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James 5

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 5 of 5

1 Come now, rich ones, weep, howling over your miseries, the ones coming upon you.

2 Your riches have rotted, and your garments have become moth-eaten.

3 Your gold and silver have become corroded, and their poison will be a testimony to you, and will eat your flesh as a fire. You heaped treasure in the last days.

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Chapter Summary

1 Wicked rich men are to fear God’s vengeance. 7 We ought to be patient in afflictions.

Key Greek Words

μακροθυμέω be patient G3114
παρουσία coming, arrival G3952
προσεύχομαι pray G4336
ὑπομονή endurance G5281
πλούσιος rich one G4145
σῴζω save, heal G4982

People & Context

Elijah

Prophet cited as proof of effectual prayer; he prayed and it did not rain three years and six months [5:17-18].

Job

Held up as the example of patient endurance through suffering [5:11].

Timeline

Warning to the Wealthy

The rich are told to weep and howl over coming miseries. Their riches have rotted, garments are moth-eaten, gold and silver corroded. They heaped treasure in the last days. The withheld wages of the reapers cry out, and their cries reach the Lord of Hosts.

James 5:1-4
Luxury and Condemnation of the Righteous

The rich lived luxuriously and for self-pleasure, nourishing their hearts as in a day of slaughter. They condemned and murdered the righteous one who does not resist them.

James 5:5-6
Patience Until the Lord's Coming

Believers are urged to be patient until the coming of the Lord, like a farmer awaiting the precious fruit with the early and latter rain. They must set their hearts firmly, for the Lord's coming has drawn near. The Judge stands before the door.

James 5:7-9

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