1:3

This verse describes in more detail how Christians should think about the tests of their faith.

1:3a

because you know that: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because you know introduces the basis for the command in 1:2a. James told his fellow believers to rejoice when they face trials (1:2a–b) because such trials have good effects. Trials develop perseverance in the person who is tested (1:3c).

This word also implies that James’ readers already understood that when their faith was tested, the result would be perseverance. So James was reminding them of this truth.

Some other ways to translate this are:

because you^(plur) realize
-or-
because you understand
-or-
because you are aware
-or-
You know that (Contemporary English Version)

In some languages, it is more natural to put the basis before the command (1:2a). See the General Comment on 1:2–3 at the end of 1:3c for an example.

you: The pronoun you is plural and refers to all the readers.

1:3b

the testing of your faith: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as testing refers to the process of testing to prove that something was genuine. Here the phrase probably refers to persecution that tests whether a person was really loyal to Jesus as God’s Messiah. Because of persecution, some Jewish Christians were tempted to abandon their faith in Christ and return to their Jewish religion.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

when your faith is tested (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
these troubles test your faith (New Century Version)
-or-
when you have difficulties and you^(plur) continue to believe/trust in Jesus/God
-or-
when you are tested and you prove that you are loyal to Jesus

your faith: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as faith refers to trusting in Jesus, relying on him, and being committed to him. It is based on the belief that Jesus is the Messiah and that he could save them from their sins.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

your^(plur) trust in Jesus
-or-
your loyalty/commitment to Jesus

If it is more natural to translate this word as a verb, do so. For example:

whether you^(plur) truly trust Jesus
-or-
that you really believe
-or-
if you are loyal to Jesus

1:3c

develops perseverance: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as develops perseverance means “produces the ability to continue to do something despite difficulties.” In this context, it means “produces/increases the ability to continue to believe firmly, even when difficulties arise.”

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

produces endurance (NET Bible)
-or-
you learn to endure (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
teaches you to continue/persist
-or-
teaches you patience

If there is an idiom in your language to express this idea, consider using it here.

General Comment on 1:2–3

In some languages, it is more natural to give the basis for the command (1:3) first, and then give the command itself (1:2). For example:

^3aYou know that ^3bthe testing of your faith ^3cdevelops perseverance. ^2aSo, my brothers, consider it pure joy, ^2bwhen you encounter trials of many kinds.

© 2012 by SIL International®

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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.