaltation G5311 ὕψει ὕψος hýpsos N-Dat-Sg-N of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M
10 But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.
ὁ δὲ πλούσιος ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει αὐτοῦ ὅτι ὡς ἄνθος χόρτου παρελεύσεται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he who [is] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj rich G4145 πλούσιος ploúsios Adj-Nom-Sg-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F humiliation G5014 ταπεινώσει ταπείνωσις tapeínōsis N-Dat-Sg-F of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M because G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj like G5613 ὡς hōs Conj a flower G438 ἄνθος ánthos N-Nom-Sg-N of grass G5528 χόρτου χόρτος chórtos N-Gen-Sg-M he will pass away G3928 παρελεύσεται παρέρχομαι parérchomai V-Fut-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P
11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
ἀνέτειλεν γὰρ ὁ ἥλιος σὺν τῷ καύσωνι καὶ ἐξήρανεν τὸν χόρτον καὶ τὸ ἄνθος αὐτοῦ ἐξέπεσεν καὶ ἡ εὐπρέπεια τοῦ προσώπου αὐτοῦ ἀπώλετο οὕτως καὶ ὁ πλούσιος ἐν ταῖς πορείαις αὐτοῦ μαρανθήσεται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Has risen G393 ἀνέτειλεν ἀνατέλλω anatéllō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M sun G2246 ἥλιος hḗlios N-Nom-Sg-M with G4862 σὺν σύν sýn Prep [its] G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M burning heat G2742 καύσωνι καύσων kaúsōn N-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj withered G3583 ἐξήρανεν ξηραίνω xēraínō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M grass G5528 χόρτον χόρτος chórtos N-Acc-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N flower G438 ἄνθος ánthos N-Nom-Sg-N of it G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M has fallen G1601 ἐξέπεσεν ἐκπίπτω ekpíptō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F beauty G2143 εὐπρέπεια euprépeia N-Nom-Sg-F of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-N appearance G4383 προσώπου πρόσωπον prósōpon N-Gen-Sg-N of it G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-N has perished G622 ἀπώλετο ἀπόλλυμι apóllymi V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P Thus G3779 οὕτως οὕτω hoútō Adv also G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M rich [man] G4145 πλούσιος ploúsios Adj-Nom-Sg-M in the midst of G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 ταῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-F pursuits G4197 πορείαις πορεία poreía N-Dat-Pl-F of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M will fade away G3133 μαρανθήσεται μαραίνω maraínō V-Fut-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P
12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Μακάριος ἀνὴρ ὃς ὑπομένει πειρασμόν ὅτι δόκιμος γενόμενος λήμψεται τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς ὃν ἐπηγγείλατο τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Blessed [is the] G3107 Μακάριος μακάριος makários Adj-Nom-Sg-M man G435 ἀνὴρ ἀνήρ anḗr N-Nom-Sg-M who G3739 ὃς ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-M endures G5278 ὑπομένει ὑπομένω hypoménō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P trial G3986 πειρασμόν πειρασμός peirasmós N-Acc-Sg-M because G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj approved G1384 δόκιμος dókimos Adj-Nom-Sg-M having been G1096 γενόμενος γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Nom-Sg-M he will receive G2983 λήμψεται λαμβάνω lambánō V-Fut-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M crown G4735 στέφανον στέφανος stéphanos N-Acc-Sg-M the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F of life G2222 ζωῆς ζωή zōḗ N-Gen-Sg-F that G3739 ὃν ὅς hós Rela-Acc-Sg-M He has promised G1861 ἐπηγγείλατο ἐπαγγέλλω epangéllō V-Aor-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P to those G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M loving G25 ἀγαπῶσιν ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Dat-Pl-M her G846 αὐτόν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.
μηδεὶς πειραζόμενος λεγέτω ὅτι ἀπὸ θεοῦ πειράζομαι ὁ γὰρ θεὸς ἀπείραστός ἐστιν κακῶν πειράζει δὲ αὐτὸς οὐδένα
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing No one G3367 μηδεὶς μηδείς mēdeís Adj-Nom-Sg-M being tempted G3985 πειραζόμενος πειράζω peirázō V-Pres-Pass-Nom-Sg-M should say G3004 λεγέτω λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Sg-3P that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj By G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M I am being tempted G3985 πειράζομαι πειράζω peirázō V-Pres-Pass-Ind-Sg-1P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M For G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj God G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M unable to be tempted G551 ἀπείραστός ἀπείραστος apeírastos Adj-Nom-Sg-M is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P by evils G2556 κακῶν κακός kakós Adj-Gen-Pl-N tempts G3985 πειράζει πειράζω peirázō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj He Himself G846 αὐτὸς αὐτός autós Pers-Nom-Sg-M no [one] G3762 οὐδένα οὐδείς oudeís Adj-Acc-Sg-M
14 But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed.
ἕκαστος δὲ πειράζεται ὑπὸ τῆς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας ἐξελκόμενος καὶ δελεαζόμενος
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing A man G1538 ἕκαστος hékastos Adj-Nom-Sg-M however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj is tempted G3985 πειράζεται πειράζω peirázō V-Pres-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P by G5259 ὑπὸ ὑπό hypó Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F own G2398 ἰδίας ἴδιος ídios Adj-Gen-Sg-F desire G1939 ἐπιθυμίας ἐπιθυμία epithymía N-Gen-Sg-F being drawn away G1828 ἐξελκόμενος ἐξέλκω exélkō V-Pres-Pass-Nom-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj being enticed G1185 δελεαζόμενος δελεάζω deleázō V-Pres-Pass-Nom-Sg-M
15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
εἶτα ἡ ἐπιθυμία συλλαβοῦσα τίκτει ἁμαρτίαν ἡ δὲ ἁμαρτία ἀποτελεσθεῖσα ἀποκύει θάνατον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Then G1534 εἶτα eîta Adv the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F desire G1939 ἐπιθυμία epithymía N-Nom-Sg-F having conceived G4815 συλλαβοῦσα συλλαμβάνω syllambánō V-2nd-Act-Nom-Sg-F it gives birth to G5088 τίκτει τίκτω tíktō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P sin G266 ἁμαρτίαν ἁμαρτία hamartía N-Acc-Sg-F the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F and G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj sin G266 ἁμαρτία hamartía N-Nom-Sg-F having become fully grown G658 ἀποτελεσθεῖσα ἀποτελέω apoteléō V-Aor-Pass-Nom-Sg-F it brings forth G616 ἀποκύει ἀποκυέω apokyéō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P X deadly G2288 θάνατον θάνατος thánatos N-Acc-Sg-M
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
Μὴ πλανᾶσθε ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Not G3361 Μὴ μή mḗ Nega do be misled G4105 πλανᾶσθε πλανάω planáō V-Pres-Pass-Imp-Pl-2P brothers G80 ἀδελφοί ἀδελφός adelphós N-Voc-Pl-M of mine G1473 μου ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P beloved G27 ἀγαπητοί ἀγαπητός agapētós Adj-Voc-Pl-M
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
πᾶσα δόσις ἀγαθὴ καὶ πᾶν δώρημα τέλειον ἄνωθέν ἐστιν καταβαῖνον ἀπὸ τοῦ πατρὸς τῶν φώτων παρ᾽ ᾧ οὐκ ἔνι παραλλαγὴ ἢ τροπῆς ἀποσκίασμα
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Every G3956 πᾶσα πᾶς pâs Adj-Nom-Sg-F act of giving G1394 δόσις dósis N-Nom-Sg-F good G18 ἀγαθὴ ἀγαθός agathós Adj-Nom-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj every G3956 πᾶν πᾶς pâs Adj-Nom-Sg-N gift G1434 δώρημα dṓrēma N-Nom-Sg-N perfect G5046 τέλειον τέλειος téleios Adj-Nom-Sg-N from above G509 ἄνωθέν ἄνωθεν ánōthen Adv is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P coming down G2597 καταβαῖνον καταβαίνω katabaínō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-N from G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M Father G3962 πατρὸς πατήρ patḗr N-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-N of lights G5457 φώτων φῶς phōs N-Gen-Pl-N with G3844 παρ᾽ παρά pará Prep whom G3739 ᾧ ὅς hós Rela-Dat-Sg-M not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega there is G1762 ἔνι éni V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P variation G3883 παραλλαγὴ παραλλαγή parallagḗ N-Nom-Sg-F or G2228 ἢ ἤ ḗ Conj of shifting G5157 τροπῆς τροπή tropḗ N-Gen-Sg-F shadow G644 ἀποσκίασμα aposkíasma N-Nom-Sg-N
18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.
βουληθεὶς ἀπεκύησεν ἡμᾶς λόγῳ ἀληθείας εἰς τὸ εἶναι ἡμᾶς ἀπαρχήν τινα τῶν αὐτοῦ κτισμάτων
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Having willed [it] G1014 βουληθεὶς βούλομαι boúlomai V-Aor-Pass-Nom-Sg-M He brought forth G616 ἀπεκύησεν ἀποκυέω apokyéō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P us G1473 ἡμᾶς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Acc-Pl-1P by [the] word G3056 λόγῳ λόγος lógos N-Dat-Sg-M of truth G225 ἀληθείας ἀλήθεια alḗtheia N-Gen-Sg-F for G1519 εἰς eis Prep the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N to be G1510 εἶναι εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act us G1473 ἡμᾶς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Acc-Pl-1P firstfruits G536 ἀπαρχήν ἀπαρχή aparchḗ N-Acc-Sg-F a certain G5100 τινα τὶς tìs Inde-Acc-Sg-F the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-N of His G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M creature G2938 κτισμάτων κτίσμα ktísma N-Gen-Pl-N
19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
Ἴστε ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί ἔστω δὲ πᾶς ἄνθρωπος ταχὺς εἰς τὸ ἀκοῦσαι βραδὺς εἰς τὸ λαλῆσαι βραδὺς εἰς ὀργήν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing You should know G1492 Ἴστε εἴδω eídō V-Perf-Act-Imp-Pl-2P brothers G80 ἀδελφοί ἀδελφός adelphós N-Voc-Pl-M of mine G1473 μου ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P beloved G27 ἀγαπητοί ἀγαπητός agapētós Adj-Voc-Pl-M should be G1510 ἔστω εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Imp-Sg-3P however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj every G3956 πᾶς pâs Adj-Nom-Sg-M man G444 ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Nom-Sg-M swift G5036 ταχὺς ταχύς tachýs Adj-Nom-Sg-M unto G1519 εἰς eis Prep the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N to hear G191 ἀκοῦσαι ἀκούω akoúō V-Aor-Act slow G1021 βραδὺς βραδύς bradýs Adj-Nom-Sg-M unto G1519 εἰς eis Prep the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N to speak G2980 λαλῆσαι λαλέω laléō V-Aor-Act slow G1021 βραδὺς βραδύς bradýs Adj-Nom-Sg-M unto G1519 εἰς eis Prep anger G3709 ὀργήν ὀργή orgḗ N-Acc-Sg-F
20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.
ὀργὴ γὰρ ἀνδρὸς δικαιοσύνην θεοῦ οὐ κατεργάζεται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing [the] anger G3709 ὀργὴ ὀργή orgḗ N-Nom-Sg-F for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj of man G435 ἀνδρὸς ἀνήρ anḗr N-Gen-Sg-M [the] righteousness G1343 δικαιοσύνην δικαιοσύνη dikaiosýnē N-Acc-Sg-F of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M + long G3756 οὐ ou Nega cause G2716 κατεργάζεται κατεργάζομαι katergázomai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P
21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.
διὸ ἀποθέμενοι πᾶσαν ῥυπαρίαν καὶ περισσείαν κακίας ἐν πραΰτητι δέξασθε τὸν ἔμφυτον λόγον τὸν δυνάμενον σῶσαι τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Therefore G1352 διὸ διό dió Conj having put aside G659 ἀποθέμενοι ἀποτίθημι apotíthēmi V-2nd-Mid-Nom-Pl-M all G3956 πᾶσαν πᾶς pâs Adj-Acc-Sg-F filthiness G4507 ῥυπαρίαν ῥυπαρία rhyparía N-Acc-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj excess G4050 περισσείαν περισσεία perisseía N-Acc-Sg-F of wickedness G2549 κακίας κακία kakía N-Gen-Sg-F in G1722 ἐν en Prep humility G4240 πραΰτητι πραΰτης praÿtēs N-Dat-Sg-F do receive G1209 δέξασθε δέχομαι déchomai V-Aor-Mid-Imp-Pl-2P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M implanted G1721 ἔμφυτον ἔμφυτος émphytos Adj-Acc-Sg-M word G3056 λόγον λόγος lógos N-Acc-Sg-M which G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M is being able G1410 δυνάμενον δύναμαι dýnamai V-Pres-Mid-Acc-Sg-M to save G4982 σῶσαι σώζω sṓzō V-Aor-Act the G3588 τὰς ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-F souls G5590 ψυχὰς ψυχή psychḗ N-Acc-Pl-F thou G4771 ὑμῶν σύ sý Pers-Gen-Pl-2P
22 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.
Γίνεσθε δὲ ποιηταὶ λόγου καὶ μὴ μόνον ἀκροαταὶ παραλογιζόμενοι ἑαυτούς
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing do be G1096 Γίνεσθε γίνομαι gínomai V-Pres-Mid-Imp-Pl-2P however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj doers G4163 ποιηταὶ ποιητής poiētḗs N-Nom-Pl-M of [the] word G3056 λόγου λόγος lógos N-Gen-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega only G3441 μόνον μόνος mónos Adj-Acc-Sg-N hearers G202 ἀκροαταὶ ἀκροατής akroatḗs N-Nom-Pl-M deceiving G3884 παραλογιζόμενοι παραλογίζομαι paralogízomai V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Pl-M yourselves G1438 ἑαυτούς ἑαυτοῦ heautoû Refl-Acc-Pl-2P-M
23 For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror,
ὅτι εἴ τις ἀκροατὴς λόγου ἐστὶν καὶ οὐ ποιητής οὗτος ἔοικεν ἀνδρὶ κατανοοῦντι τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γενέσεως αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐσόπτρῳ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing because G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj if G1487 εἴ εἰ ei Conj anyone G5100 τις τὶς tìs Inde-Nom-Sg-M a hearer G202 ἀκροατὴς ἀκροατής akroatḗs N-Nom-Sg-M of [the] word G3056 λόγου λόγος lógos N-Gen-Sg-M is G1510 ἐστὶν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj not G3756 οὐ ou Nega a doer G4163 ποιητής poiētḗs N-Nom-Sg-M this one G3778 οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Nom-Sg-M has been likened G1503 ἔοικεν εἴκω eíkō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to a man G435 ἀνδρὶ ἀνήρ anḗr N-Dat-Sg-M looking G2657 κατανοοῦντι κατανοέω katanoéō V-Pres-Act-Dat-Sg-M at the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N face G4383 πρόσωπον prósōpon N-Acc-Sg-N the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F natural G1078 γενέσεως γένεσις génesis N-Gen-Sg-F of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep a mirror G2072 ἐσόπτρῳ ἔσοπτρον ésoptron N-Dat-Sg-N
24 and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
κατενόησεν γὰρ ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀπελήλυθεν καὶ εὐθέως ἐπελάθετο ὁποῖος ἦν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he has viewed G2657 κατενόησεν κατανοέω katanoéō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj himself G1438 ἑαυτὸν ἑαυτοῦ heautoû Refl-Acc-Sg-3P-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj has gone away G565 ἀπελήλυθεν ἀπέρχομαι apérchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj immediately G2112 εὐθέως euthéōs Adv he has forgotten G1950 ἐπελάθετο ἐπιλανθάνομαι epilanthánomai V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P what like G3697 ὁποῖος hopoîos Inte-Nom-Sg-M he was G1510 ἦν εἰμί eimí V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.
ὁ δὲ παρακύψας εἰς νόμον τέλειον τὸν τῆς ἐλευθερίας καὶ παραμείνας οὐκ ἀκροατὴς ἐπιλησμονῆς γενόμενος ἀλλὰ ποιητὴς ἔργου οὗτος μακάριος ἐν τῇ ποιήσει αὐτοῦ ἔσται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing The [one] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj having looked intently G3879 παρακύψας παρακύπτω parakýptō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M into G1519 εἰς eis Prep [the] law G3551 νόμον νόμος nómos N-Acc-Sg-M perfect G5046 τέλειον τέλειος téleios Adj-Acc-Sg-M that G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F of freedom G1657 ἐλευθερίας ἐλευθερία eleuthería N-Gen-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj having continued in [it] G3887 παραμείνας παραμένω paraménō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega a hearer G202 ἀκροατὴς ἀκροατής akroatḗs N-Nom-Sg-M forgetful G1953 ἐπιλησμονῆς ἐπιλησμονή epilēsmonḗ N-Gen-Sg-F having been G1096 γενόμενος γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Nom-Sg-M but G235 ἀλλὰ ἀλλά allá Conj a doer G4163 ποιητὴς ποιητής poiētḗs N-Nom-Sg-M of [the] work — G2041 ἔργου ἔργον érgon N-Gen-Sg-N this one G3778 οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Nom-Sg-M blessed G3107 μακάριος makários Adj-Nom-Sg-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F work to be done G4160 ποιήσει ποιέω poiéō V-Fut-Act-Ind-Sg-3P by him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M am G1510 ἔσται εἰμί eimí V-Fut-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P
26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
Εἴ τις δοκεῖ θρησκὸς εἶναι μὴ χαλιναγωγῶν γλῶσσαν αὐτοῦ ἀλλ᾽ ἀπατῶν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ τούτου μάταιος ἡ θρησκεία
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing If G1487 Εἴ εἰ ei Conj anyone G5100 τις τὶς tìs Inde-Nom-Sg-M seems G1380 δοκεῖ δοκέω dokéō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P religious G2357 θρησκὸς θρησκός thrēskós Adj-Nom-Sg-M to be G1510 εἶναι εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega bridling G5468 χαλιναγωγῶν χαλιναγωγέω chalinagōgéō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M [the] tongue G1100 γλῶσσαν γλῶσσα glōssa N-Acc-Sg-F of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M but G235 ἀλλ᾽ ἀλλά allá Conj deceiving G538 ἀπατῶν ἀπατάω apatáō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M [the] heart G2588 καρδίαν καρδία kardía N-Acc-Sg-F of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M of this one G3778 τούτου οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Gen-Sg-M worthless [is] G3152 μάταιος mátaios Adj-Nom-Sg-F the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F religion G2356 θρησκεία thrēskeía N-Nom-Sg-F
27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
θρησκεία καθαρὰ καὶ ἀμίαντος παρὰ τῷ θεῷ καὶ πατρὶ αὕτη ἐστίν ἐπισκέπτεσθαι ὀρφανοὺς καὶ χήρας ἐν τῇ θλίψει αὐτῶν ἄσπιλον ἑαυτὸν τηρεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ κόσμου
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Religion G2356 θρησκεία thrēskeía N-Nom-Sg-F pure G2513 καθαρὰ καθαρός katharós Adj-Nom-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj undefiled G283 ἀμίαντος amíantos Adj-Nom-Sg-F before G3844 παρὰ παρά pará Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M God G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj Father G3962 πατρὶ πατήρ patḗr N-Dat-Sg-M this G3778 αὕτη οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Nom-Sg-F is G1510 ἐστίν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to visit G1980 ἐπισκέπτεσθαι ἐπισκέπτομαι episképtomai V-Pres-Mid orphans G3737 ὀρφανοὺς ὀρφανός orphanós Adj-Acc-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj widows G5503 χήρας χήρα chḗra Adj-Acc-Pl-F in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F tribulation G2347 θλίψει θλῖψις thlîpsis N-Dat-Sg-F of them G846 αὐτῶν αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Pl-M unstained G784 ἄσπιλον ἄσπιλος áspilos Adj-Acc-Sg-M oneself G1438 ἑαυτὸν ἑαυτοῦ heautoû Refl-Acc-Sg-3P-M to keep G5083 τηρεῖν τηρέω tēréō V-Pres-Act from G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M adorning G2889 κόσμου κόσμος kósmos N-Gen-Sg-M
James 2
Study Notes — James 1
5 sectionsJames chapter 1 sets the foundational theme of his entire letter: authentic Christian faith must be demonstrated through action and perseverance. Writing to believers scattered across the Roman world, James addresses the trials and temptations that test our faith, showing how God uses difficulty to mature us spiritually. He emphasizes that true religion is not mere intellectual assent or religious appearance, but a living relationship with God that produces patience, wisdom, and tangible works of love toward others.
James identifies himself humbly as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, establishing his authority while maintaining a posture of humility. He addresses the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad—Jewish Christians dispersed by persecution—reminding them of their spiritual identity and cohesion despite geographical separation.
In verses 2–4, James gives counterintuitive instruction: count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. This is not masochism but spiritual wisdom. Trials (Greek peirasmos) test and strengthen faith like fire refines gold. The trying of your faith worketh patience—endurance develops character. Verse 4 reveals God's goal: that patience have its perfect work, making believers perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Spiritual maturity comes through perseverance in difficulty.
Verse 5 transitions to a practical help: if believers lack wisdom to navigate trials, they should ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. God gives generously without reproach. He doesn't shame us for asking; He welcomes our requests. This sets up verses 6–8's warning: ask in faith, not wavering (Greek diakrino—doubting or being divided). The doubter is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed—unstable and unreliable. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Such a person cannot expect to receive God's gifts.
Application: When facing trials, ask God for wisdom with confident faith. Doubt paralyzes; trust mobilizes.
James addresses both poverty and wealth. The brother of low degree should rejoice in that he is exalted—not in earthly status, but in his spiritual position in Christ. Conversely, the rich should rejoice in that he is made low (humbled), recognizing that material wealth is temporary. As the flower of the grass he shall pass away—verses 10–11 emphasize the swift fading of earthly riches. This is not anti-wealth teaching but a call to proper perspective: earthly status, rich or poor, is fleeting.
Verse 12 pronounces blessing: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation. When tested and proven faithful, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Perseverance yields eternal reward.
Application: Neither poverty nor wealth defines your worth. Your true value lies in Christ, and your reward is secured through faithful endurance.
James clarifies crucial theology: God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man (verse 13). God never entices toward sin. Rather, every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed (verse 14). Sin originates in our desires, not God's character. Verse 15 traces sin's tragic progression: lust conceives sin, sin brings forth death.
Verses 17–18 establish God's absolute goodness: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, proceeding from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. God is unchangeably good. By His sovereign will, begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits—we are His precious possession.
Application: Blame neither God nor circumstances for temptation toward sin; take responsibility for your choices, knowing God's goodness is unwavering.
Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (verse 19)—this describes the spiritually mature listener. The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (verse 20). Verse 21 calls believers to receive with meekness the engrafted word, which can save your souls.
Verses 22–25 warn against mere hearing without doing. One who hears but doesn't obey is like someone glancing in a mirror then forgetting his face. But the