SIL Translator’s Notes on James 2012 – Page 3

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.

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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.

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

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.

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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?

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 4:6

4:6a

But He gives us more grace: Most commentators agree that the words But He gives us more grace are the words of James. They are not an additional part of the scripture that James mentioned in 4:5c. (Note that although the 1973 and 1978 editions of New International Version (2011 Revision) included these words as part of the quotation, the 1984 edition finishes the quotation at the end of 4:5 like all other major English versions.)

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces a mild contrast. The contrast is between our unfaithfulness (4:4) and God’s grace. The contrast is also between God’s high standard (4:5) and his grace.

He gives us more grace: The expression gives…more grace translates a Hebrew idiom meaning “treat someone very favorably and kindly”. Here more grace means “very much grace.” God’s grace is completely adequate to meet his requirements. (Ropes, page 265; Laws, page 180; Moo (1985), pages 146–147; Martin, page 151. In NT Greek the comparative form of an adjective is quite often used in an elative sense, where no direct comparison is intended. The translation in this case would be “very much.”)

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

he treats us very kindly
-or-
he acts towards us in a favorable/merciful way
-or-
he is very kind to us

He: The pronoun He refers to God.

us: The pronoun us is inclusive: that is, all believers, including both James and his readers.

4:6b

This is why it says: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as This is why indicates that what follows supports James’ statement in 4:6a. That statement is that God gives grace.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

As the scripture says (Good News Translation)
-or-
just as the Scriptures say (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Scripture says (God’s Word)

it says: The pronoun it here refers to Scripture. Since Scripture does not itself literally speak, in some languages it may be better to say:

God says in the Scriptures
-or-
God says in his written word

Here it refers to one verse from Scripture in particular, Proverbs 3:34. This verse is quoted in 4:6c and 4:6d.

4:6c

God opposes the proud: The clause God opposes the proud means that God “resists” or “is against” proud people. Notice the present tense of the verb. This indicates that God always has this attitude.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

God opposes arrogant people (God’s Word)
-or-
God resists the proud (Good News Translation)
-or-
God is against the proud (New Century Version)

the proud: The word proud describes people who think they are more important and better than other people. In this context, they are people who think that they do not need the grace of God.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

people who think that they are important
-or-
those who think they are better than other people
-or-
people who are not humble

Many languages have idioms for such people.

4:6d

but: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as but introduces a contrast. The contrast is between how God acts towards the proud (4:6c) and how he acts towards the humble (4:6d).

gives grace: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gives grace translates a Hebrew idiom. It means “treats someone favorably and kindly.”

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

he is kind (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
he shows favor (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

This phrase also occurs in 4:6a.

the humble: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the humble refers to people who are meek and modest. They know that they need God’s help. They depend on God and not on themselves. They are the opposite of “the proud” people in 4:6c.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

meek/modest people
-or-
people who do not think that they are very important

This Greek word also occurs in 1:9a, but the sense is not quite the same. There the focus was on a person’s lowly social or financial situation. Here the focus is on how a person thinks of himself.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:21

1:21a

Therefore: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Therefore introduces a command. Based on the principle that he had just mentioned (1:20), James commanded his hearers to do two things:

(a) renounce their wickedness, and

(b) accept the word of God.

Another way to translate this word is:

So (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

get rid of all moral filth: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as get rid of here means “remove” or “separate yourself from.”

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

put away all filth (NET Bible)
-or-
remove everything that causes you to be morally dirty
-or-
You must stop doing anything immoral (Contemporary English Version)

all moral filth: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as moral filth refers to dirtiness or pollution. Here it is used figuratively to refer to moral uncleanness or wickedness.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

every evil thing (New Century Version)
-or-
everything that is bad

1:21b

every expression of evil: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as expression of evil is literally “wickedness” (as in the Revised Standard Version). This is a second thing that James wanted his readers to get rid of. It means approximately the same as “moral filth” in 1:21a. For a suggestion on how to combine 1:21a–b, see the General Comment on 1:21a–b following this note.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as every expression means “abundance,” “enormous quantity,” or “extreme amount” (of evil).

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

the enormous amount of wicked things that you do
-or-
the evil things that you do so frequently
-or-
all the wicked things you do (God’s Word)

General Comment on 1:21a–b

Verse 1:21a and 1:21b say the same thing with different words. In some languages, it will be more natural to combine the two parts. For example:

So stop doing all kinds of evil things that remain in your lives.

1:21c

In some languages, it may be natural to start a new sentence here. For example:

Instead, be humble and accept the message (Contemporary English Version)

humbly: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as humbly refers to being submissive and willing to learn. It is the opposite of being proud and angry.

In some languages, it may be natural to translate this word as a verb or verb phrase. For example:

be humble (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
humble yourselves

accept: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as accept means “welcome” or “receive.” In this context it refers to paying attention to the gospel and obeying it. Some ways to translate this word are:

receive
-or-
honor
-or-
obey

the word planted in you: The phrase the word planted in you is a metaphor. In this metaphor, preaching the word of God is compared to planting seed in the soil. One way that they are similar is that both activities put/insert something (word – seed) into something else (our hearts – soil). When the word/gospel was preached, it was planted or “put” in our hearts.

Some ways to translate this metaphor are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

the word that he plants in your hearts (Good News Translation)

• Translate the meaning without using the metaphor. For example:

the word that God has placed in you (God’s Word)
-or-
the message that God has caused you to know
-or-
the gospel that you heard and know

the word: The phrase the word refers to the gospel.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

the message (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
the good news

This phrase also occurs in 1:18a.

planted: The verb planted is passive. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

the message that is planted in you (Contemporary English Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

the word God has planted in your hearts (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
the word that God has placed in you (God’s Word)

1:21d

which can save your souls: The word which refers back to the word/message in 1:21c. This message is able to save us in the sense that it tells us about Jesus who can save us.

In some languages, it would be better to translate this as a clause beginning with “and” rather than which. For example:

the Word which has been planted in you and can save your souls (New Jerusalem Bible)

save: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as save means “to rescue from danger or trouble.” In this context, it refers to rescuing someone from the spiritual dangers of sin and from death. Spiritual death is the punishment that results from sinning.

In some languages, it may be necessary to make explicit what the person was saved from. For example:

which can save you from the results of sin.
-or-
which can rescue you from punishment for sin.

your souls: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as your souls refers to the whole person. That is why many versions translate it simply as you.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 3:2

Paragraph 3:2–3

In this paragraph, James explained why teachers are in danger of being condemned at the Judgment. It is because the most difficult thing for a human being to control is what he says. If he can control what he says, he can control everything he does. James illustrated his point by a comparison with how a man controls a horse.

3:2a

Verse 3:2 is connected to 3:1 by a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “for” (as in the Revised Standard Version). Here it indicates that 3:2 is the basis for the warning in 3:1. Verse 3:2 also introduces the topic of speech. This topic applies to all people, not just to teachers.

Some versions are like the Berean Standard Bible and do not translate this conjunction.

We all: The phrase We all refers to all human beings. Here it does not just refer to teachers. Therefore, the word We includes James’ readers as well as James himself.

stumble: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as stumble is used figuratively. In this context of Christian believers, it refers to doing something wrong or sinning.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

sin
-or-
make many mistakes (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
do…wrong things (Contemporary English Version)

Here this word does not mean “physically slip and fall.” This word also occurs in 2:10b.

in many ways: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in many ways can mean:

• “many times.” For example:

often (Good News Translation)

• “in many matters/ways.” For example:

in many ways (New Jerusalem Bible)

The choice of one of these meanings does not need to exclude the other. If someone sins many times, it is likely that he also sins in many matters. If he sins in many matters, he also sins often. If possible, translate this word in a way that can include both meanings.

3:2b

If anyone is never at fault in what he says: This clause means “if anyone never says anything wrong.” It is not clear whether or not James thought that there are such people. It is best to leave it open in your translation.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says (Good News Translation)
-or-
If people never said anything wrong (New Century Version)
-or-
the person who never sins in his speech

is never at fault: The words is…at fault translate the same Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “stumble” earlier in the verse. If possible, use the same expression in both places. Here James was talking about sins such as slander, insults, angry words, lying, and cursing. These words do not refer to speaking when it is not one’s turn, or making grammatical mistakes.

3:2c

he: The pronoun he refers back to “anyone” in 3:2b. In some languages, it is more natural to use another word or phrase here. For example:

such a person

Depending on how you translated “anyone” in 3:2b, you may have to translate this word as “they,” “you,” or “we.”

is a perfect man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as perfect also means “complete” or “mature” (Contemporary English Version).

This word also occurs in 1:4. There, the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “mature.”

3:2d

able to control his whole body: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to control is literally “to bridle” (as in the Revised Standard Version). For example:

able to bridle his whole body (English Standard Version)

This word refers to the way people control horses using rope or straps around the head and mouth. These straps are called a bridle. (See the illustration above.) The verb is also “bridle.” (For example, “He bridles his horse.”)

Here this word is a metaphor. James compared someone who is able to control his body to a horse that is bridled. They are similar in that both can be controlled. Both can be taught to obey.

This metaphor continues in 3:3a. So, if possible, you should translate the metaphor here. If it is not possible, you can translate the meaning without a metaphor. For example:

able to control the entire body (NET Bible)
-or-
able to restrain/manage his whole body

This same Greek word occurs in 1:26.

his whole body: The phrase his whole body refers to “a person’s entire being.” It refers to “everything that he does.” James was saying that if a person can bridle/control what he says, he will have no difficulty controlling what he does with the rest of his body. He can control everything he thinks and does.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

every part of his body (Revised English Bible)
-or-
everything he does (God’s Word)
-or-
every other part of his personality (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
control themselves in every other way (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 4:17

4:17

Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin: In this sentence, James warned people to behave properly. He stated the warning in general terms, but he was probably warning people against making plans with a boastful attitude (4:13–16). He wanted people to be humble when they made plans for the future. (Commentators disagree on what James is talking about. There are three interpretations:(1) The verse refers to the topic of making plans with a boastful attitude (4:13–16). In this context doing the good he ought to do means being humble when making plans, as James recommended in 4:15. (Interpretation (1) is followed by Alford, page 319; Adamson (1976), page 181; Hiebert, page 280; Moo (1985), page 158.(2) In the good he ought to do the idea of “doing good” means doing good deeds (see chapter 2). The traders were guilty of trying to make a profit for themselves instead of sharing it with the poor. (Interpretation (2) is followed by Laws, page 193.)(3) The statement does not refer particularly to this paragraph, but to all the teaching that James has given so far. (Interpretation (3) is followed by Mayor, page 147; Mitton, page 172; and apparently by Revised Standard Version since that version omits the connecting word then.)All three of these interpretations are supported by different commentators. However, three points show that James meant this verse to be understood together with the verses before it (4:13–16), as in interpretation (1).First, the verse has a connecting word in the Greek, translated then. Secondly, the word good is the opposite of the word “evil” in 4:16. Thirdly, if James wanted this statement to apply to all his teaching, he would have put it near the end of chapter 5.Interpretation (1) is recommended because it is the only interpretation in which this verse is understood together with 4:13–16.)

Some other ways to translate this verse are:

Therefore, the person who knows the good thing to do in this situation, but he does not do it, he has sinned.
-or-
You know what is the right thing to do in this matter. So if you do not do it, you have sinned.

4:17a

Anyone…who knows: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Anyone who knows refers to people in general. Use whichever word is appropriate when warning people in your language. For example:

Whoever knows (God’s Word)
-or-
we know (Good News Translation)
-or-
you know (Contemporary English Version)

then: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as then here introduces the conclusion of all that James wrote in 4:13–16. Some other ways to translate this conjunction are:

So then (Good News Translation)
-or-
So (NET Bible)
-or-
Therefore

knows the right thing to do: The phrase the right thing to do refers to doing what is right. It probably refers to acting in a humble way when planning for the future.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

knows what is right to do (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
the good he ought to do (New International Version (2011 Revision))

4:17c

is guilty of sin: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as is guilty of sin is literally “to him it is sin.” This is an Old Testament expression. (Deuteronomy 15:9; 23:21–22; 24:15.) The meaning is “it is counted against him by God as sin.” In other words, God considers him guilty of committing a sin.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

sins (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
commits sin (New Revised Standard Version)

This word also occurs in 1:15b. See the note there for more details.

Paragraph 5:1–6

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

Here 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 Revision))
-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

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

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Source: SIL Translator's Notes on James 2012

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 4:17

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