SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:1

1:1a

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: In an ancient Greek letter, it was normal for the writer to mention his own name first. So James began this letter with his own name. However, in some languages, starting with James’ name will not make it clear that James was the writer of the letter. It may be necessary to say this explicitly. For example:

This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. (New Living Translation (2004))

In some languages, it is not usual for a person to talk about himself in the third person. In these languages, it may be necessary to say:

⌊I,⌋ James, ⌊am writing this letter. I am⌋ a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
-or-

⌊I am⌋ James. ⌊I am writing this letter to you. I am⌋ a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

James: James was one of Jesus’ younger brothers. He was also one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. He is mentioned in Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3, and various other places in the NT. It is important to spell the name James the same way here as you did in those passages.

For more information about James, see the section called “The person who wrote the letter” in the Introduction.

a servant of God: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as servant also means “slave.” This normally refers to someone who was owned by another person. He worked for his owner without receiving pay.

The phrase servant of God (or more often “servant of the Lord ”) is often used figuratively in the Old Testament to describe the relationship that God’s people have to him, their master. It refers to someone who submits to God, serves God, and is devoted and loyal to God.

People often despised servants or slaves. But when someone called himself a servant of God, as James did here, he was not ashamed of it. If you have more than one word to describe servants or slaves, choose the one that is most appropriate to be used in this positive sense that describes a believer’s relationship to God.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

a slave of God (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
a worker of/for God

In some languages, it will be best to translate the word servant as a verb. For example:

⌊I⌋ serve God
-or-
belong to God
-or-
submit to God

and of the Lord Jesus Christ: James also called himself a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means someone who has authority over someone or something. Here it is a title that identifies Jesus as God, the one who has supreme authority.

Some other ways to translate Lord are:

Master
-or-
Owner
-or-
supreme Chief/Leader

In some languages, it may be necessary to add a word like “our” before Lord. For example:

⌊our⌋ Master/Chief

For further suggestions on translating Lord in James, see Lord in the Glossary.

Christ: The word Christ is sometimes used as a title and sometimes as a name. Even when it is used as a name, it has the same meaning that it has as a title. Here in James, the word Christ probably functions as a title more than as a name.

The title Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” The Jews used this title to refer to the person whom God had appointed and promised to send as king and savior.

Some ways to translate Christ are:

• Use a title or a descriptive phrase in your language that has the same meaning as Christ. For example:

Messiah
-or-
Promised Deliverer
-or-
the Rescuer-King whom God appointed

• Transliterate Christ and include a phrase that explains the meaning. For example:

Christ, the appointed one
-or-
Cristo, the Savior whom God promised to send
-or-
the Christ, he comes from God

• Transliterate Christ and indicate in some way that it is a title. For example:

the Christ
-or-
the Kirisita

If you do not indicate the meaning of Christ in the text, you may want to include a footnote to explain it. Or you may want to explain the meaning in a glossary. For example:

The word/title “Christ” refers to the one whom God had promised to send. He would be both king and savior.

1:1b

To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings: In some languages, it may be natural to place the word Greetings before the phrase saying whom James was greeting. For example:

Greetings to the twelve tribes scattered all over the world. (Contemporary English Version)

It may also be necessary to use a verb that means “greets” rather than the noun Greetings. For example:

I greet the twelve tribes scattered among the nations
-or-
I say “hello” to you twelve tribes scattered among the nations

To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Most scholars interpret the phrase the twelve tribes to refer to Christians. However, there are two ways to interpret which Christians this phrase refers to:

(1) It refers to Jewish Christians who were scattered in other countries. The twelve tribes was a common way to refer to the Jews. Here it refers to Jews who were Christians. For example, the New Living Translation (2004) says:

I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad.

(New Living Translation (2004))

(2) It refers to both Jewish and Gentile Christians. Certain passages describe Christians as true or spiritual Israel. (See, for example, Galatians 3:7 and Galatians 3:29). Christians are of the Dispersion in the sense that they do not live in heaven which is their true homeland. For example, the Good News Translation says:

to all God’s people scattered over the whole world

(Good News Translation, New Century Version, God’s Word)

Most English versions translate this phrase literally and do not make it clear to whom the phrase refers. It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) and make this interpretation clear either in the text or in a footnote.

Some ways to translate this phrase are:

• Make it explicit that the phrase the twelve tribes refers to the twelve tribes “of Israel.” For example:

to the twelve tribes/clans of Israel who are scattered among the nations
-or-
to the people of Israel who are scattered among the nations

If you do this, you should include a footnote to explain that the twelve tribes refers to Jewish Christians.

• Make it explicit that the phrase the twelve tribes refers to Jewish Christians. For example:

to Jewish believers who are scattered among the nations

the twelve tribes: The phrase the twelve tribes refers to the descendants of Jacob’s twelve sons, whom God renamed as Israel. These people all spoke the same language and all considered themselves to belong to the same ethnic group.

In some languages it is more natural to call them:

clans
-or-
sections/divisions

of the Dispersion: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the Dispersion refers to certain times during the Jews’ history, when they had been forced to flee from their country. Many of them still lived in other (non-Jewish) countries. These are the people who would normally be referred to as the Dispersion.

However, James was probably writing to Jewish Christians. So he might also have meant the Jewish believers who had been forced to leave Jerusalem because they had been persecuted for their faith. See Acts 11:19 for an example.

The word Dispersion means that these people were living outside of their country or home areas. It does not mean that these people were living far apart from each other.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

dispersed throughout the world (Revised English Bible)
-or-
spread outside of their homeland
-or-
living in other countries

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

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.

SIL Translator's Notes on James 5:1

5:1a

Come now: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as Come now is an idiomatic way of getting people’s attention. This expression introduces a warning. So you should use words or an expression that are natural in your language to indicate that the next words are a serious matter. James was about to say something that his hearers would not be happy to hear.

Some other ways to translate this expression are:

And now…listen to me (Good News Translation)
-or-
Pay attention to this (God’s Word)
-or-
Think carefully ⌊ about what I am going to say⌋

Hear the word now is not the time word that means “at the present time.”

you who are rich: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you who are rich is literally “the rich men.” James was probably referring to rich landowners who were not Christians.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

you rich (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
if you’re rich (God’s Word)
-or-
you(plur) who are rich

As mentioned above, in some languages it may be more natural to translate this section without using the pronouns “you.” For example:

rich people

5:1b

weep and wail: The two Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as weep and wail are a doublet. This means that these two words mean almost the same thing. In some languages, both words can be translated by emphasizing one action. For example:

cry loudly

weep: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as weep means to “cry.” For example, the Contemporary English Version says:

cry

This same Greek word occurs in 4:9a.

wail: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wail means to make a loud screaming noise that expresses great emotion. It generally includes “crying.”

Some other ways to translate this word are:

howl (English Standard Version)
-or-
cry aloud (NET Bible)

5:1c

over the misery to come upon you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as over is a preposition. It also means “on.” For example:

over the miseries that are coming upon you (Good News Translation)
-or-

about the misery that is coming to you (God’s Word)

It is also possible to start a new sentence here. For example:

Terrible things are going to happen to you. (Contemporary English Version)

misery: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as misery is plural. For example:

miseries (Good News Translation)

This word means “great pains/ sufferings.” Some other ways to translate this word are:

terrible troubles (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
hardships
-or-
great suffering

to come: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to come means that rich people had not yet experienced this trouble. It would happen to them in the future.

In some languages, it is not natural to say that “misery” is to come. If that is true in your language, you may need to say something like:

because of the miseries that God will send/give you(plur)
-or-
because you are going to be miserable
-or-
Terrible things are going to happen to you. (Contemporary English Version)

upon you: Some other ways to translate upon you are:

on you
-or-
to you.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

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.

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:1

2:1a–b

My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism: James commanded God’s people to treat everyone equally. They must not show favoritism. The basis for his command was that they are believers in Jesus. They must live in a way that is fitting and right for those who are believers.

Some other ways to translate this sentence are:

since/because you believe…, do not show favoritism.
-or-
if you believe…, then do not show favoritism.
-or-
now that you believe…, do not show favoritism.
-or-
you believe…. So, do not show favoritism.

2:1a

My brothers: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as My brothers refers to other believers in Christ to whom James was writing. It refers to both men and women.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

My fellow believers
-or-
My brothers and sisters (NET Bible)
-or-
My relatives/siblings in Christ
-or-
My Christian friends

This same phrase occurs in 1:2a.

James used the term of address My brothers here to introduce the topic of proper treatment toward poor believers and to soften his command “don’t show favoritism.” (2:1b) You may have another way in your language to introduce a change of topic or to soften a command. If so, consider using it here.

as you hold out your faith: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as as you hold out your faith is literally “have the faith.” This phrase refers to those who trust in, rely on, or are committed to Jesus Christ.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

as those who trust in
-or-
since you rely/depend upon
-or-
as people who are committed to

Your language may use an idiom for this meaning.

our glorious Lord Jesus Christ: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as our glorious Lord Jesus Christ indicates that glory in some way belongs to or describes the Lord Jesus Christ.

The word glorious means that our Lord Jesus Christ is majestic and worthy of praise and honor. He is wonderful and great.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

our majestic Lord Jesus Christ
-or-
our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ
-or-
our Lord Jesus Christ. He is worthy of praise.

Lord Jesus Christ: The phrase Lord Jesus Christ also occurs in 1:1a. See the note on 1:1a for help in translating this phrase.

2:1b

do not show favoritism: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as show favoritism refers to treating some people better than others. This is done because they have much wealth or because they have a high position in society.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

do not favor rich people more than poor people
-or-
do not honor/respect some people more than others
-or-
The way you treat people should not be determined by their wealth or status in society

The Greek word is plural. This implies “many acts of favoritism.” James was thinking of a habitual way of behaving. For example:

You should not make a habit of treating some people better because they are wealthier
-or-
you must always be impartial (Revised English Bible)

Some languages have an idiom for referring to the practice of giving special treatment to rich or powerful people.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

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.

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:5

Paragraph 2:5–7

In this paragraph, James wrote about two further reasons why Christians should not favor a rich person above a poor one. The reasons are:

(a) that God honors poor people, and

(b) that the enemies of Christ and the church are more likely to be rich people.

2:5a

Listen: James used the word Listen so that his readers would pay special attention to what he wrote next. Some other ways to translate Listen are:

Be attentive to what I am about to say
-or-
Please think about this

In your translation, use whatever a speaker of your language would say in order to encourage his listeners to focus their thoughts on the next words.

my beloved brothers: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as my beloved brothers refers to believers in Christ to whom James was writing. It refers to both men and women.

For suggestions on translating this phrase, see the note in 1:16 where this same phrase occurs.

The Berean Standard Bible places the phrase my beloved brothers at the beginning of 2:5, right after the word “listen.” This follows the Greek text. In some languages, it may be more natural to place it before the word “listen.”

2:5b–e

Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that God had certainly chosen the people whom society regards as being poor. He chose them to be rich in faith.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. In some languages, it will be more natural to divide this long question into two questions. For example:

Do you not know that God has chosen those who are poor to be rich in faith? Do you not know that he has chosen them to obtain the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?
-or-
God has chosen those who are poor to be rich in faith, right? God has chosen them to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him, right?

• As a statement. For example:

God has certainly chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith. He has certainly chosen them to inherit the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him.
-or-
God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him. (Good News Translation)

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

2:5b

Has not God chosen the poor: The clause Has not God chosen the poor refers to the fact that most of the people whom God has chosen are poor. It does not mean that all poor people are rich in faith. In some languages, it is more natural to make that clear. For example:

God has often chosen those who are poor
-or-
It is those people who are poor…whom God has often chosen
-or-
God has certainly chosen more poor people than rich people

the poor of this world: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as poor of this world is literally “poor in the world” or possibly “poor to the world.”

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

poor in things and money
-or-
poor according to the way people think

In some languages, it may be possible to translate “poor in/to the world” simply as “poor.” Readers will understand that the poor have very little or no money, land, or possessions. They are poor according to the way that people think.

2:5c

to be rich in faith: The phrase rich in faith contrasts with “poor of this world” (2:5b). These people were actually rich because they had placed their faith in Christ and had the benefits of such faith. This is something of great value.

This phrase does not necessarily indicate that they had a lot of faith. It simply means that they had faith.

Some ways to translate this phrase are:

• Translate it literally using the word rich. For example:

to be rich in faith/believing
-or-
to rather be rich because they have faith

• Show that the word rich is used in a spiritual sense. For example:

to believe in Christ. When they believe, it may be said that they are rich.

• Use a word other than rich that fits better with faith. For example:

to instead have faith, which is truly valuable

in faith: The word faith refers here to faith in Jesus. If it is necessary to include an object for the verb “believe,” use “our Lord Jesus Christ” as in 2:1, or simply “Jesus Christ.” “Faith in Jesus” means to trust, to rely on, and to be committed to him.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

trust in our Lord Jesus Christ
-or-
reliance/dependence upon Jesus Christ
-or-
confidence in Jesus Christ

In some languages, it is more natural to translate the noun faith with a verb. Some ways to do this are:

relying/depending on Jesus
-or-
trusting in Jesus
-or-
believing in Jesus
-or-
trusting in and committing to Jesus
-or-
having confidence in Jesus

Your language may use an idiom for this meaning.

2:5d

to inherit the kingdom: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to inherit the kingdom is literally “to be heirs of the kingdom” (as in the Revised Standard Version). The “heirs” are God’s children, so they will receive all the blessings that God has promised to give to his people.

The phrase the kingdom refers to the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God refers to God ruling and caring for his people as their king. It refers to the relationship that he has with his people. He leads, protects, and cares for them. They obey, trust, and submit to him as their king. It does not refer to a land or country that he rules over.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

to have a share/part in his kingdom
-or-
to be citizens/subjects of his kingdom
-or-
to receive the eternal blessings of his kingdom
-or-
to have the benefits of being a citizen of his kingdom
-or-
to be blessed by having him as their/our king

2:5e

He promised those who love Him: This clause describes the kingdom. In some languages, it will be natural to begin a new sentence here. For example:

God has promised this kingdom to those who love him.

promised: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as promised means “said or announced with certainty that he will do something.”

Some other ways to translate this word are:

said he would do
-or-
vowed
-or-
assured

those who love Him: The phrase those who love him refers to all believers. James is saying that poor believers are included in this group. Some other ways to translate this are:

to all those who love him
-or-
to everyone who loves him
-or-
to all of us who love him

The same words occur in 1:12d.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

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.

SIL Translator's Notes on James 3:12

3:12a–b

can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this question to rebuke his readers by emphasizing a well-known fact: each plant produces its own kind of fruit. He was saying that a fig tree certainly cannot produce olives and a grapevine cannot produce figs. This means that good people should not produce curses.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Can a fig tree produce olives…or a vine produce figs? (NET Bible)
-or-
A fig tree cannot bear olives, and a grapevine cannot bear figs, right?

• As a statement. For example:

A fig tree…cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs (Good News Translation)
-or-
A fig tree certainly cannot produce olives, and a grapevine certainly cannot produce figs.

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

fig tree…olives…grapevine…figs: In many languages, there are no words for the exact kinds of trees and fruit that James mentions here. However, the important part of the meaning here is not the exact kind of tree or fruit. The point is the fact that a tree cannot bear fruit that is not of its own kind.

James used these particular trees and fruits in his illustration because they were common in the region where he lived. Figs were a delicious fruit that was typical of the good things of that land. Olives were important as the main source oil used for cooking in that region. Grapes were squeezed to obtain juice, which was made into wine, the main drink of the region.

One way to translate these terms is to use trees and fruit that are common in your area. For example:

Does a guava tree produce mangos? Or does a passion fruit vine produce guavas? Of course not!

3:12a

My brothers: Once again, James used the term of address My brothers to soften the rebuke in 3:10–12.

See the notes on “my brothers” at 1:2a and 3:10b.

3:12c

Neither: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Neither introduces the last sentence of this paragraph. Some other ways to begin this sentence are:

Likewise
-or-
In the same way (God’s Word)
-or-
It is just as impossible (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

The picture has changed from trees and their fruit back to a spring and its water. The point here is not only that one kind of spring cannot produce water of a different kind. The point is that a bad spring cannot produce good water. (The translation of King James Version “so can no fountain [that is, spring] both yield salt water and fresh” depends on different manuscript copies from the ones followed by the modern versions. The text followed by King James Version says the same thing in other words as 3:11, but the text that Berean Standard Bible and the other modern versions follow says that bad cannot produce good. This is an advance in James’ argument, preparing the way for the next section 3:13–18. Therefore it seems likely that the text followed here by King James Version is not original, and so it is not recommended.) The implied information is that bad people cannot produce good praise to God.

salt spring: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as salt spring is literally “salty.” (The noun spring is not in the Greek text here but is implied from 3:11.) This word is different than the word meaning “bitter” (Berean Standard Bible “salt”) in 3:11. But the meaning is similar. It refers to a spring that always produces water that is not good to drink.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

a spring whose water tastes salty
-or-
a spring that produces water not fit to drink

In Israel, there are springs that are so full of minerals that it is not safe to drink the water. If salt springs are unknown in your area, you may want to replace salt spring with something that is more common in your area. For example:

a salty pool (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)
-or-
a salt pond (English Standard Version)
-or-
a well that gives foul water

fresh water: Here the phrase fresh water refers to water that tastes good. This same word occurs in 3:11.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

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.

SIL Translator's Notes on James 5:11

5:11a

See: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as See is literally “behold.” This word calls for the readers to pay attention, and it encourages them to think carefully about something.

In some languages, it is more natural to leave this idea implicit. Many English versions do not translate this word.

5:11b

how blessed we consider those who have persevered: Scholars differ as to whom James was talking about:

(1) He was referring to all people who have been steadfast in their faith. (Huther, page 213; Ropes, page 298; Davids (1982), page 186; Hiebert, page 303; Martin, page 193.) For example, the New Living Translation (2004 Revision) says:

We give great honor to those who endure under suffering.

(New International Version (2011 Revision), Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), God’s Word, NET Bible, King James Version)

(2) He was referring only to the prophets in 5:10b. The Good News Translation seems to follow this interpretation, saying:

We call them happy because they endured.

(Good News Translation, New Century Version)

James was probably repeating a well-known thought that applied to other people as well as prophets. (A similar thought occurs in 1:12.) For this reason, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

how blessed we consider: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as we consider blessed is related to the word in 1:12a that the Berean Standard Bible there translates as blessed. It means that the person is in a good position or is in an enviable/desirable situation.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

Favored/fortunate are
-or-
How good it is for

See also the note on 1:12a.

those who have persevered: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as have persevered also means “have endured.” This refers to people who continued to obey God throughout their lives, despite the fact that their faith was greatly tested.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

those who have endured (NET Bible)
-or-
did not give up (New Century Version)

This word comes from the same Greek verb as “perseveres” in 1:12a.

5:11c

James turned to a specific example of someone who persevered: Job. This example was well-known to James’ readers from the Old Testament and from Jewish tradition. Job continued to trust God even when he had lost his wealth, his family and his health.

You have heard of Job’s perseverance: The Greek noun that the Berean Standard Bible translates as perseverance also means “endurance.” It refers to remaining loyal and steadfast.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

You have heard about Job’s endurance. (God’s Word)
-or-
Job is an example of a man who endured patiently. (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)
-or-
You(plur) know about Job. He did not give up when he suffered

This noun also occurs in 1:3c, and it is related to the verb “have persevered” in 5:11a.

You: In some languages, it may be more natural to continue using the pronoun “We” as in 5:11b.

5:11d

and have seen: The clause have seen means “(you) have understood” by hearing or reading the story. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

and you know (Good News Translation)
-or-
and you(plur) have heard

the outcome from the Lord: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the outcome from the Lord is literally “the end of the Lord.” There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that is literally “end”:

(1) It means the conclusion, the final outcome, what happened in the end. According to this interpretation, the whole phrase means “the outcome that the Lord gave.” For example, the Good News Translation says:

how the Lord provided for him in the end

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), Contemporary English Version)

(2) It means the purpose, the goal that was in view. For example, the English Standard Version says:

the purpose of the Lord

(Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, New Century Version, New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version)

In 5:7 James not only urged Christians to be patient in the midst of suffering, but he also promised a happy ending (“the coming of the Lord”). Similarly, the farmer’s crop receives the rain in the end. So also here it is probable that James was referring not only to the fact that Job was steadfast in his faith, but to the way the Lord blessed him in the end. God finally restored Job’s family, wealth, and health (see Job 42:10–17). So it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

and how the Lord finally helped him. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the Lord’s plan finally ended in good (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

the Lord: Here the Lord refers to God, the one with supreme authority. This word also occurs in 5:10c.

5:11e

A Greek conjunction connects 5:11d to 5:11e. There are two ways to interpret this word:

(1) It means that or how and introduces something else that James’ readers had understood. For example, the New Jerusalem Bible says:

realising that the Lord is kind…

(King James Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, NET Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It means because or for and introduces a reason for how God treated Job. For example, the Good News Translation says:

For the Lord is full of mercy…

(Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). What happened to Job showed James’ readers that the Lord was gracious. The Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly translate this word, but it is probably following the first interpretation.

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: The clause The Lord is full of compassion and mercy means that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

the Lord is compassionate and merciful (God’s Word)
-or-
The Lord has much compassion and mercy

compassion and mercy: The words compassion and mercy are a doublet. This means that they have almost the same meaning.

The word compassion means “kind-hearted,” or “having much pity on people.” The word mercy means “compassionate” or “showing kindness towards people who suffer or who are in need.” (The word mercy also occurs in 2:13 and 3:17.)

Some other ways to translate these words are:

loving and kind
-or-
tenderness and pity

In some languages, it may be more natural to use a single expression that is intensified or emphasized. For example:

The Lord greatly pities his suffering people and helps them

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

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.

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:10

1:10a

But the one who is rich: The clause But the one who is rich contrasts with 1:9. However, there are two ways to interpret the clause the one who is rich:

(1) It refers to believers who are rich, in contrast to the ones who are poor (1:9). James was warning rich believers not to put their confidence in or highly value riches. For example, the Good News Translation says:

the rich Christians

(Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, God’s Word, Contemporary English Version and probably Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New Century Version) (Mayor, pages 43–44; Ropes, pages 145–146; Mitton, pages 36–37; Adamson (1976), page 61; Hiebert, pages 91–92; Moo (1985), page 68; Lenski, page 534; Tasker, page 43.)

(2) It refers to unbelievers. James was speaking about rich people who were generally evil and not believers in Jesus, like the ones described in James 2:6–7 and 5:1–6. He said that they will be condemned. For example, the New American Standard Bible says:

the rich man

(New American Standard Bible, NET Bible) (Alford, page 278; Huther, pages 55–56; Laws, pages 62–64; Davids (1982), pages 76–77; Martin, pages 25–26; Dibelius, pages 84–85, Stulac, pages 190–201.)

Some English translations can be understood either way (English Standard Version, Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English). The choice between interpretation (1) and (2) is very difficult. Some translators may prefer to translate in a way that can be understood as either (1) or (2). For example:

the rich (English Standard Version)
-or-
rich people

If you must choose one interpretation, or if you prefer to choose one interpretation, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Most English versions and many commentators follow that interpretation.

Some ways to make it clear that the one who is rich is also a brother are:

the rich brother
-or-
Rich believers (God’s Word)
-or-
the rich Christians (Good News Translation)

the one: Like “the brother” in 1:9a, the one here refers to rich believers in general. Consider whether it is more natural to use a singular or plural term here in your language.

should exult: The phrase should exult does not occur in Greek. However, it is clear from the parallel structure in 1:9b that readers should understand the same phrase here. So the Berean Standard Bible has supplied these words.

As noted in 1:9b, the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as should exult often means “boast.” But the Bible teaches that we should “boast” or “highly value” things that people generally have a low opinion of. Some of these things are weakness (2 Corinthians 12:5), knowing God (Jeremiah 9:24), and sufferings (Romans 5:3). Here James says that rich believers should “think well of” or “highly value” their low position.

Some other ways to translate this are:

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

If possible, use the same word for both the lowly brother (1:9b) and for the rich brother.

in his low position: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in his low position refers to:

(a) a humble attitude. God causes rich men to become humble so they understand that they need him to save them. Rich believers also become humble as they realize that their wealth does not make them important. They learn to highly value things that most people think of as lowly like serving others and being mistreated for the sake of Jesus.

(b) losing their wealth and high status when they were persecuted for being believers in Jesus.

If possible, translate this in a general way that could include both (a) and (b).

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

in being brought low (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
when God makes them humble (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
God has humbled them (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

1:10b

because: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because introduces the basis for the command in 1:10a. The rich believer should take pride in his low position, not in his riches (1:10a), because he, and his riches with him, will not last long (1:10b). In some languages, it is more natural to put the basis for the command (in 1:10b) before the command (in 1:10a). See the General Comment on 1:10a–b below for an example.

he will pass away like a flower of the field: This clause is a simile. In this simile, the rich person is compared to a wild flower. Some ways that they are similar are:

(a) They are not permanent. Both will soon die.

(b) It is only for a short period of time that people regard a rich person and a wild flower as important.

It is implied that the rich person’s wealth is also not permanent. You may want to make this explicit in your translation. For example:

he, and his riches too, will pass away like a wild flower

he will pass away: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he will pass away here means that the rich believer, like all people, “will die.” His life on this earth will end. For example:

The rich will die (New Century Version)

Many languages use idiomatic expressions for dying. In English, one such expression is what the Berean Standard Bible has used: pass away. If you have an idiom or an expression that would fit both a flower that withers and dies as well as a person who dies, you may want to use that here. For example:

he will no longer be alive
-or-
he will cease to live/be
-or-
he will no longer be present

like a flower of the field: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as flower of the field refers to flowers that grow on their own. No one plants them. In Israel, the land where James lived, brightly colored wild flowers grow in great numbers when rain comes. But it is not long before the hot sun dries them up, and they die.

In some languages there is no general word for a flower. In such cases, it may be necessary to:

• Use a word for a specific well-known flower that only lives for a short while and dies in the heat.

• Use a word for a specific part of a plant such as:

a blossom
-or-
a bloom

General Comment on 1:10a–b

In some languages, it will be more natural to change the order of the clauses in 1:10 and put the basis (1:10b) before the command (1:10a). For example:

10aBut the one who is rich 10bwill pass away like a flower of the field. 10aSo, he should exult in his low position, not in his riches.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

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.

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:16

2:16a

one of you: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as one of you is literally “any of you(plur).” It refers to any person who claimed to be a Christian among those to whom James wrote this letter.

him: The Greek pronoun that the Berean Standard Bible translates as him is literally “them.” It refers to both men and women. Use whatever is natural in your language to refer to the “brother or sister” in Christ of 2:15a.

2:16b

Go in peace: The phrase Go in peace was a common expression among Jews to say “goodbye” to a person who was leaving. It was a blessing of peace on the person who was leaving.

You should translate this phrase with a common expression that is used in your language when someone leaves. If possible, the expression should include words that wish the person well or that send him off with God’s blessing. For example:

God bless you (Good News Translation)
-or-
good-bye and God bless you (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)
-or-
Good-bye and have a good day (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

2:16c

stay warm and well fed: This clause is a wish (or prayer) that the person may somehow become warm and get enough to eat. It is not a piece of good advice reminding the person to be sensible and look after himself properly.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat (New Century Version)
-or-
May you be warm enough and have enough food to eat

2:16d

but does not provide for his physical needs: The Greek is literally “but you(plur) do not give to them the needed things of the body.” Notice that the pronouns “you” and “them” are both plural in Greek. However, in some languages, singular pronouns are more natural. This is what the Berean Standard Bible does. The pronouns you use here should be consistent with those you used in 2:16a.

The phrase his physical needs refers to the food and clothing that the person needs. The believer wishes the person well but does not give the person what he needs to keep warm or to end his hunger.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

but you do not give what that person needs (New Century Version)
-or-
but does nothing to supply their bodily needs (Revised English Bible)
-or-
but he does not give him clothing to wear and does not give him anything to eat

2:16e

what good is that?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that mere talk and good wishes were no help at all. These same words occur in 2:14a.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

…what good does it do? (God’s Word)
-or-
Will that help him?
-or-
That will not help him, right?

• As a statement. For example:

It does no good at all.
-or-
…your words are worth nothing. (New Century Version)
-or-
You will certainly not help that person just by saying those words.

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

General Comment on 2:16a–e

In some languages, it may be more natural to put 2:16e at the beginning of the verse. For example:

16eWhat good is it 16aif one of you tells him, 16b“Go in peace; 16cstay warm and well fed,” 16dbut does not provide for his physical needs?

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

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.