Paragraph 1:9–11

Even if a Christian has a low position in society, he can rejoice. He can rejoice because, in God’s opinion, he is in a high position. Similarly, a Christian who is rich should have God’s opinion about himself. Although rich people are generally given high status because of their riches, rich Christians should rather value a low position and humble attitude. They should remember that our lives on earth are short and that riches will not last.

The theme of section 1:2–11 is that Christians should continue to trust God/Jesus when they have various kinds of tests/trials. Poverty is a kind of trial. It is also the result of the trial of being persecuted. Riches too may be a kind of test of faith. They test whether the Christian will trust God or his money. And for rich Christians who had lost wealth and status because of their faith in Christ, they should think of this in a positive way.

1:9a

The brother: The word brother refers to any believer, whether male or female. Notice that although James used a singular noun, he was not referring to one person in particular. He was referring to poor believers in general. Consider whether it is more natural to use a singular or plural term here in your language.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

the believer (NET Bible)
-or-
fellow believers
-or-
Any of God’s people (Contemporary English Version)

The plural form of this same word occurs in 1:2a.

in humble circumstances: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in humble circumstances literally means “lowly” (as in the Revised Standard Version). It refers to someone who is in a low position in society and whom others consider to be unimportant. It includes the idea of such a person being poor. So the person in humble circumstances is contrasted to “the one who is rich” in 1:10a.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

who are poor (Good News Translation)
-or-
who is unimportant
-or-
who has a low status

1:9b

should exult: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as should exult usually means “boast.” In other words, it usually refers to talking about something that you are proud of. It can have either a positive or negative meaning.

Here it is clearly positive, and it refers to a way of thinking. Lowly, poor believers should “think very well of” or “highly value” their high position. This is because God thinks of them very highly and will reward them in the future.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

be glad (Good News Translation)
-or-
think well/highly of
-or-
highly value
-or-
rejoice (King James Version)

in his high position: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in his high position refers to his spiritual status as a Christian. Although other people may not consider a poor believer important, he is still important to God. This is what should give him pride and pleasure.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

that he is important to God
-or-
in his high status as a Christian
-or-
for God has honored them (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.