James 1:11
For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 32
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
5 of 32
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξήρανεν
it withereth
G3583
ἐξήρανεν
it withereth
Strong's:
G3583
Word #:
9 of 32
to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χόρτον
the grass
G5528
χόρτον
the grass
Strong's:
G5528
Word #:
11 of 32
a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
of it
G846
αὐτοῦ
of it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 32
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
ἐξέπεσεν
falleth
G1601
ἐξέπεσεν
falleth
Strong's:
G1601
Word #:
16 of 32
to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσώπου
of the fashion
G4383
προσώπου
of the fashion
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
21 of 32
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
αὐτοῦ
of it
G846
αὐτοῦ
of it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 32
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
ἀπώλετο·
perisheth
G622
ἀπώλετο·
perisheth
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
23 of 32
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πορείαις
ways
G4197
πορείαις
ways
Strong's:
G4197
Word #:
30 of 32
travel (by land); figuratively (plural) proceedings, i.e., career
Historical Context
Diaspora congregations witnessed wealthy patrons losing fortunes due to Roman taxation or political unrest. Such volatility proved James's metaphor. Writing from Jerusalem, James reminded merchants that exile status made wealth precarious, urging them to align with Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 6 about storing treasure in good works.
The persecution climate meant believers could be dispossessed overnight, so James grounds their hope not in stability but in Christ's promise of the crown of life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does James's imagery of withering grass challenge your view of success?
- What practical steps can help you hold wealth loosely?
- Where can your resources bring lasting gospel fruit this season?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. James paints a vivid picture: the sun rising with burning heat (kausōn, καύσων) scorches grass until its beauty (euprepeia, εὐπρέπεια) perishes. Wealth fades just as quickly; the rich man "shall fade away" (maranthēsetai, μαρανθήσεται) in the midst of pursuits. The imagery echoes Psalm 103 and Isaiah 40, anchoring James's warning in Scripture.
Reformed theology affirms that earthly prosperity is transient, while union with Christ secures imperishable riches. James urges believers to interpret economic changes eschatologically: all flesh is grass, but the Word endures. This perspective frees the church to practice liberality without clinging to temporary adornment.