3:3

Verse 3:3 reinforces and illustrates the point that James made in 3:2. Human beings are like horses: by controlling the mouth one can control the whole body.

In some languages, it may be natural to introduce this verse with a phrase that indicates that it is an illustration. For example:

To illustrate: when we put bits…
-or-
Consider how we put bits…
-or-
This is like putting bits….

3:3a

When we put bits into the mouths of horses: In Greek, the illustration of the horse is introduced with the word “if.” The Berean Standard Bible translates this word as When . Some ways to introduce this illustration are:

If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
We put bits in the mouths of horses to make them obey us, and we have control over everything they do. (God’s Word)
-or-
By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. (Contemporary English Version)

we put: The phrase we put is a general statement concerning what people habitually do. In some languages, it may be more natural to say:

people put
-or-
they put
-or-
you put

bits into the mouths of horses: In Greek, the words bits, mouths, and horses are plural. In some languages, it will be more natural to use singular words. For example:

We put a bit into the mouth of a horse (Good News Translation)

bits:The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bits is the noun form of the verb “bridle” in 3:2d. A bridle is a rope or strap that goes over the horse’s head to control it. (See the illustration of the horse above.) Attached to the bridle is a piece of metal that passes through the horse’s mouth. In English, there is a specific word for this piece of metal. It is called a bit.

The Greek word used here normally refers to the whole bridle: both the straps and the piece of metal. But if your language has a specific word for the piece of metal that is put into the horse’s mouth, you should use it here. That is what the Berean Standard Bible has done.

Some ways to translate this word are:

• Use a specific term for the thing that is put in the mouth of a horse to control it. For example, most English versions say:

bits

• Use a more general term for the things that people use to control a horse. In some cases, it will be more natural to leave the phrase into the mouths untranslated. For example:

bridles
-or-
reins on the head

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

When we put something into the mouths of horses to guide them

• Use a cultural substitute. For example:

rope around the neck
-or-
ring in the nose/snout

horses: Some people are not familiar with horses and have no word for them in their language. If that is the case in your language, you can:

• Use a generic term and describe the function of a horse. For example:

an animal one can ride

• Substitute a different animal that a person can ride and put a bridle on. For example:

an ox
-or-
a camel

3:3b

to make them obey us: The clause to make them obey us is the purpose of using a bit and a bridle. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

to cause them to obey/follow our will
-or-
to force/make them to do what we want

3:3c

we can guide: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as guide means to turn or change the direction of something that is moving. Some other ways to translate this word are:

we can turn
-or-
we guide (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
we can direct (Revised English Bible)
-or-
we are able to make it go where we want (Good News Translation)

whole animal: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as whole animal is literally “whole body.” It refers to the body of the horse. The same Greek words are found in 3:2d. When translating this phrase, it is best to use similar words in both verses so that the reader can see the connection between them. For example:

the whole body of the person (3:2d)

the whole body of the horse (3:3c)

© 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.

5:2a

Your riches have rotted: The clause Your riches have rotted is a general statement that all the possessions of the rich people will “spoil” (Some commentators suggest that the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as riches refers specifically to grain (wheat). See Mayor, pages 148–149; Hiebert, page 285; Mitton, page 176; Tasker, page 110; Manton, page 403. They point out that there is evidence that the word translated riches originally referred in the ancient world to having plenty of grain stored in the granaries. Also, the word translated rotted usually means actual rotting, although it can mean decay in general. Thirdly, since 5:2a is connected by “and” to a clause that mentions a specific kind of possessions (5:2b), it seems likely that 5:2a also refers to a specific kind of possessions. Note also that Palestine was primarily an agricultural society, and see Luke 12:16–21. However, none of the major English versions translate this word as “grain.”) or “be ruined.” In 5:2b and 5:3a James went on to mention which possessions in particular had spoiled. Use a word for rotted that goes well with riches. For example:

Your riches have decayed (God’s Word)
-or-
Your richest goods are ruined (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

This future event is so certain that James spoke of it as something that had already happened. This is typical prophetic style. In some languages, it is more natural to use the future tense here. For example:

Your^(plur) wealth will surely become worthless.
-or-
All the things that you have accumulated for yourselves will be destroyed.

5:2b

moths have eaten your clothes: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as clothes refers to outer garments such as robes. In the biblical world, beautiful garments were very expensive, and people considered them as part of their wealth. (See Judges 14:12; 2 Kings 5:5; Acts 20:33). The larvae of moths could eat the cloth and make holes in it while the garment was stored.

As in 5:2a, this future event is so certain that James spoke of it as something that had already happened. In some languages, it is more natural to use the future tense here. For example:

moths will eat your clothes

If moths that eat clothes are not known in your area, you can use:

• a more generic name. For example:

insects

• an explanatory phrase

bugs that eat clothes

• another insect that destroys clothes. For example:

termites
-or-
ants
-or-
cockroaches

© 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4:8a

Draw near to God: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Draw near refers to approaching God in a spiritual sense. It means “Develop a close relationship with God.” It does not mean that we should change our physical location.

Consider how you speak of being in a good relationship with someone. If your readers will not understand the spiritual sense of Draw near, you will have to adjust how you express this idea. For example:

In your hearts come/go near to God
-or-
Know God better

4:8b

and He will draw near to you: The verb draw near is the same verb as in 4:8a. Some languages will use the same verb in both 4:8a and 4:8b. But other languages will use different verbs for “people going near to God” and “God coming near to them.” In any case, this does not mean that God actually changes his physical location. The verbs in 4:8a and 4:8b refer to our spiritual relationship with God.

If you made an adjustment to your translation of “Draw near” in 4:8a, you will also have to make an adjustment here. For example:

and he will reward/help you

4:8c–d

Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded: This sentence has a grammatical structure called a parallelism. In this parallelism, 4:8c and 4:8d are poetic ways to say the same thing. The similar parts are underlined in the same way:

c
Cleanse your hands, you sinners,

dand purify your hearts, you double-minded

The phrase Cleanse your hands is similar in meaning to purify your hearts. The phrases you sinners and you double-minded are two ways to talk about the same group of people.

See the General Comment at the end of 4:8d to see examples of how to combine 4:8c–d.

4:8c

Cleanse your hands: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as Cleanse your hands is a figure of speech. It is not a literal command to get some water and use it to clean their hands.

There are at least two ways to translate this phrase:

• Keep the figure of speech. For example:

Cleanse your hands (NET Bible)

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

Clean up your lives. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
clean sin out of your lives (New Century Version)

Whichever way you translate this phrase, it is good to put the other option in a footnote.

you sinners: The phrase you sinners functions as a strong rebuke. It also strengthens James’ command about washing hands.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

You are sinners!
-or-
Realize that you have sinned. (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
because you are sinners
-or-
and stop sinning

Notice that the Berean Standard Bible places the phrase you sinners at the end of 4:8c. This follows the word order in the Greek text. In some languages, it is more natural to place it at the beginning of 4:8c.

sinners: The word sinners refers to people who habitually offend God by doing what is contrary to his law. The ways people may offend God include doing and thinking things that God does not approve. People may also offend God by their attitudes and by not doing what God wants them to do. Some ways to translate sinners are:

people who sin
-or-
people who do not obey God
-or-
wrongdoers

See also the note on “sin” at 1:15b.

4:8d

purify your hearts: The phrase purify your hearts is a metaphor. In this metaphor, removing sin from our lives is compared to purifying our hearts. The way that the two actions are similar is that something bad is removed.

In both Hebrew and Greek, the heart refers to a person’s thoughts and desires. So to purify one’s heart means to remove evil thoughts and desires.

Some ways to translate this phrase are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

make your hearts pure (NET Bible)

In some cultures, an organ other than the heart may be used to describe the part of the person where thoughts and desires come from. For example:

Make your liver pure/good

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

make your thinking pure (New Century Version)

you double-minded: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as double-minded functions as a strong rebuke. It refers to people who seem to have two minds or hearts that are fighting each other. One mind wants to please God. The other mind wants to please the world, and so it is fighting God. If your language has an idiom for this term, consider using it here.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

you people who can’t make up your mind (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time (New Century Version)
-or-
because you are thinking two ways
-or-
and stop trying to follow both sin and God

Notice that the Berean Standard Bible places the phrase you double-minded at the end of 4:8d. This follows the word order in the Greek text. In some languages, it is more natural to place it at the beginning of 4:8d.

This same word occurs in 1:8a.

General Comment on 4:8c–d

The parallel parts of 4:8c and 4:8d should be understood as repeating the same thought. So you sinners and you double-minded should not be understood as separate categories of people. If a parallel structure in your language wrongly implies different groups, you may need to combine the parallel parts in these lines. For example:

You^(plur) sinful people who are thinking two ways, clean your hands and your hearts.
-or-
You people who want to please both the world and God, remove evil thoughts and evil actions from your lives.

© 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.