James 5:1

Authorized King James Version

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἄγε
G71
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
#2
νῦν
now
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#3
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
πλούσιοι
ye rich men
wealthy; figuratively, abounding with
#5
κλαύσατε
weep
to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)
#6
ὀλολύζοντες
and howl
to "howl" or "halloo", i.e., shriek
#7
ἐπὶ
for
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#8
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ταλαιπωρίαις
miseries
wretchedness, i.e., calamity
#10
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you
#11
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἐπερχομέναις
that shall come upon
to supervene, i.e., arrive, occur, impend, attack, (figuratively) influence

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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