SIL Translator’s Notes on James 2012 – Page 8

SIL Translator's Notes on James 5:16

5:16a

Therefore: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Therefore here introduces a command to do something based on what James had just written. God heals sick people in answer to prayer, even if they have sinned (5:15). So people who are sick should seek to be healed by confessing their sins. For example:

So (God’s Word)
-or-
For this reason
-or-
Because of that
-or-
On the basis of what I have just said

confess: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as confess means “openly admit” to another person that one has disobeyed God. In this context, it does not mean praying silently to God.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

admit (God’s Word)
-or-
you should tell each other what you have done (Contemporary English Version)

your sins: The word sins here refers to anything that a person has done that is contrary to God’s will and desire for his people. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

the things that you have done wrong
-or-
your evil thoughts and deeds
-or-
your wrongs

to each other: The phrase to each other refers to other members of the church. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

to one another
-or-
to your fellow believers

5:16b

and pray for each other: The word pray means “ask God.” In this context of a person confessing that he has sinned, the topic of the prayer is clear. Here pray for implies that they will ask God to forgive and heal this member of the church. Some other ways to translate this are:

and pray to God for one another
-or-
and ask God to heal and forgive you and your fellow believers

5:16c

so that you may be healed: The purpose of the prayer is so that you may be healed. It is a passive clause. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

so that you will be healed (Good News Translation)

• Use an active verb. For example:

so God can heal you (New Century Version)
-or-
so that the Lord may heal you

5:16d

The prayer: In some languages, it is more natural to translate the noun prayer as a verb. For example:

When a believing person prays (New Century Version)

a righteous man: The phrase a righteous man means “a person who lives in the way that God requires.” Some other ways to translate this word are:

a person who does what is right/just
-or-
a person who follows/keeps God’s laws
-or-
a straight person

This same word occurs in 5:6a where the New International Version (2011 Revision) translates it as “innocent men.”

5:16e

has great power to prevail: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as power to prevail indicates that when a righteous person prays, it causes great things to happen.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

has great power and produces wonderful results (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
is powerful, and it can help a lot (Contemporary English Version)

In some languages, it will be natural to translate power to prevail as one phrase that is emphasized. For example:

has great effectiveness (NET Bible)
-or-
does great things
-or-
accomplishes a lot
-or-
is very powerful

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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 1:15

1:15a–d

Verse 1:15 is an extended metaphor. The stages of sin are compared to the stages of a woman having a child. Each stage is described below.

Verse 1:15 is also a personification. This means that “desire” and “sin” are both described as doing things that people normally do.

1:15a

Then: The word Then introduces the result and next logical step after a person is enticed to do wrong. When translating this word, consider how your language speaks of events that normally happen in a set order. Consider how to properly introduce an event that is the result of the one before it.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

As a result
-or-
Next
-or-
And then

desire has conceived: The clause desire has conceived is both a metaphor and personification. After a person is lured to sin (1:14c), the next step is that he actually decides to sin. This step is compared to conceiving a child.

Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

Then desire becomes pregnant (God’s Word)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

Then, it is like the person’s desire becomes pregnant,

• Keep the metaphor but not the personification. For example:

Then, he conceives/develops a plan to do what he desires

• Translate the meaning. For example:

Then he decides/plans to actually do the evil that he desires

has conceived: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as has conceived refers to the beginning of a woman’s pregnancy. For example:

becomes pregnant (God’s Word)

Use a word or phrase that is appropriate for reading aloud in church and will not offend or embarrass anyone.

1:15b

it gives birth to sin: This clause continues the metaphor and personification. The word it refers to “desire” in 1:15a. In this metaphor, sin is committed. This is compared to giving birth to a child.

Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

and gives birth to sin (God’s Word)
-or-
the child born to desire is sin

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

and it is like a woman who gives birth to sin

• Keep the metaphor but not the personification. For example:

sin is born
-or-
it produces sin

• Translate the meaning. For example:

Next he commits/does the sin

sin: The noun sin refers to any offense against God or another person. Sins include acts, thoughts, and attitudes that are not what God wants or approves. (In Greek, the verb that English versions translate as sin is also a term that was used in archery to mean “miss the target.” When a person sins, he “misses” the target, that is, he fails to reach God’s standard.) A person can also offend God by not doing what God wants him to do.

It is helpful to translate “sin” with a general term that can include any wrong act that a person does against God. Here are problems to avoid:

(a) The term should not imply that only serious crimes such as murder or stealing are sins. Other offenses such as gossip and greed are also sins.

(b) The term should not include accidents or mistakes that are not against God’s will.

Some ways to translate sin are:

a wrong act
-or-
an offense against God
-or-
an evil deed

In some languages, it is more natural to express “sin” as a verb. For example:

it causes the person to sin

1:15c

sin, when it is full-grown: This continues the metaphor and personification. When a person continues to sin, it develops or grows into a habit. This is compared to a child becoming mature or fully grown.

Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

When sin grows up (God’s Word)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

then it is as if sin grows up

• Keep the metaphor but not the personification. For example:

he grows up doing the sin

• Translate the meaning. For example:

when he continues to habitually sin

1:15d

gives birth to death: This continues the metaphor and personification. When a person continues to sin until it controls him, it will eventually lead to eternal death. This is compared to the grown-up child becoming pregnant and giving birth to a baby of her own. It is the opposite of the life with God mentioned in 1:12c.

Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

it gives birth to death. (God’s Word)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

and it is like sin gives birth to death.

• Keep the metaphor but not the personification. For example:

and has/gets eternal punishment

• Translate the meaning. For example:

and he eventually dies eternally.
-or-
and the result is eternal death.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:21

2:21

In 2:21, James gave the first of two examples from the Old Testament of someone whom God declared to be righteous. This example is about Abraham.

Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that Abraham was definitely justified or “considered righteous” (New International Version (2011 Revision)) for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

• As a statement. For example:

Certainly Abraham, our ancestor, was declared right with God by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar.

• As a question and a statement. For example:

Consider our ancestor Abraham. Did not God consider him righteous when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
-or-
How was our ancestor Abraham declared right with God? It was through his actions, when he offered his son Isaac on the altar.

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

2:21a

our father Abraham: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as our father Abraham is literally “Abraham our father” (as in the Revised Standard Version). Abraham had lived many generations before James, and all Jews had descended from Abraham. So use a word that indicates an ancestor who was the beginning of a language group or a tribe.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

our forefather Abraham
-or-
Abraham our long ago ancestor

2:21b

justified by what he did: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as justified by what he did is translated by many English versions as “justified by works.” Before you translate this phrase, there are at least two issues to consider.

Issue 1: Which part of the meaning of the verb is the focus

The verb “justified” primarily means “declared innocent.” This word is used in a court or judgment setting. A judge examines the evidence and may then declare that an accused person is “innocent,” “just” or “righteous.” This is equal to saying, “Not guilty.”

Commentaries and English versions focus on different aspects of this word:

(a) Some focus on the verdict or declaration. God considered/declared Abraham to be righteous. God did this because Abraham’s deeds proved that he was righteous. For example:

our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

(b) Others focus on the evidence and what it showed. Abraham’s deeds showed/proved that he was righteous. For example:

our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

(c) Still others focus on the accused person’s new condition after the verdict. God caused Abraham to be righteous. For example:

Abraham, our ancestor, was made right with God by what he did…. (New Century Version)

Most commentaries favor (a). So it may be better to translate in a way that follows (a). (Focus (c) is quite different and could be considered a different interpretation.)

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

Was not our ancestor Abraham declared righteous because of what he did…?
-or-
Did not God consider our ancestor Abraham to be just/straight because of his good deeds…?
-or-
It was certainly because of what our ancestor Abraham did that God declared that he was a righteous/good person….

Issue 2: How to translate the passive verb

The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as justified is a passive verb. Some ways to translate this verb are:

• As a passive verb. For example:

Was not our ancestor Abraham declared right with God because of what he did…?
-or-
It was certainly because of our ancestor Abraham’s good deeds that he was declared righteous.

• As an active verb. God was the one who declared Abraham righteous. For example:

Was it not because of what our ancestor Abraham did that God declared him to be righteous…?
-or-
God considered Abraham to be righteous/just because of his good deeds

by what he did: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as by what he did is literally “by works/deeds/actions.” Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

by works (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
as a result of what he did (God’s Word)
-or-
because of his good deeds

Throughout 2:14–26, James compared faith with works to faith without works. He did not compare faith to works. When he said by what he did, this implies “by faith together with what he did.” Some ways to make this clear are:

• Include the implied information in your translation. For example:

because of his faith plus works
-or-
because of his deeds that showed that he had faith
-or-
because of the kind of faith that was proven by his good deeds

• Include a footnote. For example:

In James 2:14–26, James compared faith with deeds to faith alone, that is, faith without deeds. When James wrote that Abraham was declared righteous because of his deeds, he meant “because of his faith with deeds.” Abraham’s deeds demonstrated that he had the kind of faith that can save.

General Comment on 2:21a–b

In Greek, the order of words shows that James was emphasizing the phrase by what he did. Consider if there is a way in your language to emphasize these words. For example:

Was it not by his action,…that our father Abraham was justified? (Revised English Bible)

2:21c

when he offered his son Isaac on the altar: The clause when he offered his son Isaac on the altar means that Abraham put Isaac on an altar and was willing to sacrifice him. But God stopped him. Abraham did not actually kill Isaac.

If a literal translation of this clause will cause people to think that Abraham really did kill Isaac, you should make some adjustments. For example:

when he laid his son Isaac on top of the altar in order to offer him to God

It may also be helpful to readers who do not know the story to make it clear that Abraham was not acting on his own initiative. He was obeying God’s command. This can be done by saying:

he did not refuse to take his son Isaac to the altar to sacrifice him

son: Isaac was old enough to carry the wood for the sacrifice and to understand what was happening. He was a grown youth. Use a word for son that does not imply a small child.

on the altar: An altar is a type of platform on which people offer sacrifices. God had instructed his people to pile earth or large stones together to make altars to him. If an altar was made from stones, the stones were to be in their natural form. This means that people were not to cut the stones to a regular shape (Exodus 20:24–26).

If your culture does not have a traditional name for such an altar, some other ways to translate this phrase are:

on the stones for sacrificing
-or-
on the offering burning rocks
-or-
on the sacrifice place to God

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 4:11

Paragraph 4:11–12

In this paragraph, James wrote about not saying cruel words about one’s fellow Christians. If a person says cruel words about others, it means he is setting himself up as a judge over them.

4:11a

Brothers: James switched from calling his readers “adulterous people” to Brothers. This indicates that he wanted to:

(a) introduce a new subject, and

(b) show his love for his readers. He did this so that he could more strongly ask them to change their behavior.

The word Brothers means “Fellow believers.” Some other ways to translate this word are:

My friends (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Brothers and sisters (God’s Word)

This word also occurs in 1:2a and 3:12a–b.

do not slander one another: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as slander is more literally “speak against.” For example:

Do not speak against one another (NET Bible)

To “speak against” someone means “speak evil of someone” or “say cruel words about someone when he is not present.” It means “criticize someone in order to destroy that person’s reputation.”

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

don’t say cruel things about others (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
do not tell evil lies about each other (New Century Version)
-or-
Do not criticize one another (Good News Translation)

4:11b–e

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of some of the clauses in 4:11b–e. For example:

^11bAnyone who speaks against his brother, ^11dspeaks against the law. ^11cAnyone who judges his brother, ^11ejudges the law.
-or-
^11bIf anyone speaks against his brother, ^11dhe speaks against the law. ^11cIf anyone judges his brother, ^11ehe judges the law.

4:11b

speaks against: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as speaks against is the same verb that is translated as “slander” in 4:11a.

Some ways to translate this verb are:

• Use the same verb as in 4:11a. For example:

^11astop slandering each other. ^11bThose who slander (God’s Word)

• Use a synonym: For example:

^11aDon’t speak evil against each other, my dear brothers and sisters. ^11bIf you criticize each other (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

• Use a general verb. For example:

^11aMy friends, don’t say cruel things about others! ^11bIf you do… (Contemporary English Version)

his brother: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as his brother is literally “brother.” The pronoun his is not in Greek. Some ways to translate this word are:

another Christian (Good News Translation)
-or-
a fellow believer (NET Bible)
-or-
each other (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

4:11c

or judges him: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as judges means “criticize/ accuse others of doing wrong in a mean or severe manner.” This does not refer to the kind of judging that a judge does in court. Nor does it imply that people are never to judge whether something is right or wrong.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

or if you condemn others (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
or harshly/severely accuses him of doing wrong
-or-
or criticizes/rebukes him in a mean/unkind manner

The same word and same idea occur in Matthew 7:1.

4:11d

speaks against the law: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as speaks against is the same as the word translated “slander” in 4:11a. Some ways to translate this phrase are:

speaks evil of the law
-or-
says evil words against the law
-or-
criticizes the law

The law demands that Christians love one another (2:8). If someone criticizes his fellow believer, he is not loving him. So he is not doing what the law demands. When someone does not do what the law says, he communicates by his actions that the law is not worthy of his respect and obedience. So it is as if he is speaking against the law. You may want to make this clear in your translation. For example:

it is as if he speaks evil of the law

the law: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the law refers to God’s law. In other words, it refers to everything that God has commanded his people to do in their lives.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

God’s Law (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
God’s teachings (God’s Word)
-or-
God’s rules

This word also occurs in 1:25a.

4:11e

judges it: The phrase judges it indicates that whenever you judge a brother, it is as if you are judging the law. This means that you are “finding fault” with certain laws and are deciding that you do not have to obey them. Specifically, you are not obeying the law that says that you should love your brother.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

it is as though he judges it
-or-
condemning God’s law (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)
-or-
acts like the judge of the law

The same Greek word meaning judges occurs in 4:11c.

General Comment on 4:11b–e

In some languages, it may be necessary to make explicit how judging one’s brother is the same as judging the law. For example:

^11bAnyone who speaks against his brother ^11cor judges him ^11dspeaks against the law ^11eand judges it because he has not kept the Scripture that says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

4:11f

And: In Greek, this sentence has a conjunction that commonly indicates a change or contrast. Here James uses it to introduce a further stage in his discussion. One way to translate this conjunction is:

And (Contemporary English Version)

In some languages, it is natural to use a conjunction here. In other languages, no conjunction is necessary.

if you judge the law: In this verse and the following verse, the pronoun you is singular. By using the singular form, James addresses every person individually, and therefore very forcefully. Consider whether in your language a command spoken to every individual should be in the singular or plural form.

4:11g

you are not a practitioner of the law: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you are not a practitioner of the law literally says “you are not a doer of the law” (as in the Revised Standard Version). Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

then you are no longer one who obeys the Law (Good News Translation)
-or-
you are no longer a follower of the law (New Century Version)

4:11h

but a judge of it: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as but a judge of it is literally “but a judge.” Being a “judge of the law” contrasts with being a “doer of the law” in 4:11g. A “judge of the law” is someone who has authority over the law. He decides which part of the law is worthy or necessary to obey and which part is not necessary.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

become a judge over it (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
but you are condemning it as if you were its judge
-or-
but you are acting as if you have the right to say/choose which laws should be obeyed

General Comment on 4:11f–h

In some languages, it is more natural to translate the three clauses of 4:11f–h as two clauses. For example:

But you are not a judge who can decide whether the law is right or wrong. Your job is to obey it. (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:26

Paragraph 1:26–27

In order to please God, a person must control his tongue, help others, and avoid sin.

1:26a

If anyone:

Some Greek manuscripts also have the phrase “among you” in 1:26. For example, the King James Version says, “If any man among you.” The majority of English versions do not include this phrase.
The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as If anyone can also be translated as “Anyone who.” The form of this Greek “if” clause indicates that James was referring to everyone who was like this. He was not uncertain whether there was anyone like this. So in some languages, it may be more natural to use a plural here. For example:

Those who
-or-
People who (New Century Version)
-or-
If you(plur)

considers himself religious: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as considers himself religious implies that the person falsely thinks that he is religious. He believes that he does things that please God, but he is wrong.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

thinks that he is religious
-or-
says that he is a religious person

religious: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as religious describes a person who seriously follows the rites and teachings of a religion. This might include prayer, worship with other people, and fasting.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

devoted to God
-or-
on God’s path
-or-
walks well with God
-or-
does God’s work/laws

1:26b

does not bridle his tongue: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as does not bridle his tongue refers to the way a person who rides a horse controls his horse with ropes or leather straps around the head. The ropes are called a bridle. (See the illustration below.) The act of controlling a horse by means of those ropes or straps is also called “bridle.” (For example, “He bridles his horse.”)

Here this word is a metaphor. James compared someone who is able to control his tongue to a horse that is bridled. They are similar in that both can be controlled. Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

does not bridle his tongue (English Standard Version)

• Translate the meaning of the metaphor. For example:

can’t control your tongue (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
say things they should not say (New Century Version)

his tongue: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as his tongue is also a figure of speech. It refers to “the words that a person says” with his tongue.

Some other ways to translate this figure are:

his mouth
-or-
his words
-or-
what he says

1:26c

he deceives his heart: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as heart is frequently used in Greek to refer to a person’s thoughts. Some modern English versions translate this word as “himself.”

Another way to translate this phrase is:

he is fooling himself (God’s Word)
-or-
he is lying to himself
-or-
what he thinks about himself is wrong

A person deceives himself if he thinks that he is religious when, at the same time, he cannot control his tongue.

1:26d

and his religion is worthless:

In Greek, 1:26a–c is part of a complex clause that begins with “if.” This is followed by the consequence in 1:26d. The Revised Standard Version follows this grammatical structure:
^26aIf any one thinks he is religious^26band does not bridle his tongue^26cbut deceives himself,Consequence^26dthis man’s religion is vain. The New International Version (2011 Revision) and many other modern versions have transferred 1:26c (but deceives himself) to the consequence. One way to emphasize the consequence in 1:26d is to make it a separate sentence. For example, the God’s Word says:^26aIf a person thinks that he is religious^26bbut can’t control his tongue,^26che is fooling himself.^26dThat person’s religion is worthless.) The clause his religion is worthless indicates that all that he does to show that he is devoted to God is useless in God’s eyes. Another way to translate this is:

this person’s religious acts/practices are worth nothing
-or-
his religion is of no worth/use
-or-
his worship has no value

religion: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as religion refers to the worship of God or gods. It refers primarily to outward, external acts of piety or devotion.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

ceremonies to God
-or-
worship of God
-or-
piety toward God

This word also occurs in Acts 26:5.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 3:7

Paragraph 3:7–8

In this paragraph, James contrasted taming wild animals with taming the tongue.

3:7

In Greek, a conjunction connects 3:7 to the verses before it. Older English versions translate this conjunction as “For” (as in the Revised Standard Version). However, this verse is not giving a reason for something. This conjunction introduces some further thoughts on the dangers of the tongue. Most modern English versions do not use any connecting word here. If your language uses a word to introduce further thoughts on a topic, then you may want to use it here.

Some examples of how to translate this word are:

Furthermore
-or-
Moreover
-or-
In addition

3:7a

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea: In this verse, all living creatures are divided into four categories:

(a) animals

(b) birds

(d) creatures of the sea

Different languages divide living creatures in different ways. So it may not be possible to find exact words in your language for each of these four categories. In some languages, it is more natural to divide living creatures in some other way. For example:

wild animals, birds, snakes, and fish
-or-
animals that walk, animals that crawl, animals that fly, and animals that swim
-or-
every kind of moving thing, even birds and snakes

Some languages have only two or three categories. Use the divisions that are natural in your language.

animals: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as animals refers to certain four-footed animals that live on land. It could include the animals that people normally keep under their control like cows, sheep, goats, and dogs. However, the animals in focus here are those that normally live in the wild and that men go out to hunt. These are animals like deer, antelopes, wild pigs, and so on.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

wild animals (Good News Translation)
-or-
bush animals

birds: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as birds includes all kinds of birds. James may have wanted to include other flying things as well like bats, locusts, and other insects.

reptiles: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as reptiles refers to all creatures that move about close to the ground. This includes creatures that slide along the ground such as snakes. It also includes creatures that run close to the ground such as lizards.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

creatures that crawl on the ground (Revised English Bible)
-or-
snakes

creatures of the sea: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as creatures of the sea includes all creatures that live in water. This includes fish, whales, eels, crabs, and so on.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

creatures that…swim in the sea (Revised English Bible)
-or-
fish (Good News Translation)

3:7b

are being tamed and have been tamed: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as tamed occurs twice in 3:7b. This verb is a general word that means “gained control” over a creature. “To gain control” over an animal is: (a) to tame it to be a pet, (b) to make it work for someone, (c) to stop it from eating crops, and even (d) to kill it and eat it. (F. Field, Notes on the Translation of the NT , pages 237–238. Mitton, pages 129–130, says, “[The Greek word] would represent also man’s power to destroy such animals as threatened human welfare, as well as to compel other animals to submit to domestic service.”) The English word “tamed” is perhaps too specific a word here. It covers only part of the meaning.

Some other ways to translate this verb are:

subdued (Revised English Bible)
-or-
caused to be submissive
-or-
made to obey
-or-
controlled

The word tamed occurs twice, but the second time the tense is different. This is to make the point that taming creatures has always happened. Men are doing it today, and they have been doing it since the world began.

Both of these verbs are passive. There are at least two ways to translate them:

• Use passive verbs. For example:

can be subdued and have been subdued by man (Revised English Bible)

• Use active verbs. This may involve reordering 3:7a–b. For example:

People can tame every kind of wild animal, bird, reptile, and fish, and they have tamed them. (New Century Version)

man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as man means “mankind” or the “human race.” Here the focus is on all humans as a group.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

people
-or-
humans
-or-
human beings

General Comment on 3:7a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to put 3:7b before 3:7a. For example:

^7bHuman beings are subduing and have subdued ^7aall kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 5:6

5:6a

You have condemned and murdered the righteous: James accused the rich men of misusing their power in the law courts. Rich men were leaders among the people. They had friends who were judges. They used their power to oppress ordinary people even as far as having them condemned to death.

You have condemned: The word condemned means “declare/judge to be guilty (because he has done something wrong).” It can also imply “decide the punishment.” The rich men asked judges to do these things.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

You have judged guilty (New Century Version)
-or-
You^(plur) have caused innocent men to be declared guilty
-or-
You have made judges declare that innocent men have broken the law

murdered: The word murdered means “caused them to be killed.” This word refers to influencing a judge to condemn a person to die and then have him executed.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

punished by death
-or-
executed/killed

the righteous: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the righteous literally says “the righteous person.” Most commentators agree that this does not refer here to one individual person, but to righteous people in general who obey the laws.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

those who are not guilty
-or-
those who keep/follow God’s laws
-or-
people who do what is right/just
-or-
people who have done nothing wrong

5:6b

who did not resist you: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as who did not resist you is literally “and he does not resist you.” James meant that the righteous people did not oppose the rich men while the rich men persecuted them. At no point did they attempt to resist or fight back.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

who do not resist you (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
They did not fight back.

resist: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as resist occurs also in 4:6 (“opposes”). It means actively resisting, not just a feeling of hatred.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:5

Paragraph 1:5–8

In this paragraph, James encouraged his readers to ask God to make them wise. They needed wisdom from God to know what to do while experiencing trials that test their faith. God will answer this prayer if they fully trust God when they pray. But if they do not fully trust him or if they have divided loyalty, God will not answer their prayers.

1:5a

Now if any of you lacks wisdom: This clause is in the form of an “if” statement, but James was not wondering if anyone lacked wisdom. He knew that all his readers needed wisdom in order to be successful in enduring trials (1:2).

If a literal translation of if would make your readers think that James did not know if anyone needed wisdom, you could say:

Those of you who need wisdom
-or-
He who does not have wisdom

lacks: The word lacks here indicates that a person does not have wisdom or does not have enough wisdom. He also realizes that he does not have it.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

do not have
-or-
need (Contemporary English Version)

wisdom: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wisdom refers to understanding what is right and good, and doing it. A person who has wisdom is one who chooses to behave the way God wants. He acts wisely. When he is tempted to behave in the wrong way, he resists.

In some languages, it may be necessary to translate this word as an adjective. For example:

If any of you is not wise enough
-or-
If any of you needs to become a wiser person
-or-
If any of you needs understanding to do what is right and good

1:5b

he should ask God: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he should ask is a command addressed to the person who needs wisdom. In order to obtain wisdom, a person must ask for it.

Some other ways to translate this verb are:

let him ask God (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
must ask God (New Jerusalem Bible)

he: The pronoun he refers to any person who lacks wisdom. This is the person whom James referred to in 1:5a. Depending on how you have translated 1:5a, it may be necessary to use the pronoun “you” “we(incl)” or “they” rather than “he.” For example:

you should ask God (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
they should ask God
-or-
we
(incl) should request God

1:5c

There are several ways to connect 1:5c to the rest of 1:5. See the General Comment on 1:5a–d at the end of 1:5d for some examples.

who gives generously to all without finding fault: This clause (The New International Version (2011 Revision) and other English versions translate this Greek participial phrase as a descriptive (or non-restrictive) relative clause.) describes the character of God. He generously gives good gifts to people, and he does not criticize them for asking. James said this to encourage people to ask for wisdom.

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

For God gives generously to all without finding fault.

It may be natural to begin a new sentence here because:

(a) 1:5a–d is a long sentence in both the Greek and the Berean Standard Bible, and it may be natural in your language to divide it into several shorter sentences.

(b) a clause beginning with the word “who” might imply that one God gives generously and another God does not give generously.

gives generously: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as generously means that God gives “without hesitation,” “freely,” and “unconditionally.”

Some other ways to translate this word are:

gives without reserve
-or-
gives bountifully

If your language needs to say what God gives, you can say:

generously gives good things
-or-
abundantly gives what we need

to all: The word all here refers to all people.

without finding fault: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as without finding fault means “does not criticize, reproach, or blame.” God does not criticize those who ask him for wisdom, because he is pleased that they have come to him for help.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

without scolding (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
He will not resent your asking. (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)
-or-
won’t correct you for asking (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
He will not reprimand/criticize you when you ask

1:5d

it will be given to him: The word it refers to wisdom. The verb will be given is passive. God is the one who gives wisdom. So there are at least two ways to translate this phrase:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

wisdom will be given/granted him

• Use an active verb. For example:

he will give you wisdom (New Century Version)
-or-
God will cause him to become wise.

In some languages, “wisdom” is not something that “is given.” Some other ways to translate the word given are:

God will teach him to be wise
-or-
God will help him to be wise

General Comment on 1:5a–d

One of the challenges in translating 1:5 is to decide how to connect the “who” clause in 1:5c to the rest of the verse. Some possibilities are:

• Follow the Greek order, but begin a new sentence. For example:

^5aNow if any of you lacks wisdom, ^5bhe should ask God for it. ^5cGod gives generously to all without finding fault. ^5dSo if he asks for wisdom it will be given to him.

• Put 1:5c first. For example:

^5cGod gives generously to all without finding fault. ^5aSo, if you lack wisdom, ^5byou should ask God for some, 5dand he will give it to you.

• Put 1:5c last. For example:

^5aIf any of you need wisdom, ^5byou should ask God, ^5dand it will be given to you. ^5cGod is generous and won’t correct you for asking. (Contemporary English Version)

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Source: SIL Translator's Notes on James 2012

SIL Translator's Notes on James 5:16

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:15

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:21

SIL Translator's Notes on James 4:11

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:26

SIL Translator's Notes on James 3:7

SIL Translator's Notes on James 5:6

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:5

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