James Chapter 1 · Verse 10
But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 12
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
1 Peter 1:24For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:1 John 2:17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.Job 14:2He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;Matthew 5:3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven.Psalms 103:15As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.1 Corinthians 7:31And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.Isaiah 40:6The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:Isaiah 66:2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.Matthew 6:30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Historical Context
Some members of James's audience were relatively wealthy merchants or landowners who had embraced Christ. In a first-century honor culture, their social capital tempted them to expect preferential treatment. James, writing from Jerusalem with apostolic authority, reminds them that persecution could strip wealth overnight, as happened during famines and political upheavals.
His teaching dovetails with Paul's admonitions in 1 Timothy 6 for the rich to be humble and generous. The diaspora situation—where fortunes were uncertain—made James's warning urgent.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways can you intentionally boast in Christ rather than success or assets?
- How might God be calling you to embrace practical humility with your resources?
- Whom can you bless this week to demonstrate that riches are temporary?
Analysis & Commentary
But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. The rich believer is likewise to boast in being "made low" (tapeinōsis, ταπείνωσις), for temporal wealth is ephemeral like grass. James invokes Isaiah 40 to show that riches wither under the burning heat (kausōn, καύσων). The imagery reinforces Jesus' warning that worldly treasures decay; only treasures in heaven endure.
By pairing verses 9 and 10, James levels status distinctions in the church. Reformed theology affirms that justification eliminates boasting in worldly assets; the cross humbles the rich and lifts the poor. The wealthy are called to glory in their humiliation because in Christ they become servants, stewards rather than owners.