5:8a

You, too: The phrase You, too indicates that Christians should behave like the farmer. James was applying the illustration to spiritual life.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

You^(plur) should act in the same way
-or-
You should do the same

be patient: The verb be patient is the same word as in 5:7a and 5:7e.

5:8b

strengthen your hearts: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as strengthen your hearts can also be translated as “Establish your hearts” (as in the Revised Standard Version). This is a Greek idiom. James was saying that Christians should remain confident in the midst of their difficult circumstances.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

Do not give up hope (New Century Version)
-or-
continue^(plur) confident
-or-
be courageous

Many languages have another idiom to translate this phrase. Use whatever has this meaning and is natural in your language.

5:8c

because: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because introduces the basis for James’ appeal to stand firm. They should stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near.

the Lord’s coming is near: The clause the Lord’s coming is near indicates that Jesus Christ will soon return. This fact should motivate James’ readers to be patient and courageous and not lose hope.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

the Lord is coming soon (New Century Version)
-or-
The Lord will soon be here! (Contemporary English Version)

The phrase the Lord’s coming also occurs in 5:7b.

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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.