Brief Summary:
The Book of James outlines the faith walk through genuine religion (1:1-27), genuine faith (2:1-3:12) and genuine wisdom (3:13-5:20). This book contains a remarkable parallel to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. James begins in the first chapter by describing the overall traits of the faith walk. In chapter 2 and the beginning of chapter 3 he discusses social justice and a discourse on faith in action. He then compares and contrasts the difference between worldly and godly wisdom and asks us to turn away from evil and draw close to God. James gives a particularly severe rebuke to the rich who hoard and those who are self-reliant. Finally he ends with encouragement to believers to be patient in suffering, praying and caring for one another and bolstering our faith through fellowship.
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The Book of James Summary
Summary of the Book of James – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Most conservative Bible scholars—but not all—agree that this letter was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus. Jesus, the Son of God, was born to Mary while she was still a virgin (Matthew 1:25), before she had ever slept with Joseph. This makes Joseph Jesus’ stepfather, but not his biological father. Future children of Mary would then be Jesus’ half-siblings.
John 7:5 tells us that even Jesus’ own brothers did not believe in Him during His earthly ministry. It’s likely James came to trust in Jesus as the Son of God either late in Jesus’ ministry or after the resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:7, Paul writes that after Christ was raised from the dead, He appeared to James.
James became one of the prominent leaders among the Christians in Jerusalem. While other Jewish Christians scattered to escape persecution, James remained to help lead the church there. Now he begins his letter by identifying himself as a bondservant, from the Greek word duolos, also meaning “slave,” of both God and of Jesus Christ. He doesn’t mention his unique family relationship to Jesus, only his role as Jesus’ servant.
James’ letter is written to all the scattered Jewish Christians, referred to as “the Dispersion.”
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“James 1:1” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:2” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:2 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:2-4
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:3” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:3
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:4” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:4 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:2-4
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:5” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:5
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:6” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:6
6 But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:7” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:7 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:7
7 For that man shouldn’t think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:8” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:8 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:8
8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:9” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:8 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:9
9 But let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his high position;
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:12” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:12 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:12
12 Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:13” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:13
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:14” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:14 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:14
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
In the previous verse, James made it clear that temptation to sin always comes from within ourselves. It’s never God’s fault. No matter how terrible our circumstances are, the desire to sin is still ours. We are tempting ourselves to sin. God provides trials and ordeals as a way to “exercise” our faith, in order to make it stronger. The lure of giving up, sinning, and defying God is not the purpose of His will.
Here James warns us of the consequence of giving into our desire, which is falling into sin. When we say “yes” to the desire to do what we want, instead of trusting God and obeying Him, sin is born. Then sin grows up and produces death.
Sin always leads to death. For those who are not in Christ—who have not accepted God’s free gift of forgiveness of sin, who have not been born again to a new life—that death is permanent and eternal. But even for Christians, sin brings deadly consequences. Later in this letter James will write that when Christians succeed in turning each other back from sin, they save each other from death (James 5:19–20).
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“James 1:15” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:15
15 Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin. The sin, when it is full grown, produces death.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:17” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:17-18
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. 18 Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Context Summary
James 1:2–18 begins with a challenging command for Christians. We are to classify hard things in their lives as ”joyful,” because those ordeals help us develop a deeper trust in God. Christians who trust God also seek wisdom from Him—and not from ungodly sources. We continue to trust Him through difficult experiences, in part, to receive the crown of life promised to those who don’t stop. We don’t blame Him for our desire to sin, but we do credit Him for every good thing in our lives.
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“James 1:18” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:18 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:17-18
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. 18 Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Context Summary
James 1:19–27 emphasizes that those who truly trust God don’t settle for merely appearing religious. They give up trying to control the world with their words and their anger. They humbly receive the Word God has planted in them, listen to it, and proceed to do what it says. Part of what the Word says to us is that we should keep control over our words, to care for those who are weak and suffering, and to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world around us.
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“James 1:19” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:19 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:19
19 So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
Context Summary
James 1:19–27 emphasizes that those who truly trust God don’t settle for merely appearing religious. They give up trying to control the world with their words and their anger. They humbly receive the Word God has planted in them, listen to it, and proceed to do what it says. Part of what the Word says to us is that we should keep control over our words, to care for those who are weak and suffering, and to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world around us.
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“James 1:20” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:20 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:20
20 for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.
Context Summary
James 1:19–27 emphasizes that those who truly trust God don’t settle for merely appearing religious. They give up trying to control the world with their words and their anger. They humbly receive the Word God has planted in them, listen to it, and proceed to do what it says. Part of what the Word says to us is that we should keep control over our words, to care for those who are weak and suffering, and to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world around us.
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“James 1:21” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:21 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:21
21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Context Summary
James 1:19–27 emphasizes that those who truly trust God don’t settle for merely appearing religious. They give up trying to control the world with their words and their anger. They humbly receive the Word God has planted in them, listen to it, and proceed to do what it says. Part of what the Word says to us is that we should keep control over our words, to care for those who are weak and suffering, and to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world around us.
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“James 1:27” Bibleref.com
What does James 1:27 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 1:27
27 Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
(Read James 1:22-25)
If we heard a sermon every day of the week, and an angel from heaven were the preacher, yet, if we rested in hearing only, it would never bring us to heaven. Mere hearers are self-deceivers; and self-deceit will be found the worst deceit at last. If we flatter ourselves, it is our own fault; the truth, as it is in Jesus, flatters no man. Let the word of truth be carefully attended to, and it will set before us the corruption of our nature, the disorders of our hearts and lives; and it will tell us plainly what we are. Our sins are the spots the law discovers: Christ’s blood is the laver the gospel shows. But in vain do we hear God’s word, and look into the gospel glass, if we go away, and forget our spots, instead of washing them off; and forget our remedy, instead of applying to it. This is the case with those who do not hear the word as they ought. In hearing the word, we look into it for counsel and direction, and when we study it, it turns to our spiritual life. Those who keep in the law and word of God, are, and shall be, blessed in all their ways. His gracious recompence hereafter, would be connected with his present peace and comfort. Every part of Divine revelation has its use, in bringing the sinner to Christ for salvation, and in directing and encouraging him to walk at liberty, by the Spirit of adoption, according to the holy commands of God. And mark the distinctness, it is not for his deeds, that any man is blessed, but in his deed. It is not talking, but walking, that will bring us to heaven. Christ will become more precious to the believer’s soul, which by his grace will become more fitted for the inheritance of the saints in light.
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James 1 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
James 1:22-23
22 But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror;
Context Summary
James 2:1–13 continues the prior passage’s focus on Christians living out what the Word of God says. Those who hold the faith of Christ should obey the command to love our neighbors as ourselves. This includes not showing favoritism to the rich over the poor. Christians should trust God to provide for and protect them, instead of seeking the favor of the very group of people who were oppressing them in the first place. According to the gospel, all of us are lawbreakers. Christians, as people who believe they will be judged by the law that gives freedom, should treat all others as equals.
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“James 2:5” Bibleref.com
What does James 2:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 2:5
5 Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn’t God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him?
Context Summary
James 2:1–13 continues the prior passage’s focus on Christians living out what the Word of God says. Those who hold the faith of Christ should obey the command to love our neighbors as ourselves. This includes not showing favoritism to the rich over the poor. Christians should trust God to provide for and protect them, instead of seeking the favor of the very group of people who were oppressing them in the first place. According to the gospel, all of us are lawbreakers. Christians, as people who believe they will be judged by the law that gives freedom, should treat all others as equals.
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“James 2:6” Bibleref.com
What does James 2:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 2:6
6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Don’t the rich oppress you, and personally drag you before the courts?
Context Summary
James 2:1–13 continues the prior passage’s focus on Christians living out what the Word of God says. Those who hold the faith of Christ should obey the command to love our neighbors as ourselves. This includes not showing favoritism to the rich over the poor. Christians should trust God to provide for and protect them, instead of seeking the favor of the very group of people who were oppressing them in the first place. According to the gospel, all of us are lawbreakers. Christians, as people who believe they will be judged by the law that gives freedom, should treat all others as equals.
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“James 2:13” Bibleref.com
What does James 2:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 2:12-13
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Context Summary
James 2:14–26 makes the case that how one acts—their ”works”—are a sign of the kind of ”faith” they possess. So-called-”faith” which doesn’t lead a person to participate in good works is not a saving faith; it is a dead thing. It is pointless and meaningless to believe, or ”wish,” a poverty-stricken person to be well, if such an opinion leads to no action. In exactly the same way, James insists that it is not enough to mentally agree about certain facts of God. If what a person believes about God does not lead them to act accordingly, then their ”faith” is not saving faith. It is merely opinion. James never says that faith is not essential for salvation. He never claims works are required to obtain or keep salvation. He is, however, crystal clear that truly saving faith cannot be separated from the evidence of good works.
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“James 2:14” Bibleref.com
What does James 2:14 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 2:14
14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him?
Context Summary
James 2:14–26 makes the case that how one acts—their ”works”—are a sign of the kind of ”faith” they possess. So-called-”faith” which doesn’t lead a person to participate in good works is not a saving faith; it is a dead thing. It is pointless and meaningless to believe, or ”wish,” a poverty-stricken person to be well, if such an opinion leads to no action. In exactly the same way, James insists that it is not enough to mentally agree about certain facts of God. If what a person believes about God does not lead them to act accordingly, then their ”faith” is not saving faith. It is merely opinion. James never says that faith is not essential for salvation. He never claims works are required to obtain or keep salvation. He is, however, crystal clear that truly saving faith cannot be separated from the evidence of good works.
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“James 2:18” Bibleref.com
What does James 2:18 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 2:18
18 Yes, a man will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Context Summary
James 2:14–26 makes the case that how one acts—their ”works”—are a sign of the kind of ”faith” they possess. So-called-”faith” which doesn’t lead a person to participate in good works is not a saving faith; it is a dead thing. It is pointless and meaningless to believe, or ”wish,” a poverty-stricken person to be well, if such an opinion leads to no action. In exactly the same way, James insists that it is not enough to mentally agree about certain facts of God. If what a person believes about God does not lead them to act accordingly, then their ”faith” is not saving faith. It is merely opinion. James never says that faith is not essential for salvation. He never claims works are required to obtain or keep salvation. He is, however, crystal clear that truly saving faith cannot be separated from the evidence of good works.
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“James 2:19” Bibleref.com
What does James 2:19 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 2:19
19 You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder.
Context Summary
James 2:14–26 makes the case that how one acts—their ”works”—are a sign of the kind of ”faith” they possess. So-called-”faith” which doesn’t lead a person to participate in good works is not a saving faith; it is a dead thing. It is pointless and meaningless to believe, or ”wish,” a poverty-stricken person to be well, if such an opinion leads to no action. In exactly the same way, James insists that it is not enough to mentally agree about certain facts of God. If what a person believes about God does not lead them to act accordingly, then their ”faith” is not saving faith. It is merely opinion. James never says that faith is not essential for salvation. He never claims works are required to obtain or keep salvation. He is, however, crystal clear that truly saving faith cannot be separated from the evidence of good works.
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“James 2:20” Bibleref.com
What does James 2:20 mean? | BibleRef.com
James 2:20
20 But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead?
