James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Original Language Analysis
ὃν
that
G3739
ὃν
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὑπομένει
endureth
G5278
ὑπομένει
endureth
Strong's:
G5278
Word #:
4 of 20
to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere
πειρασμόν
temptation
G3986
πειρασμόν
temptation
Strong's:
G3986
Word #:
5 of 20
a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
δόκιμος
when he is tried
G1384
δόκιμος
when he is tried
Strong's:
G1384
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved
γενόμενος
G1096
γενόμενος
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 20
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
λήψεταί
he shall receive
G2983
λήψεταί
he shall receive
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
9 of 20
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στέφανον
the crown
G4735
στέφανον
the crown
Strong's:
G4735
Word #:
11 of 20
a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃν
that
G3739
ὃν
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐπηγγείλατο
hath promised
G1861
ἐπηγγείλατο
hath promised
Strong's:
G1861
Word #:
15 of 20
to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριος
the Lord
G2962
Κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
17 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.James 5:11Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Matthew 10:22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.1 Corinthians 9:25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.1 Peter 3:14But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;2 Timothy 4:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?1 Peter 5:4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Historical Context
This blessing would have comforted believers facing imprisonment or martyrdom. James, writing before widespread imperial persecution, nonetheless saw how Jewish authorities harassed the church. His words resonate with Paul's teaching that suffering produces hope and with Jesus' beatitudes.
The diaspora context meant believers longed for vindication; James assures them that steadfast love for God amid hardship will be honored at Christ's appearing, reinforcing apostolic unity on perseverance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does love for God motivate you to endure current trials?
- What practices keep your eyes on the promised crown rather than present pain?
- Who around you needs encouragement to persevere in love?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Blessed (makarios, μακάριος) is the one who endures (hypomenei, ὑπομένει) trial. The crown (stephanos, στέφανος) of life recalls athletic wreaths and royal honors, symbolizing eschatological reward promised to those who love God. James ties perseverance to affection—not stoic grit but covenant love that perseveres because Christ first loved us.
The promise parallels Revelation 2:10 and Paul's assurance in 2 Timothy 4:8. Reformed believers affirm that perseverance is evidence of genuine faith; those kept by God's power continue loving Him amid tests. Trials thus become opportunities to display love and anticipate the crown secured by Christ.