James 1:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀνέτειλεν
G393
is no sooner risen
to (cause to) arise
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἥλιος
G2246
the sun
the sun; by implication, light
#5
σὺν
G4862
with
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
#6
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
καύσωνι
G2742
a burning heat
a glare
#8
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ἐξήρανεν
G3583
it withereth
to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature
#10
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
χόρτον
G5528
the grass
a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation
#12
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἄνθος
G438
the flower
a blossom
#15
αὐτοῦ
G846
of it
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
#16
ἐξέπεσεν
G1601
falleth
to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient
#17
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
εὐπρέπεια
G2143
the grace
good suitableness, i.e., gracefulness
#20
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
προσώπου
G4383
of the fashion
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
#22
αὐτοῦ
G846
of it
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
#23
ἀπώλετο·
G622
perisheth
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#24
οὕτως
G3779
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#25
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#26
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
πλούσιος
G4145
the rich man
wealthy; figuratively, abounding with
#28
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#29
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#30
πορείαις
G4197
ways
travel (by land); figuratively (plural) proceedings, i.e., career
#31
αὐτοῦ
G846
of it
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
#32
μαρανθήσεται
G3133
fade away
to extinguish (as fire), i.e., (figuratively and passively) to pass away

Analysis

Within the broader context of James, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of grace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about grace, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to James's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of James Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes grace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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