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 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 2:7

2:7a–b

Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that it was the rich people, not the poor, who were speaking against Christ.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Do they not blaspheme the good name of the one you belong to? (NET Bible)
-or-
They are the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong, right?

• As a statement. For example:

They are the ones who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you. (Good News Translation)

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

2:7a

blaspheme: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as blaspheme means “speaking evil of someone” or “insulting and saying bad things about someone.”

Some other ways to translate this word are:

insulting
-or-
profaning
-or-
speaking evil against
-or-
disgracing

This same Greek word is also translated as “slandering” (as in the New International Version (2011 Revision)).

2:7b

the noble name by which you have been called: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the noble name by which you have been called is literally “the noble name that has been called upon/over you.” This “name that has been called over you” is the name that Jesus has given to you. Jesus gave his name to you to show that you belong to him. In other words, you/we are now in special relation to Jesus and part of his family.

The phrase the noble name refers to the name of Jesus Christ. His name is noble in the sense that it is a good, excellent, or honorable name. He is the one to whom James’ readers belong.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

the honorable/good name of Jesus, the one to whom you belong
-or-
the praiseworthy name of Jesus Christ. He is the one to whom you belong
-or-
the holy name of the one who is our master, Jesus Christ
-or-
the excellent name of Jesus Christ, whose people you became when you trusted in him

General Comment on 2:7a–b

In some languages, it is more natural to change the order of 2:7a and 2:7b. For example:

7bYou belong to him who has a noble name. 7aAre they not slandering his name?

© 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 3:14

Paragraph 3:14–16

In 3:14–16, James discussed false wisdom. People who have envy and personal ambition show that the wisdom that they claim to have is false. It does not come from God.

3:14a–b

if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts: This clause begins with the word if. But James was assuming that some of his readers did have bitter envy and selfish ambition. In some languages, it may be best not to translate this as an “if” sentence. It may be better to say:

Some of you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts.

From the context, it seems that James was still addressing men who wanted to be recognized as teachers in the church. No doubt there was more than one teacher, and they were competing with one another. Every teacher and his supporters thought that their way was correct. They were dedicated to their way so much that they argued bitterly and fiercely with their opponents.

3:14a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces a contrast with 3:13c. The “bitter envy and selfish ambition” that James saw in people are in contrast to the “humility” (3:13c) that he wanted to see.

you harbor: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as harbor is literally “have” (as in the Revised Standard Version). Some other ways to translate this word are:

you have (NET Bible)
-or-
you are (New Century Version)

bitter jealousy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bitter is often used to describe water that is not drinkable because of its bad taste (as it was used in 3:11). It is used figuratively here to refer to an attitude that is harsh, unpleasant, and resentful.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as jealousy also means “envy.” It is intense, negative feelings when someone else succeeds in ways that you have not succeeded.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

bitter envy (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
severe envy
-or-
very jealous
-or-
extremely unhappy when others succeed

3:14b

and selfish ambition: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as selfish ambition can also be translated as “selfishness” (as in the NET Bible). It refers to the attitude of someone who works to advance his own interests even if it harms or offends others.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

self-centered ambition (God’s Word)
-or-
selfishness (NET Bible)
-or-
and you want only you yourself to be dominant
-or-
and you only think about yourself
-or-
want to succeed more than others are succeeding

In this verse, James seems to have been warning teachers not to seek to increase the number of people in the church who supported them. He was also warning their groups of supporters not to promote their own teacher and try to destroy the reputation of the other teachers.

This same word occurs in Philippians 2:3–4.

in your hearts: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hearts refers to the part of a person where his thoughts and feelings come from. Some languages refer to this part of a person as the liver or stomach. In other languages, it may be most natural to omit this phrase altogether and leave the meaning implicit. For example:

if you are bitterly jealous and selfish

Or you may translate it in another way that refers to someone’s inward thoughts and attitudes. For example:

if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness inside yourself
-or-
if you are bitterly jealous and filled with self-centered ambition (God’s Word)

3:14c

do not boast in it: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as do not boast in it is literally “do not boast” (as in the Revised Standard Version). Most scholars agree that the boast is a claim to be wise. You may want to make this clear in your translation. For example:

do not boast of your wisdom (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
don’t brag about being wise (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

boast: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as boast here means to brag or say good things about oneself. James was telling his readers not to make confident or arrogant claims that they were wise.

3:14d

or deny the truth: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as deny the truth is literally “do not lie against the truth.” There are several ways to interpret this clause. The two most common ways are: (There is a third view: the truth which is contradicted is the truth that true wisdom is accompanied by meekness. When someone claims to be wise but is full of selfishness and jealousy, his life contradicts this truth. (See Martin, pages 130–131; Moo (2000), page 172; Laws, page 160–161.))

(1) The word truth refers to the truth regarding the boast that they are wise. According to this interpretation, those who boasted that they were wise were not telling the truth. They were lying. (Huther, page 167; Mayor, page 123; Mitton, page 137; Davids (1982), page 151.) For example:

14cDon’t say that you are wise 14dwhen it isn’t true. (God’s Word)

(God’s Word, New Living Translation, 1996 edition; possibly Revised English Bible, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version (These last four versions which speak about hiding, covering up, or defying the truth may mean “do not cover up the truth that you are really full of jealousy and selfish ambition and so cannot have true wisdom.”))

(2) The word truth refers to the truth that is found in the gospel or God’s word. (Or it may refer more specifically to the truth about what wisdom really is like.) According to this interpretation, those who boasted that they were wise “denied, contradicted, or hid from others” the truth of the gospel by the way they lived. They prevented or hindered people from knowing what real truth was.

Many English translations are ambiguous, and it is not possible to tell which interpretation they follow. It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

This is a lie.
-or-
Do not lie like that.
-or-
You are lying. It’s not true.
-or-
when what you do contradicts the truth

© 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 5:13

Section 5:13–18

Believers should praise God and pray to him in faith

In this section, James talked about how believers should interact with God in all kinds of situations. When things are going well, they should praise him. When they need help, they should ask him for it.

Some other possible headings for this section are:

The Power of Prayer (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
Prayer for the Sick (NET Bible)
-or-
Think of God in all Situations
-or-
Pray to God in every Circumstance

Paragraph 5:13–16

In 5:13 James advised people to praise God or to pray to him, according to what kind of situation they are in. Then he gave them detailed instructions and encouraged them to pray for the sick (5:14–16).

5:13a

Is any one of you suffering?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to begin talking about a particular situation. It also introduces a new topic. The topic is about what to do when you are in trouble.

Some ways to introduce this new topic are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Are any among you in trouble? (Good News Translation)

• As a statement. For example:

Anyone who is having troubles (New Century Version)

• As a conditional clause. For example:

If any of you are having trouble (God’s Word)

• As a temporal clause. For example:

When you(sing) are in trouble

Use a natural way in your language to introduce this new topic.

A rhetorical question with a similar function occurs in 3:13a.

Is…suffering: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Is…suffering means “faces difficulties (of any kind).” It could refer to physical suffering, but you should translate it in a way that includes other kinds of trouble as well.

Some other ways to translate this verb are:

Is…in trouble (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
Are…suffering hardships (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
Is having difficulties

any one of you: The phrase any one of you refers to any believer. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

Anyone who (New Century Version)
-or-
you (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
any person among you(plur)

5:13b

He should pray: In some languages, it will be necessary to make explicit the person to whom people should pray, that is, God. Some other ways to translate this are:

It is important that he pray to God
-or-
He should ask God to help him

He: Depending on how you have translated “anyone of you” in 5:13a, you may need to say “you” or “they” rather than “he” here.

5:13c

Is anyone cheerful?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to begin talking about a particular situation. The situation is what to do when you are happy.

Some ways to translate this are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Are any among you happy? (Good News Translation)

• As a statement. For example:

Anyone who is happy (New Century Version)
-or-
Concerning people who are happy

• As a conditional clause. For example:

If you are happy (God’s Word)

• As a temporal clause. For example:

When you(sing) are happy

cheerful: Some other ways to translate this word are:

encouraged
-or-
hopeful
-or-
happy (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
feeling good (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
glad

5:13d

sing praises: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sing praises refers to praising God by singing any kind of psalm or hymn or spiritual song. It refers to expressing in words and song how much you love, respect, admire and honor God for who he is.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

sing songs of praise (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
sing praises to the Lord (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)
-or-
sing words that honor the Lord

© 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 1:12

Section 1:12–18

God does not tempt people to do evil

This section has an opening verse (1:12) (Some commentators connect 1:12 to 1:2–11 (Hiebert, for example). Others see 1:12 as a kind of “hinge” that connects 1:2–11 to 1:12–18 (Moo (2000), pages 71–72; McCartney, page 100). They recognize that 1:2–3 and 1:12 form an inclusio, or verbal bracket to 1:2–12 through the repetition in both of three key words: trials and two main paragraphs (1:13–15 and 1:16–18). In 1:12 James recalled 1:2–3 and that it was important to persevere in times of trial and temptation. The next paragraph, 1:13–15, points out that it is not God who tempts us but our own sinful desires, which eventually lead to death. Paragraph 1:16–18 reinforces this by saying that God gives only good gifts.

Some other possible headings for this section are:

Christians should endure testing and temptations
-or-
Trials and temptations

Paragraph 1:12

In this paragraph, James reminded his readers that it is important to persevere when difficult situations test their faith.

1:12a

Blessed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Blessed means “in a good position” or “in an enviable/desirable situation.” In the Bible, the good situation results when God favors a person and does good to him. The person who perseveres when he is tried and tempted is in a good position.

This word does not primarily refer to a feeling. However, a person in this good situation will frequently have good feelings such as happiness and joy. Do not use a word that only refers to material prosperity or physical health.

Some other ways to translate this are:

Joyful/desirable/happy is the situation of the man
-or-
How good it is for the man
-or-
The person is favored/fortunate

Refer also to your translation of Matthew 5:3–11, where this word is used in a similar way.

man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as man generally refers to a male. However, in this context, the word introduces a general statement that is true of everyone. In some languages, it may be natural to introduce this statement with a general word like “people” or with a pronoun like “you” or “they.” For example:

Blessed are people
-or-
Blessed are those
-or-
Blessed is anyone (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
God will bless you (Contemporary English Version)

perseveres: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as perseveres means “continued effort to fulfill some purpose.” Someone who perseveres has the ability to face all kinds of troubles, difficulties, and sufferings with courage and faithfulness. He continues to work towards his goal. He does not run away or give up.

Some other ways to translate this verb are:

endures (NET Bible)
-or-
persists
-or-
don’t give up (Contemporary English Version)

This verb corresponds to the noun in 1:3c that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “perseverance”. See the note there.

under trial: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as trial refers to difficult situations that occur in a person’s life and test his faith. These can include both external problems like persecution and internal temptations from Satan.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

during troubles/difficulties
-or-
hardships/problems
-or-
when they are tested (God’s Word)
-or-
when your faith is being tested (Contemporary English Version)

This same word occurs in 1:2b.

1:12b

because: The conjunction because introduces the reason that the person who endures trials in 1:12a is blessed. He is blessed (1:12a) because he will receive the crown of life (1:12c). In some languages, it will be more natural to put the reason before 1:12a. See the General Comment on 1:12a–d at the end of 1:12d for an example.

when he has stood the test: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as when he has stood the test means “when he has passed the test.” When this person is persecuted because he believes in Jesus, he perseveres. He does not abandon his faith. In this way he passes the test. He shows that his faith is genuine.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

When they pass the test (God’s Word)
-or-
when he has proven to be genuine (NET Bible)
-or-
After they have proved their faith (New Century Version)

The word “test” here in 1:12b and the word “testing” in 1:3b come from related Greek words.

1:12c

he will receive the crown of life: The word crown literally refers to a wreath of leaves that both the Greek and Roman cultures put on a person’s head in order to honor him.

Here the word crown is a metaphor. James was using this metaphor to refer to a “reward” or “prize” for passing a test. He was not saying that believers will receive an actual object on their heads such as a crown.

So the phrase the crown of life refers to the reward or prize. A person will receive this reward or prize if he perseveres in his faith when he is persecuted. That reward/prize is eternal life.

There are two ways to translate this metaphor:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

he will receive the crown of eternal life

• Translate the meaning of the metaphor without keeping the figure of speech. For example:

he will receive in reward the life which God has promised (Revised English Bible)
-or-
God will reward them with life forever (New Century Version)
-or-
God will give him a reward/prize. That reward is eternal life

life: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as life here refers to eternal life with God. For example:

life forever (New Century Version)
-or-
life with God that never ends

1:12d

God: Most of the earliest Greek manuscripts simply have the pronoun “he” here. Other Greek manuscripts have “God” or “Lord.” The meaning is the same. “He” refers to God. Most English versions supply the word “God” to make it clear who is meant. You may want to do this also.

has promised: The verb promised means “affirm that he would do something.” God said with certainty that he would give the crown of life to those who passed the test.

Some other ways to translate this verb are:

vowed/guaranteed that he would do
-or-
said that he would certainly do

to those who love Him: The phrase those who love Him refers to all believers. James was including himself and his readers among those who love Him. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this clear by using the word “us.” Some other ways to translate this are:

to all those/people who love him
-or-
to all of us(incl) who love him
-or-
to everyone who loves him

General Comment on 1:12a–d

In some languages, it is more natural to put the reason (1:12b–d) before the result (1:12a). For example:

12bWhen someone has stood the test, 12che will receive the crown of life 12dthat God has promised to those who love him. 12aThat is why the man who perseveres under trial is blessed.

© 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 2:18

Paragraph 2:18–19

In this paragraph, James said that we show that we have true faith by the way we behave.

2:18

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.”: There are a number of difficult issues in this verse. Some of the difficulties are:

(a) It is not clear whom the word someone refers to.

(b) It is not clear whom the pronouns You and I refer to.

(c) It is not clear where the quotation ends. This is because there are no quotation marks in ancient Greek manuscripts to indicate which words are direct speech.

Many interpretations have been proposed to try and overcome these difficulties. (Three commentaries have done a good job of summarizing (and critiquing) the various interpretations: Dibelius (pages 149–151, 154–158), Ropes (pages 211–214) and McCartney (pages 157–160). Ropes gives six options and McCartney lists eight (while leaving out the option put forward by Huther (pages 89–92) and Lenski, (pages 581–582) which is described in footnote 52).) The two interpretations that most English versions follow are:

(1) The word someone refers to an imaginary opponent of James.

The pronouns You and I in the quotation are a way to say that some people have faith; other people do good deeds. These pronouns do not refer specifically to James, to James’ audience or to the imaginary opponent.

The quotation includes only the words “You have faith; I have deeds.”

According to this interpretation, the imaginary opponent was speaking to James. He implied that (a) faith alone can save a person and (b) works alone can also save a person.

For example, the Revised English Bible says:

But someone may say: ‘One chooses faith, another action.’ To which I reply: ‘Show me this faith you speak of with no actions to prove it, while I by my actions will prove to you my faith.’

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version (2011 Revision), English Standard Version, Revised English Bible, NET Bible, God’s Word, Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New Century Version) (This interpretation was defended by Ropes, pages 208–214; and is accepted by Davids (1982), pages 123–125; Laws, pages 122–124; Mitton, page 109; Moo (1985), page 105.)

(2) The word someone refers to a person who agrees with James.

The pronoun I refers to the person who agrees with James. The pronoun You refers to an imaginary opponent.

The quotation includes all of 2:18b–e.

According to this interpretation, the person who agrees with James was speaking to an imaginary opponent. This opponent claimed to have faith but did not have good deeds. The words of the person who agrees with James were somewhat ironic. That is, he did not believe the imaginary opponent had true faith: “You have faith, do you?”

For example, the New American Standard Bible says:

But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

(New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English) (Alford, pages 298–299; Mayor, pages 95–96; Adamson (1976), pages 124–125.)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). This interpretation is supported by the majority of English versions and a number of commentators.

2:18a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces a strong contrast. The contrast is between James’ statement in 2:17 that faith without deeds is dead and the argument that faith alone is enough.

someone will say: The phrase someone will say introduces a statement that an imaginary opponent might say to James. The statement in 2:18b–c is a type of debate or argument. One way to introduce this argument more clearly is to use a more specific verb. For example:

someone will argue
-or-
someone will debate me saying
-or-
Suppose someone disagrees and says

2:18b–c

You have faith and I have deeds: As mentioned above under interpretation (1), the pronouns You and I are a way to say that some people have faith, other people do good deeds. These pronouns do not refer specifically to James, to James’ audience or to the imaginary opponent.

Consider how speakers in your culture create imaginary persons as examples when they discuss a topic seriously. You may choose to use those types of references here. Also consider if it may be best to replace the pronouns You and I with more general words. For example:

“One person has faith, another has actions.” (Good News Translation)
-or-
“Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
“One person trusts Jesus, another person does good deeds.”

The imaginary opponent was arguing that there are different ways to be saved. He said that some are saved because of their faith. Others are saved because of their good deeds. In some languages, it may be good to make this explicit. For example:

18aBut someone will argue 18bthat there are different ways in which people are saved. He may say “One person has faith, 18canother has good deeds. Either one of these is enough.”
-or-
18aBut someone will disagree saying 18bthat people do not all follow God in the same way. He may say “One person has faith, 18canother has good deeds.”
-or-
18b“Some have faith; 18cothers have works; don’t expect everyone to have both.” (NET Bible note)

2:18d–e

Verse 2:18d–e is James’ reply to the imaginary opponent of 2:18b–c. In some languages, it may be necessary to make it clear that James is now speaking for himself. One way to do this is to begin 2:18d with a short phrase. For example:

My answer is (Good News Translation)
-or-
But I say (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
But I, James, say

2:18d

Show me your faith without deeds: This clause challenges someone to prove that he has true faith when he does not have good deeds to support his claim.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

Show me that you really believe/trust in Jesus, even when you do no good deeds.
-or-
Prove that you have faith without doing kind deeds (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
I challenge you to prove to me that you have faith when you have no deeds.

In some languages, it may be natural to translate this clause as a rhetorical question. For example:

“How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds?” (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
If you believe only, but there are no good deeds, how will you show me that you really believe in Jesus?

2:18e

and I will show you my faith by my deeds: This clause indicates that good deeds will prove that a person has true faith. Faith and good deeds always go together.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

I will show you that I really believe/trust in Jesus Christ by the good deeds I do.
-or-
I will use my good deeds to prove my faith to you.
-or-
What I do will show you that I really have faith.

© 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.