SIL Translator’s Notes on James 2012 – Page 4

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:11

2:11a–b

“Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.”: The Greek phrases that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Do not commit adultery and Do not murder are commands. Here these commands are singular just as they are in the Old Testament in Hebrew. God gave these commands to each Israelite.

In some languages, people do not use a singular form to give a general command like this. Use whatever form is natural in your language for giving this type of general command. For example:

You^(plur) must not commit adultery. You^(plur) must not murder.
-or-
People must not commit adultery. People must not murder.

Also, in some languages, it may be more natural to use indirect speech here. For example:

The same God who told us to be faithful in marriage also told us not to murder. (Contemporary English Version)

2:11a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces an example of the statement that James made in 2:10. That statement is, “If you break one law, you are guilty of breaking all the law.”

In some languages, a conjunction will not be necessary here.

He who said: The word He refers to God. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

For the same God who said (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
Because God said both

“Do not commit adultery,”: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as commit adultery refers to a man or woman having sexual relations with someone who is married to someone else. It also refers to a married person having sexual relations with anyone other than their spouse.

Many languages have hidden ways of saying adultery that are understood but do not embarrass people when it is read in public. For example:

do not behave immorally with one not your spouse
-or-
be faithful in marriage (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Do not have sexual relations with anyone who is not your spouse

The same word occurs in Matthew 5:27; Luke 18:20; and Romans 13:9.

2:11b

“Do not murder.”: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as murder means “kill someone deliberately.” Some ways to translate this phrase are:

Do not kill
-or-
Do not purposefully cause someone to die
-or-
Do not intentionally slay someone

2:11c–e

If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker: James used an “if” clause to begin a specific example of his principle in 2:10. (The principle is that someone who breaks one point of the law breaks the entire law.) In some languages, it may be more natural to begin a specific example without using an “if” clause. For example:

^11cSomeone who does not commit adultery, ^11dbut commits murder, ^11eis still a lawbreaker.

2:11e

you have become a lawbreaker: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you have become could also be translated as “you are.” It emphasizes the person’s situation.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

you are a breaker of the law (Revised English Bible)
-or-
you are guilty of breaking God’s law
-or-
you are a person who does not obey God’s laws
-or-
you are a person who does not do what God says to do

General Comment on 2:11c–e

In some languages, it may be natural to reorder these verse parts as the Revised English Bible has done:

^11cIf you commit murder ^11eyou are a breaker of the law, ^11deven if you do not commit adultery as well.

General Comment on 2:10–11

In some languages, James’ explanation will be clearer if some clauses in 2:10 and 2:11 are reordered. His explanation may also be clearer if some information is made explicit. For example:

^10bAnyone who stumbles at just one point of the law ^10cis guilty of breaking all of it ^10aeven if he keeps the rest of the law. ^11dFor example, if someone commits murder ^11cbut never commits adultery, ^11ehe is a lawbreaker ^11bbecause God told us both not to murder and ^11anot to commit adultery. So that is why, when you show favoritism, you are breaking the law. You are not following God’s command to love your neighbor as yourself.

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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 3:18

3:18a–b

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness: This sentence is a proverb. It also contains a metaphor. There are at least two main issues to consider as you translate this verse.

Issue 1: How to translate naturally

This Greek sentence is more literally “the fruit/harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by the ones making peace.” It may be strange to speak of a harvest being sown. So it may be more natural to speak of sowing seeds that result in a harvest. For example:

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

Issue 2: How to translate the metaphor

The words sow and raise a harvest are a metaphor. James compared the activity of sowing (seeds) and harvesting a crop to the activity of a peacemaker. These activities are similar in that certain actions naturally lead to certain results. Just as planting a crop leads to a harvest, promoting peace among the community of believers leads to righteous actions in that community.

Some ways to translate this metaphor are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

Peacemakers are like people who plant and then harvest a crop. When they make/promote peace, it results in righteous actions.

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

When people live peacefully and help others to be at peace, then the result is righteous actions in their lives and the lives of others.

3:18a

Peacemakers who sow in peace: The phrase who sow in peace describes all peacemakers. It does not indicate that some peacemakers sow in peace and others do not.

Some ways to make this clear are:

When people who are peacemakers sow in peace
-or-
Peacemakers, because they sow in peace

Peacemakers: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Peacemakers is literally “those who make peace” (as in the Revised Standard Version). It refers to people who:

(a) live in peace with other people, and

(b) help others to stop quarreling and live together peacefully.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

People who live peacefully and who help others to live together peacefully
-or-
People who live in peace and who help others stop quarreling
-or-
Those who are peaceful and who settle conflicts

who sow in peace: The way you translate the phrase in peace will depend on whether you keep the metaphor or translate the meaning. For example:

• If you keep the metaphor, the word peace here refers to that which is sown. For example:

The peace sown by peacemakers (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
When peacemakers plant seeds of peace (Contemporary English Version)

• If you translate the meaning, the phrase in peace refers to the manner or attitude in which peacemakers act. In other words, peacemakers do things in a manner or attitude that leads to peace between people. For example:

When people live peacefully and help others to be at peace
-or-
When people behave in a peaceable way

3:18b

reap the fruit of righteousness: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as reap the fruit of righteousness is literally “a crop/harvest of righteousness.” It is a noun phrase. Some versions, like the Berean Standard Bible, translate it as a verb phrase. (Some other examples are below.)

The phrase the fruit of righteousness means “a harvest that consists of righteousness.” Right living that pleases God is the fruit or crop that is produced by wise people who sow peace.

The way you translate this phrase will depend on whether you keep the metaphor or translate the meaning. For example:

• If you keep the metaphor, you will translate the word harvest literally. For example:

reap a harvest of righteousness (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
they will harvest justice (Contemporary English Version)

• If you translate the meaning, you will translate the word fruit as “result” or “produce” or some similar word. For example:

then the result is righteous actions in their lives and the lives of others
-or-
it produces righteousness

righteousness: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as righteousness means:

(a) actions that are right and good in God’s sight. Righteous actions will result when people live in peace with others and promote peace.

(b) acting in a right and fair way toward other people. Peaceful people who promote peace will reap justice in return.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

good acts/behavior
-or-
right deeds
-or-
goodness (Good News Translation)

Paragraph 4:1–3

In this paragraph, James discussed why Christian people quarrel with each other. He introduced this topic by means of a rhetorical question (4:1a). He then responded to his question, using another rhetorical question (4:1b). Christians quarrel because they selfishly desire things. In 4:2–3 he explained the answer in more detail.

4:1a

What causes conflicts and quarrels among you?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to introduce a new topic. He wanted his readers to think about what was causing people in the church to quarrel and fight with one another.

Some ways to introduce this new topic are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from? (Good News Translation)

• As a command/imperative form to draw the readers’ attention to the new topic. For example:

Now consider what causes you^(plur) to fight…
-or-
Think about why you^(plur) fight….

• As a statement expressing James’ wish. For example:

I want you^(plur) to think about why you fight.

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

What causes: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as What causes is more literally “From where.” For example:

Where do the conflicts and where do the quarrels among you come from? (NET Bible)

The conflicts and quarrels come from inside people. So in some languages, it is more natural to say:

What causes…
-or-
Why do you fight and argue with each other? (Contemporary English Version)

conflicts and quarrels: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as conflicts and quarrels refer to serious conflicts. These words can refer to both physical fighting and verbal arguments.

Some other ways to translate these words are:

fights and arguments (New Century Version)
-or-
conflicts and disputes (New Revised Standard Version)

Notice the plural forms. This shows that these conflicts were happening frequently. James was not thinking of just one problem.

In some languages, it will be more natural to translate these nouns as verbs. For example:

you fight and quarrel so often

The words conflicts and quarrels are a doublet. This means that these two words mean almost the same thing. In some languages, both words can be translated by one word. For example:

Where do your frequent conflicts come from?

among you: The phrase among you indicates that James was talking about quarrels and disputes among Christian people.

4:1b–c

Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?: This is a rhetorical question. It is a response to the rhetorical question in 4:1a. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that the fights and quarrels came from people’s evil desires.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
They come from your^(plur) desires that battle within you, right?

• As a statement. For example:

They come from the selfish desires that war within you. (New Century Version)

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

James was not informing his readers of something they did not know. He was reminding them of something they already knew.

4:1b

they: The pronoun they refers to the “fights and quarrels” in 4:1a.

come from: Use a verb that corresponds with the verb in 4:1a. For example, if you used the verb “come from” in 4:1a, you can use come from here. If you used the verb “causes” in 4:1a, you may want to use “caused” here. For example:

Aren’t they caused by…? (God’s Word)

the passions: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as passions here refers to wrong, selfish desires. These passions are desires for personal wealth, glory, and pleasure.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

selfish desires (God’s Word)
-or-
desires for pleasure (Good News Translation)

In some languages, it is more natural to translate the phrase the passions with a clause. For example:

you^(plur) selfishly desire to have
-or-
you^(plur) really want

4:1c

at war within you: The clause at war within you refers to your desires “which are constantly fighting within you.” (Good News Translation)

This clause is a figure of speech called personification. The word “passions” in 4:1b is the subject of the word war. It is as if the “passions” were people who could fight.

There are at least two ways to translate this personification:

• Keep the figure of speech. For example:

that fight to control you (God’s Word)

• Translate the meaning of the figure. For example:

that are opposed/contrary to what you should want
-or-
that are against your desire to do good

The text does not state against whom or against what the desires of the person are fighting. There are basically three interpretations:

(1) The desires in a person are fighting a war against his conscience or his soul. The struggle is inside him. (Interpretation (1) is supported by Mayor, page 129; Adamson (1976), page 166; Hiebert, page 244; Davids (1982), page 157; Moo (1985), page 139.)

(2) The desires in a person are fighting a war against other people as he tries to do what pleases God and not what pleases them. (Interpretation (2) is supported by Alford, page 312; Huther, page 127; Ropes, page 253; Martin, page 140.)

(3) The different desires in a person are fighting a war with each other inside the person. (Interpretation (3) is supported by Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English and by Laws, page 168.)

English versions do not say whom the desires are fighting. If you must be specific, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

within you: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as within you can also be translated as:

inside you (NET Bible)
-or-
in your^(plur) hearts
-or-
in your^(plur) souls/spirits

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 5:17

Paragraph 5:17–18

James supported his advice to pray by giving the example of Elijah. Elijah received miracles in answer to his prayers.

5:17

As an example of powerful prayer, James used the story of the prophet Elijah. (See 1 Kings chapters 17–18.) This story was well known to James’ readers. Elijah saw how the people of his country had turned to evil, and so he prayed that God would punish them by sending no rain on their land.

5:17a

Elijah: Elijah was a prophet who lived 900 years before James. In some languages, it may be more natural to make some of this information explicit. For example:

Elijah the prophet
-or-
Elijah the prophet of long ago

was a man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as man here means “human being.” For example:

was a human being (New Century Version)
-or-
was a mere human

just like us: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as just like us means “has the same kind of desires and feelings as we do.” The Jews thought of Elijah as an extraordinary person, so James reminded them that he was a normal human being.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

as we are (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
with a nature like ours (English Standard Version)
-or-
the same kind of person as we are (Good News Translation)

This word also occurs in Acts 14:15.

5:17b

He prayed earnestly: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as He prayed earnestly is literally “He prayed with prayer.” This double use of the word “pray” intensifies what James was saying. He meant that when Elijah prayed, he was sincere, serious, and eager to receive an answer. Use what is natural in your language to indicate this intensity of prayer. Use an idiom if that is appropriate. For example, some English idioms for this are:

He prayed hard
-or-
He prayed with his whole heart

5:17d

it did not rain on the land: The phrase on the land refers to the land of Israel. The drought that God sent did not affect the whole world, but only the land of Israel.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:16

Paragraph 1:16–18

This paragraph gives more reasons that show why it is not God who tries to make people do evil. Everything good comes from God, and he never changes. So it is unthinkable that any bad thing could come from him. God wants to give us new life.

1:16

Do not be deceived: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Do not be deceived means “do not go astray” or “do not have false ideas.” We should not deceive ourselves into thinking that God is the one who tempts us to do evil.

This phrase is passive. Some ways to translate this phrase are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

don’t be misled (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
do not be fooled (New Century Version)
-or-
do not be deceived into thinking that God tempts us

• Use an expression that is not passive. For example:

do not deceive yourselves
-or-
do not have false/wrong ideas

This expression is used elsewhere in the New Testament to warn Christians against ideas that are dangerously wrong (1 Corinthians 6:9, 15:33; Galatians 6:7). (See also Luke 21:8; 1 John 3:7. See also Davids (1982), page 86; Martin, page 37, and see the note on the word “wander” in 5:19a.)

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. The similar phrase “my brothers” occurs in 1:2a.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

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

James used the term of address my beloved brothers to soften his command “Don’t be deceived.” You may have another way in your language to soften a command. If you do, you may be able to use it instead of the phrase my beloved brothers.

Notice that the Berean Standard Bible places the phrase my beloved brothers at the end of 1:16. This follows the Greek text. In some languages, it is more natural to place it at the beginning of 1:16 before the command or after 1:17. For example:

My dear brothers and sisters, do not be fooled about this. (New Century Version)

beloved: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as beloved is used because James was telling his fellow believers that he cared about them.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:22

2:22

In 2:22, James explained the lesson that we can learn from the example of Abraham in 2:21. That lesson is that faith and deeds go together.

The Good News Translation, King James Version, Revised English Bible, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English translate this verse as a rhetorical question. For example:

Can’t you see that his faith and his actions were, so to speak, partners—that his faith was implemented by his deed? (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

Most other English versions follow the Greek text and translate 2:22 as a statement. You should translate this verse in a way that shows emphasis. This can be done as a rhetorical question or as an emphatic statement.

2:22a

You see that: The clause You see that emphasizes that faith and deeds go together. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

You can understand that
-or-
It is clear that

As in 2:20a, the word You is singular and refers to the person who disagreed with James. This is the person that James has been answering since 2:18c. However, James was also addressing anyone who believed that it was possible to have faith without good deeds. So, in some languages, it will be more natural to use the plural form of “you” here.

his faith was working with his actions: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as his faith was working with his actions is literally “his faith was working together with his works.” In some languages, it is not possible to say that two things like faith and actions “work together.”

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

his faith and what he did occurred together at the same time
-or-
Abraham’s trust in God went together with his doing good deeds
-or-
he was not only trusting in God, but he was also doing what God told him to do

2:22b

and his faith was perfected by what he did: The clause his faith was perfected by what he did is passive. There are at least two ways to translate this clause:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

His faith was made complete by what he did—by his actions. (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

• Use an active verb. For example:

His actions made his faith complete. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

his faith was perfected by what he did: This clause indicates that Abraham’s deeds showed that he had true faith. True faith leads to good deeds, so faith is not complete until there are good deeds to go with it. This should not imply that Abraham’s faith was in some way faulty or inadequate before he offered Isaac.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

His faith was shown to be genuine by what he did. (God’s Word)
-or-
He proved that his faith was real by what he did. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
What he did showed that his faith was real/genuine.
-or-
That which he did showed that there was no lack in his believing God.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 4:12

4:12a

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as There is only one Lawgiver and Judge is more literally “There is one lawgiver and judge” (as in the Revised Standard Version). The Berean Standard Bible and New International Version (2011 Revision) add the word only to make the meaning clearer in English.

The Greek text does not say explicitly who the Lawgiver and Judge is. But to James’ readers, it was obvious from the rest of the sentence that it is God. In some languages, it may be necessary to mention God explicitly. For example:

God is the only lawgiver and judge. (Good News Translation)

Lawgiver: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lawgiver is a noun. In some languages, it is more natural to translate the word Lawgiver as a clause. For example:

the giver of the law
-or-
the one who gave the law

It may also be more natural to use a verb other than “give.” For example:

the one who made the law
-or-
God who wrote/commanded laws
-or-
God is where the law came from

Judge: Here the word Judge refers to God. He is the ultimate judge. He is the only one who has authority over the law and can be its judge. He is the only one who has authority to judge people concerning their eternal destiny (4:12b). This contrasts with humans, who do not have authority to judge the law, nor to decide the eternal destiny of people. In some languages, it may be good to make this contrast explicit. For example:

true Judge
-or-
ultimate Judge of the law and people

In some languages, it is more natural to translate the noun Judge as a clause. For example:

one who can judge all things

4:12b

the One who is able to save: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to save means “to rescue from danger or trouble”. In this context, it refers to God rescuing people from eternal death and punishment.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

to free us from punishment
-or-
to rescue people
-or-
save from eternal death

This word also occurs in 1:21d and 2:14d.

4:12c

and destroy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as destroy refers to eternal ruin and loss. It does not refer to an end of existence. Another way to translate this word is:

to punish us eternally

4:12d

But who are you to judge your neighbor?: This is a rhetorical question. It expresses a rebuke. James used this rhetorical question to rebuke those who were judging their neighbors. He has just stated in 4:12a–c that judging is God’s work. This rhetorical question implies, “You have no right to do that!”

Some ways to translate this rebuke are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Who do you think you are, to judge someone else? (Good News Translation)
-or-
Why do you(sing) judge your neighbor?
-or-
Do you now think that you are that type of person that has power to judge his fellow person?

• As a statement. For example:

So it is not right for you to judge your neighbor. (New Century Version)

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

But who are you: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But indicates a contrast. The contrast is between the word “One” (in 4:12b), that is, God, and you. James emphasized the pronoun you by making it the first word of this sentence and the New International Version (2011 Revision) reflects this emphasis by repeating the word you:

But you—who are you (New International Version (2011 Revision))

Verse 4:12d is also the conclusion to this paragraph. Another way to connect 4:12d to the rest of the verse is:

So (God’s Word)

judge: The word judge is the same word as in 4:11c. Some ways to translate it are:

• Follow the advice given at 4:11c:

condemn
-or-
harshly/severely accuse your neighbor of doing wrong
-or-
criticize/rebuke your neighbor in a mean/unkind manner

• Use your word for the work of a judge:

judge (verb)

• Combine both options (Both translation options (with the word “judge” or not) probably preserve part of James’ logic. 1) Using the word “judge” connects with James’ statement that there is only one Judge. God has the authority to judge people; we do not have authority to judge our brother or neighbor. 2) When we judge in the sense of “harshly criticizing” our brother, we fail to keep the command to love our neighbor. We, therefore, judge the law. But there is only one who has authority to judge the law, the one who gave it. We do not have this authority. Therefore, we do not have the right to judge our neighbor.) above:

criticize and judge

your neighbor: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as neighbor includes anyone that you know. It does not just mean someone who lives nearby or someone who belongs to the same language-group.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

someone else (Good News Translation)
-or-
anyone (Contemporary English Version)

The word neighbor also occurs in 2:8c–d.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:27

1:27

Verse 1:26 is about the sort of behavior that is a wrong way of showing devotion to God. In 1:27, James explained how to do what really pleases God.

See the General Comment on 1:27a–c at the end of 1:27c for ways to reorder this verse.

1:27a

Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: This clause is literally “Religion pure and undefiled before God is this.”

Pure and undefiled: The two Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Pure and undefiled have the same general meaning: “without any fault.” In some languages, it may be more natural to find one word to translate both terms. If your language is like that, you should try and intensify that word to convey James’ emphasis here. For example:

completely pure

Pure: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Pure means “clean.” Here it is used in a figurative sense to mean “having no sin.” It has a very positive sense.

undefiled: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as undefiled means “unpolluted” or “faultless.” It conveys a positive sense by saying “not anything is bad” about it.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

without fault (New Century Version)
-or-
genuine (Good News Translation)
-or-
spotless (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
without sin

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: (Good News Translation)
-or-
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. (Contemporary English Version)

our God and Father: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as our God and Father is literally “the God and father.” The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the word our. Another way to translate this phrase is:

God the Father (Good News Translation)

1:27b

to care for orphans and widows: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to look after literally means “to visit” (as in the Revised Standard Version). In this context, it means “to take care of,” “to care for,” or “to help” orphans and widows. For example:

to take care of orphans and widows (God’s Word)
-or-
we must care for orphans and widows (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)
-or-
You must help…orphans and widows (Contemporary English Version)

Use an expression that is natural in your language for caring for widows and orphans.

orphans: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as orphans refers to children whose father had died. It also refers to children whose father and mother have died. If the word “orphan” in your language refers only to those who have lost both a mother and a father, then you may want to translate this word as:

the fatherless

in their distress: The phrase in their distress refers to both orphans and widows. It does not just refer to widows.

The word distress also means “affliction,” “suffering,” or “troubles.”

In Jewish society, orphans and widows were the people who needed help most frequently. James did not mean that all orphans and widows always suffer. So it may be natural to translate this phrase as:

when they suffer (God’s Word)
-or-
who are suffering

1:27c

and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as from being polluted is literally “unstained” (as in the Revised Standard Version). This word also means “spotless” or “without blemish.” Here it is used in a spiritual sense. Just as we try to keep dirt from staining our clothing, so we should keep the world from having a negative effect on our lives.

Some other ways to translate this are:

and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world (Good News Translation)
-or-
and keeping oneself uncontaminated by the world (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
and not let this world make you evil (Contemporary English Version)

by the world: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the world here refers to every person in the world who is opposed to God and who tempts God’s people to sin against him. God’s people become polluted by the world when they begin to act and think like the ungodly people of the world.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

those who are against God
-or-
behavior that is opposed to God
-or-
by the evil which is being done by God’s enemies

General Comment on 1:27a–c

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of the clauses in this verse. For example:

^27bWhen you take care of widows and orphans in their distress, ^27cand you keep yourself from being polluted by the world, ^27athis is the type of religion that God considers to be pure and undefiled.
-or-
^27aA person whose worship of God is completely genuine ^27cavoids the evil behavior that people here on the earth do. ^27bHe takes good care of orphans and widows who are in difficulty. ^27aThis is the way which our Father God likes for us to worship him.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 3:8

3:8a

but: There is a contrast between 3:7 and 3:8a. People are able to tame all of the creatures mentioned in 3:7, but no one can tame the tongue.

Some other ways to translate this contrast are:

However
-or-
Yet (God’s Word)
-or-
In contrast

no man can tame the tongue: James was referring to people being unable to control their own tongues. In some languages, it may be best to supply that implicit information by using a pronoun. For example:

no man can tame his own tongue.

no man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as man is the same word that James used in 3:7b. Here the focus is on each individual human. So it refers to women as well as to men.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

no human being (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
no one (Revised English Bible)
-or-
no person

tame: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as tame is the same word as in 3:7b. If it is unnatural to use the same word here, you may be able to use a word meaning “control.” For example:

But our tongues get out of control. (Contemporary English Version)

the tongue: As in 3:5a, the tongue represents the words that we speak with our tongues. In some languages, “the lips” or “the mouth” represent the words that a person says. Use the same expression here as in 3:5a.

3:8b

It is a restless evil: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as restless primarily means “unstable.” The sense of “unstable” in this context includes:

(a) The tongue is restless. It does not rest but is always busy doing evil. For example:

It is restless and evil (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
it is a pest that will not keep still (New Jerusalem Bible)

(b) The tongue is uncontrollable.

The two meanings are close. Something that is restless and determined to do evil is probably also uncontrollable. If you have a word that is close in meaning to both “restless” and “uncontrollable,” it would be good to use it here.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

always busy doing evil
-or-
constantly doing wrong

3:8c

full of deadly poison: The phrase full of deadly poison is a metaphor. In this metaphor, James compared the human tongue to the mouth of a poisonous snake. (Compare Psalm 58:3–4 and Psalm 140:3 for the thought.) One way that they are similar is that both can do great harm.

There are at least three ways to translate this phrase:

• Keep the metaphor. If it is not difficult to understand the metaphor in your language, then you should keep the metaphor. For example:

always spreading deadly poison (Contemporary English Version)

• Use a simile and add the meaning. For example:

very harmful like the venom from a poisonous snake

• Translate the meaning without the metaphor. For example:

a source of terrible harm/pain

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

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:11

SIL Translator's Notes on James 3:18

SIL Translator's Notes on James 5:17

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:16

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:22

SIL Translator's Notes on James 4:12

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:27

SIL Translator's Notes on James 3:8

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