James 5:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
χρυσὸς
G5557
gold
gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin
#3
ὑμῶν
G5216
Your
of (from or concerning) you
#4
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἄργυρος
G696
silver
silver (the metal, in the articles or coin)
#7
κατίωται
G2728
is cankered
to rust down, i.e., corrode
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἰὸς
G2447
the rust
rust (as if emitted by metals); also venom (as emitted by serpents)
#11
αὐτῶν
G846
of them
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
#12
εἰς
G1519
against
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#13
μαρτύριον
G3142
a witness
something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)
#14
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#15
ἔσται
G2071
shall be
will be
#16
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
φάγεται
G5315
shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#18
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
σάρκας
G4561
flesh
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
#20
ὑμῶν
G5216
Your
of (from or concerning) you
#21
ὡς
G5613
as it were
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#22
πῦρ
G4442
fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#23
ἐθησαυρίσατε
G2343
Ye have heaped treasure together
to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively)
#24
ἐν
G1722
for
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#25
ἐσχάταις
G2078
the last
farthest, final (of place or time)
#26
ἡμέραις
G2250
days
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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