James 5:1
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
Original Language Analysis
Ἄγε
G71
Ἄγε
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
2 of 12
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κλαύσατε
weep
G2799
κλαύσατε
weep
Strong's:
G2799
Word #:
5 of 12
to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)
ἐπὶ
for
G1909
ἐπὶ
for
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.Proverbs 11:4Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.Jeremiah 9:23Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:James 1:11For 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.Micah 6:12For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.Isaiah 13:6Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.Zephaniah 1:18Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.Deuteronomy 32:15But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.James 2:6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?James 4:13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Historical Context
Rich landowners in Judea and throughout the empire exploited day laborers. James echoes prophets like Amos, warning that divine judgment looms over unrepentant elites.
Questions for Reflection
- How might God be calling you to weep over unjust wealth patterns?
- Where could your resources relieve misery?
- What safeguards prevent oppression within your business or church?
Analysis & Commentary
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Come now, you rich, weep and howl (ololuzete, ὀλολύζετε) for miseries coming upon you. James issues prophetic woe against oppressive wealthy elites. Their judgment is imminent.
Reformed prophetic witness confronts systemic injustice. Wealth hoarded at others' expense will draw God's wrath.