James 5:2
Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλοῦτος
riches
G4149
πλοῦτος
riches
Strong's:
G4149
Word #:
2 of 10
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Job 13:28And he, as a rotten thing, consumeth, as a garment that is moth eaten.Isaiah 50:9Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.Luke 12:33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.Isaiah 51:8For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.1 Peter 1:4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Historical Context
Ancient wealth was stored in grain, garments, and metals—all susceptible to decay. James paints courtroom imagery: spoiled goods will testify at judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What unused resources might testify against you?
- How can you redirect assets toward gospel purposes?
- Who could benefit from clothing, housing, or savings you have stored?
Analysis & Commentary
Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your riches are corrupted, garments moth-eaten. Wealth decays; luxury wardrobe rots. James emphasizes temporality of hoarded goods.
Reformed stewardship teaches that riches unused for kingdom purposes become evidence against us. Decay testifies to misplaced trust.