James 5:3
Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρυσὸς
gold
G5557
χρυσὸς
gold
Strong's:
G5557
Word #:
2 of 26
gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰὸς
the rust
G2447
ἰὸς
the rust
Strong's:
G2447
Word #:
10 of 26
rust (as if emitted by metals); also venom (as emitted by serpents)
αὐτῶν
of them
G846
αὐτῶν
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
μαρτύριον
a witness
G3142
μαρτύριον
a witness
Strong's:
G3142
Word #:
13 of 26
something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάρκας
flesh
G4561
σάρκας
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
19 of 26
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ὡς
as it were
G5613
ὡς
as it were
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
21 of 26
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐθησαυρίσατε
Ye have heaped treasure together
G2343
ἐθησαυρίσατε
Ye have heaped treasure together
Strong's:
G2343
Word #:
23 of 26
to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Isaiah 2:2And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Historical Context
Economic elites stockpiled metals as security. James asserts that such hoarding in the messianic era signals rebellion. Similar warnings appear in intertestamental literature.
Questions for Reflection
- How does living in the 'last days' reshape financial planning?
- What long-term hoards need to be liquidated for kingdom use?
- How can you cultivate contentment instead of stockpiling?
Analysis & Commentary
Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Your gold and silver are corroded (katioōtai, κατιώται); their rust will eat flesh like fire. You hoarded treasure in the last days. James warns that wealth becomes evidence for condemnation.
Reformed eschatology recognizes we live in last days; hoarding betrays disbelief in Christ's return. Stewardship proves eschatological hope.