James 2:15
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
If
G1437
ἐὰν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 13
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἀδελφὸς
a brother
G80
ἀδελφὸς
a brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 13
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὑπάρχωσιν
be
G5225
ὑπάρχωσιν
be
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
7 of 13
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λειπόμενοι
destitute
G3007
λειπόμενοι
destitute
Strong's:
G3007
Word #:
9 of 13
to leave, i.e., (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent
ὦσιν
G5600
ὦσιν
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
10 of 13
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 3:11He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.Isaiah 58:7Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?Isaiah 58:10And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: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?
Historical Context
Persecution and famine created many destitute saints (Acts 11). James oversaw relief distributions and knew of believers lacking basics. His illustration wasn't hypothetical. Paul's collection for Jerusalem mirrors this priority.
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your church family currently struggles with basic needs?
- How can you restructure budget or time to meet tangible needs?
- What systems can your church implement for swift benevolence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, James illustrates with a brother or sister lacking clothing (gymnoi, γυμνοί) and daily food (leipomenoi trophēs, λειπόμενοι τροφῆς). Faith encounters tangible needs, not theoretical scenarios. The familial terms emphasize church responsibility toward one another.
The scenario exposes hypocrisy: ignoring fellow believers' needs reveals faithlessness. Reformed ecclesiology highlights covenant community; neglecting family obligations contradicts gospel love.