James 5:11

Authorized King James Version

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Behold, 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.

Original Language Analysis

ἰδού, Behold G2400
ἰδού, Behold
Strong's: G2400
Word #: 1 of 20
used as imperative lo!
μακαρίζομεν we count them happy G3106
μακαρίζομεν we count them happy
Strong's: G3106
Word #: 2 of 20
to beatify, i.e., pronounce (or esteem) fortunate
τοὺς G3588
τοὺς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπομένοντας· which endure G5278
ὑπομένοντας· which endure
Strong's: G5278
Word #: 4 of 20
to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπομονὴν of the patience G5281
ὑπομονὴν of the patience
Strong's: G5281
Word #: 6 of 20
cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy
Ἰὼβ of Job G2492
Ἰὼβ of Job
Strong's: G2492
Word #: 7 of 20
job, a patriarch
ἠκούσατε Ye have heard G191
ἠκούσατε Ye have heard
Strong's: G191
Word #: 8 of 20
to hear (in various senses)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τέλος the end G5056
τέλος the end
Strong's: G5056
Word #: 11 of 20
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
κύριος of the Lord G2962
κύριος of the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 12 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἴδετε have seen G1492
εἴδετε have seen
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 13 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 14 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πολύσπλαγχνός very pitiful G4184
πολύσπλαγχνός very pitiful
Strong's: G4184
Word #: 15 of 20
extremely compassionate
ἐστιν is G2076
ἐστιν is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 16 of 20
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος of the Lord G2962
κύριος of the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 18 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 19 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἰκτίρμων of tender mercy G3629
οἰκτίρμων of tender mercy
Strong's: G3629
Word #: 20 of 20
compassionate

Analysis & Commentary

Behold, 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. We count those blessed who endure. Job's perseverance and the Lord's compassion illustrate God's purpose. James highlights God's character: very compassionate (polusplagchnos, πολυσπλαγχνός) and merciful.

Reformed teaching on providence emphasizes God's tender mercy even in trials, as Job discovered.

Historical Context

Job's story was beloved among Jews. James appeals to it to show that suffering has divine purpose and compassionate outcome. Early Christians facing trials saw themselves in Job's narrative.

Questions for Reflection

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