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James 1: Interpretation and misinterpretation
1. Introduction to the book of James
James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. [kjv]
The book of James is after Philemon and before Peter in the
GNT (Greek New Testament).
In his extensive work entitled "
Jewish Antiquities", Josephus mentions James the brother of Jesus the Christ, and, in passing, John the Baptist.
Josephus records his death (sometime from 62 to 69 AD) as being stoned to death by the Jewish religious establishment.
2. James 1: Interpretation and misinterpretation
The book of James uses some interesting words.
Other aspects of James bring into question the actual author of James.
Some of the logic of what James says appears to have been misinterpreted in ways that support the human sand infrastructure of the church and not what Jesus (and Paul) taught.
Whenever James makes a claim, the following questions should be asked.
If the church leadership is doing what they should be doing, does James make a valid point? Are there exceptions?
If the church leadership is not doing what they should be doing, does James make a valid point? Are there exceptions?
In terms of fault tolerance and error recovery, do the claims still hold in the presence of "
errors" or "
anomalies".
3. Disputed books
4. Table
Some writings were rejected by almost all. Some were accepted by some and rejected by some. Here is a table.
| Disputed NT books ‑ some accepted by Catholic or Eastern Church |
| ACCEPTED |
2 John |
Apocalypse of Peter |
| Epistle to the Hebrews |
Epistle of Jude |
Acts of Paul |
| Epistle of James |
Book of Revelation |
Shepherd of Hermas |
| 2 Peter |
REJECTED |
Epistle of Barnabas |
| 2 John |
Gospel of the Hebrews |
Didache |
Eusebius gives some details in his Church History written about 325 AD.
It is interesting to look at each book in detail and try to determine why or why not each book was kept or not kept in the canon.
 |
Details are left as a future topic.
|
5. Barnabas
English: And again in another prophet he says: All day long I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient people who oppose my righteous way. (Holmes, 2007, p. 419)
Greek: καὶ πάλιν ἐν ἑτέρῳ προφήτῃ λέγει· Ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν ἐξεπέτασα τὰς χεῖρας μου πρὸς λαὸν ἀπειθῆ καὶ ἀντιλέγοντα ὁδῷ δικαίᾳ μου. Epistle of Barnabas [12.4]
Barnabas uses the ancient Greek word
"ἀντιλέγω" ≈ "contradict, reply in response, argue against". Holmes translates the word as
"oppose" but the meaning
"contradict" or
"argue against" fits better. Barnabas is referring to Isaiah 65:2 where, in context, the
"thoughts" are
"opposed" or
"contradict" or
"argue against" that of God.
Isaiah 65:2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; [kjv]
εξεπετασα τας χειρας μου ολην την ημεραν προς λαον απειθουντα και αντιλεγοντα οι ουκ επορευθησαν οδω αληθινη αλλ οπισω των αμαρτιων αυτων [lxx]
6. Isaiah 65:2
KJV: I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
Hebrew: פרשתי ידי כל היום אל עם סורר ההלכים הדרך לא טוב אחר מחשבתיהם׃
Greek: εξεπετασα τας χειρας μου ολην την ημεραν προς λαον απειθουντα και αντιλεγοντα οι ουκ επορευθησαν οδω αληθινη αλλ οπισω των αμαρτιων αυτων
7. James 1:1 Diaspora and the twelve tribes
James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. [kjv]
ιακωβος θεου και κυριου ιησου χριστου δουλος ταις δωδεκα φυλαις ταις εν τη διασπορα χαιρειν [gnt]
Iacobus … duodecim tribubus … dispersione … [v]
In order for what James writes to be applicable to Christians in general, one must reasonably argue that something written to the
"twelve" Jewish
"tribes" applies to everyone else.
The ancient Greek word
"διασπείρω" ≈ "scatter, spread around". Some pastors will claim than this word represents the Jewish Diasporas. Some recognized Jewish Diasporas were after 66-70 AD (destruction of Jerusalem) and 132-135 AD (Bar Kokhba revolt).
|
|
Details are left as a future topic.
|
Another Greek word for "
scatter" is the source of the English word
"scoprion".
8. James 1:1
KJV: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Greek: ιακωβος θεου και κυριου ιησου χριστου δουλος ταις δωδεκα φυλαις ταις εν τη διασπορα χαιρειν
Latin: Iacobus Dei et Domini nostri Iesu Christi servus duodecim tribubus quae sunt in dispersione salutem
9. Strongs - scatter
- *G1290 *3 διασπορά (dee-as-por-ah') : from G1289; dispersion, i.e. (specially and concretely) the (converted) Israelite resident in Gentile countries:--(which are) scattered (abroad).
- διασποραν
- John 7:35 ... will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
- διασπορα
- James 1:1 ... twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
- διασπορας
- 1 Peter 1:1 ... of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, ...
10. Usage - scatter
*G1290 *3 διασπορά (dee-as-por-ah') : from G1289; dispersion, i.e. (specially and concretely) the (converted) Israelite resident in Gentile countries:--(which are) scattered (abroad).
 |
Words: διασπορα διασποραν διασπορας
|
The ancient Greek word
"διασπείρω" ≈ "scatter, spread around".
11. Scattered
John 7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? [kjv]
ειπον ουν οι ιουδαιοι προς εαυτους που ουτος μελλει πορευεσθαι οτι ημεις ουχ ευρησομεν αυτον μη εις την διασποραν των ελληνων μελλει πορευεσθαι και διδασκειν τους ελληνας [gnt]
James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. [kjv]
ιακωβος θεου και κυριου ιησου χριστου δουλος ταις δωδεκα φυλαις ταις εν τη διασπορα χαιρειν [gnt]
Iacobus … duodecim tribubus … dispersione … [v]
1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, [kjv]
πετρος αποστολος ιησου χριστου εκλεκτοις παρεπιδημοις διασπορας ποντου γαλατιας καππαδοκιας ασιας και βιθυνιας [gnt]
John, James and Peter use the ancient Greek word
"διασπείρω" ≈ "scatter, spread around". This word is used
7 times in the
LXX (Septuagint) (omitted).
12. John 7:35
KJV: Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
Greek: ειπον ουν οι ιουδαιοι προς εαυτους που ουτος μελλει πορευεσθαι οτι ημεις ουχ ευρησομεν αυτον μη εις την διασποραν των ελληνων μελλει πορευεσθαι και διδασκειν τους ελληνας
13. 1 Peter 1:1
KJV: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Greek: πετρος αποστολος ιησου χριστου εκλεκτοις παρεπιδημοις διασπορας ποντου γαλατιας καππαδοκιας ασιας και βιθυνιας
14. James 1:2 Joy
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [kjv]
πασαν χαραν ηγησασθε αδελφοι μου οταν πειρασμοις περιπεσητε ποικιλοις [gnt]
… gaudium … cum … temptationibus variis … [v]
The English word
"joy" comes, through French, from the Latin word
"gaudia" ≈ "joy" and is the source of the word
"gaudy". The ancient Greek word
"χαρά" ≈ "favor, grace" was the word used to translate the Hebrew word for "
favor" or "
grace".
15. James 1:2 Temptations and testing
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [kjv]
πασαν χαραν ηγησασθε αδελφοι μου οταν πειρασμοις περιπεσητε ποικιλοις [gnt]
… gaudium … cum … temptationibus variis … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"πειράζω" ≈ "examine" and is often translated in the
KJV (King James Version) as
"tempt". The
"temptation" is an examination, sometimes to deceive, using beliefs that the person being examined holds to be true.
The modern idea of the Greek "
temptation" is that of an interview where one examines someone about things they know or believe they know.
16. Peirastic
On page 2, Schreiber elaborates on
"peirastic" reasoning as distinguished by Aristotle.
... he (Aristotle) distinguishes another type of reasoning called "peirastic" (πειραστικός) or examinational reasoning. Peirastic proceeds from some belief of the person being examined. ... (1) it must be believed by the person being examined ... and (2) it need not be an endoxon (i.e., it may be an entirely idiosyncratic belief) ...
Aristotle's clarification of the word fits the
"temptations" of Jesus in the Gospels. The ancient Greek word
"πειράζω" ≈ "examine" and is often translated in the
KJV as
"tempt". The modern idea of the Greek
"temptation" is that of an interview where one examines someone about things they know or believe they know.
17. James and Luke Testing
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [kjv]
πασαν χαραν ηγησασθε αδελφοι μου οταν πειρασμοις περιπεσητε ποικιλοις [gnt]
… gaudium … cum … temptationibus variis … [v]
1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. [kjv]
γινωσκοντες οτι το δοκιμιον υμων της πιστεως κατεργαζεται υπομονην [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"δοκιμάζω" ≈ "try out, test, taste, attempt". The idea in this verse of active physical
"testing" appears to use the modern Latin-based idea of
"temptation" rather than the ancient Greek meaning of passive abstract idea of
"examination" with intent to deceive.
Luke 14:19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. [kjv]
και ετερος ειπεν ζευγη βοων ηγορασα πεντε και πορευομαι δοκιμασαι αυτα ερωτω σε εχε με παρητημενον [gnt]
The modern Greek word
"δοκιμάζω" (tho-kee-MA-zo) ≈ "try out, test, taste, attempt" has the same meaning.
18. James 1:2
KJV: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Greek: πασαν χαραν ηγησασθε αδελφοι μου οταν πειρασμοις περιπεσητε ποικιλοις
Latin: omne gaudium existimate fratres mei cum in temptationibus variis incideritis
19. James 1:3
KJV: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Greek: γινωσκοντες οτι το δοκιμιον υμων της πιστεως κατεργαζεται υπομονην
20. Luke 14:19
KJV: And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
Greek: και ετερος ειπεν ζευγη βοων ηγορασα πεντε και πορευομαι δοκιμασαι αυτα ερωτω σε εχε με παρητημενον
21. James 1:4 Patience and perfection
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. [kjv]
η δε υπομονη εργον τελειον εχετω ινα ητε τελειοι και ολοκληροι εν μηδενι λειπομενοι [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"τέλειος" ≈ "purposed, complete, perfected" and
not the modern English idea of "
perfect" as "
without error".
For Aristotle there was the added meaning of
"purpose" as in an
"end" as
"τέλος" ≈ "end, purpose, complete" and is the source of the English word
"teleology" as the "
logic" or "
reasoning" about the "
end times". Aristotle sometimes uses the word in the sense of
"mature" as in "
ripe" (fruit, etc.) in contrast to "
raw".
22. James 1:4
KJV: But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Greek: η δε υπομονη εργον τελειον εχετω ινα ητε τελειοι και ολοκληροι εν μηδενι λειπομενοι
23. James 1:5
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. [kjv]
ει δε τις υμων λειπεται σοφιας αιτειτω παρα του διδοντος θεου πασιν απλως και μη ονειδιζοντος και δοθησεται αυτω [gnt]
… indiget sapientiam … affluenter … inproperat … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"σοφός" ≈ "clever, cunning" and is often translated as the English word
"wise". This word may be from the
PIE (Proto Indo-European) root
"SEHP" ≈ "to taste, to try out".
This Greek word for
"wise" is
not the usual Greek word used by Jesus or Paul who use a different word, sometimes translated as "
wise" but that has a meaning of being "
prudent" rather than "
wise" or "
clever".
24. The stomach for a gut feeling
25. Wise and foolish
Many English translations slide the meaning. Why? Here is one example.
Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [kjv]
25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [kjv]
πεντε δε εξ αυτων ησαν μωραι και πεντε φρονιμοι [gnt]
Logical head knowledge:
"σοφός" ≈ "clever, cunning" as in
"wisdom".
English: wise (head knowledge) vs. foolish (stupid)
Intuitive gut feeling:
"φρόνιμος" ≈ "sensible, mindful" as in
"gut feeling".
Greek: sensible/prudent vs. foolish (not sensible/prudent)
The Greek for
"foolish" is that of being
"childish".
26. Ephesians 1:8
KJV: Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Greek: ης επερισσευσεν εις ημας εν παση σοφια και φρονησει
27. Matthew 25:1
KJV: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Greek: τοτε ομοιωθησεται η βασιλεια των ουρανων δεκα παρθενοις αιτινες λαβουσαι τας λαμπαδας αυτων εαυτων εξηλθον εις απαντησιν υπαντησιν του νυμφιου
28. Matthew 25:2
KJV: And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
Greek: πεντε δε ησαν εξ αυτων φρονιμοι ησαν μωραι και αι πεντε μωραι φρονιμοι
29. James 1:5
KJV: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Greek: ει δε τις υμων λειπεται σοφιας αιτειτω παρα του διδοντος θεου πασιν απλως και μη ονειδιζοντος και δοθησεται αυτω
Latin: si quis autem vestrum indiget sapientiam postulet a Deo qui dat omnibus affluenter et non inproperat et dabitur ei
30. James 1:6 Wavering
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. [kjv]
αιτειτω δε εν πιστει μηδεν διακρινομενος ο γαρ διακρινομενος εοικεν κλυδωνι θαλασσης ανεμιζομενω και ριπιζομενω [gnt]
… haesitans … haesitat … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"διάκρινω" ≈ "separate, distinguish, discern" which is, literally,
"though separation". The Latin word
"haesito" ≈ "remain fixed in place, hesitate, be uncertain".
From the other words in the verse, with sea and wind analogies, it appears that the Latin meaning of
"be uncertain" or
"hesitating" was used in this verse and the Greek mistranslation of the word for
"separate" or
"distinguish" was used as it is elsewhere in the Gospels. This makes this verse appear as if it was a back-translation from Latin into Greek by someone who did not fully understand the Greek language but instead used the Latin translation of the Greek from, for example, the Gospels.
However, there could be some scientific term connections with Aristotle and/or Plutarch.
31. Discerning doubts about doubts
Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. [kjv]
αποκριθεις δε ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις αμην λεγω υμιν εαν εχητε πιστιν και μη διακριθητε ου μονον το της συκης ποιησετε αλλα καν τω ορει τουτω ειπητε αρθητι και βληθητι εις την θαλασσαν γενησεται [gnt]
The
KJV, and most English translations, use
"doubt" for the ancient Greek word
"διάκρινω" ≈ "separate, distinguish, discern" which is, literally,
"though separation".
The
KJV translation as
"doubt" appears to have been influenced by the Latin word
"haesito" ≈ "remain fixed in place, hesitate, be uncertain".
Does this mean that if one does not
"discern" properly, one can do the same to a fig tree or to a mountain? Does this mean that if one does not "
think about it", one can do the same to a fig tree or mountain? Is this a good or a bad idea? Let us investigate.
32. Aristotle: Meteorology
What James is saying with waves and the sea, etc., may relate to evaporation as in parts being divided.
The ancient Greek word
"διάκρινω" ≈ "separate, distinguish, discern"
Aristotle uses this word often in his work
Meteorologica. In this case, the
"through separation" is that of
"evaporation" or
"separation of elements".
English: ... then it must be air and the water that surrounds the earth - for vapour is evaporated water. (Loeb #397, p. 19)
Greek: ...λείπεται δ' ἀέρος καὶ τοῦ περὶ τὴν γῆν πᾶσαν ὕδατος· ἡ γὰρ ἀτμὶς ὕδατος διάκρισίς ἐστιν. [340b]
33. James 1:6 Wavering
34. Aristotle: Meterorologica
English: For it is reasonable to suppose that, if the motion of a single star can produce this effect and set the air on fire or disintegrate it because of the size of the circle, (Loeb#397, p. 65)
Greek: εὔλογον γάρ, εἴπερ ἡ ἑνὸς ἄστρου κίνησις, καὶ τὴν τῶν πάντων ποιεῖν τι τοιοῦτον καὶ ἐκριπίζειν ἀέρα τε καὶ διακρίνειν διὰ τὸ τοῦ κύκλου μέγεθος. Aristotle: Μετεωρολογικά/α [346a]
English: In the zodiac circle any such mixture is dissolved because of the movement of the sun and the planets - and consequently the majority of comets fall outside the tropics. (Loeb#397, p. 65)
Greek: ὁ μὲν οὖν τῶν ζῳδίων διὰ τὴν τοῦ ἡλίου φορὰν καὶ τὴν τῶν πλανητῶν διαλύει τὴν τοιαύτην σύστασιν· διόπερ οἱ πολλοὶ τῶν κομητῶν ἐκτὸς γίγνονται τῶν τροπικῶν. Aristotle: Μετεωρολογικά/α [346a]
English: Besides, no tail appears around the sun or moon because they dissolve any such mixture before it can form. (Loeb#397, p. 65)
Greek: ἔτι δ' οὔτε περὶ τὸν ἥλιον οὔτε περὶ σελήνην γίγνεται κόμη· θᾶττον γὰρ διακρίνουσιν ἢ ὥστε συστῆναι τοιαύτην σύγκρισιν. Aristotle: Μετεωρολογικά/α [346a]
v6: "διάκρινω" ≈ "separate, distinguish, discern". KJV has "waver".
35. James 1:6
KJV: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Greek: αιτειτω δε εν πιστει μηδεν διακρινομενος ο γαρ διακρινομενος εοικεν κλυδωνι θαλασσης ανεμιζομενω και ριπιζομενω
Latin: postulet autem in fide nihil haesitans qui enim haesitat similis est fluctui maris qui a vento movetur et circumfertur
36. James 1:7
37. James 1:7
KJV: For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
Greek: μη γαρ οιεσθω ο ανθρωπος εκεινος οτι ληψεται λημψεται τι παρα του κυριου
Latin: non ergo aestimet homo ille quod accipiat aliquid a Domino
38. James 1:8
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. [kjv]
ανηρ διψυχος ακαταστατος εν πασαις ταις οδοις αυτου [gnt]
… duplex … inconstans … omnibus viis … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀκατάστατος" ≈ "unstable" as in the wind or a person. The primary meaning derives from "
wind" which is related to "
waves", "
sea", etc.
Is
every way of a
"double minded" man
"unstable"?
The Latin word
"inconstans" ≈ "changeable, inconstant, inconsistent".
39. James 1:8
KJV: A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Greek: ανηρ διψυχος ακαταστατος εν πασαις ταις οδοις αυτου
Latin: vir duplex animo inconstans in omnibus viis suis
40. Strongs - unstable
- *G182 *0 ἀκατάστατος (ak-at-as'-tat-os) : from G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G2525; inconstant:--unstable.
- ακαταστατος
- James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
- ακαταστατον
- James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; ...
41. Usage - unstable
*G182 *0 ἀκατάστατος (ak-at-as'-tat-os) : from G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G2525; inconstant:--unstable.
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Words: ακαταστατον ακαταστατος
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This word is used twice in the
GNT, both times by James. It is used once by Isaiah. The
LXX is close but not an exact match for the
KJV based on the Hebrew.
Isaiah 54:11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. [kjv]
ταπεινη και ακαταστατος ου παρεκληθης ιδου εγω ετοιμαζω σοι ανθρακα τον λιθον σου και τα θεμελια σου σαπφειρον [lxx]
Afflicted and outcast you have not been comforted: behold, I will prepare carbuncle for your stones, and sapphire for your foundations; [bs3]
The Isaiah word in the
LXX translated as
"afflicted" is the Greek word for
"humble" which will appear in the next two verses.
42. Isaiah 54:11
KJV: O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
Hebrew: עניה סערה לא נחמה הנה אנכי מרביץ בפוך אבניך ויסדתיך בספירים׃
Greek: ταπεινη και ακαταστατος ου παρεκληθης ιδου εγω ετοιμαζω σοι ανθρακα τον λιθον σου και τα θεμελια σου σαπφειρον
Brenton: Afflicted and outcast you have not been comforted: behold, I will prepare carbuncle for your stones, and sapphire for your foundations;
43. Words
Here are some ancient Greek words used by James and were not in common use. Some are technical words. These are according to the Cambridge Greek Lexicon.
"ἀνέμητος" ≈ "not divided, unpropertied" (p. 121, second definition as Plutarch)
"ἀποσκιάζομαι" ≈ "be cast" (p. 197, Plutarch)
"ἀποσκιασμός" ≈ "casting a shadow" (p. 197, Plutarch)
"κλύδων" ≈ "strong waves, choppy waters, surging seas" (p. 812, many, Plutarch for affecting the ship of state)
"παραλλαγή" ≈ "exchange, transmission, interchange" (p. 1071, many)
"παράλλαγμα" ≈ "variation, difference of solar and lunar year" (p. 1071, Plutarch)
"ῥιπή" ≈ "throw, flight, surge" (p. 1253, many)
"ῥιπίζω" ≈ "fan a fire" (p. 1253, Plutarch)
... more to be added ...
The interesting part is that many of the technical terms are attributed to Plutarch.
44. James 1:9-10
James 1:9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: [kjv]
καυχασθω δε ο αδελφος ο ταπεινος εν τω υψει αυτου [gnt]
glorietur … humilis … exaltatione … [v]
1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. [kjv]
ο δε πλουσιος εν τη ταπεινωσει αυτου οτι ως ανθος χορτου παρελευσεται [gnt]
dives … humilitate … flos faeni … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"ταπεινός" ≈ "low-lying, humbled, downcast".
The Latin word "humilis" ≈ "humble".
The Latin word "humilitas" ≈ "lowliness, humiliation".
James says that the
"rich" will "
pass away". Will the "
poor" also "
pass away"?
It would appear that everyone is at the same level before God. Why then would the person of
"low degree" always be "
exalted" and the
"rich" person be
"humiliated"? In what way is James talking about the existing heaven and earth as compared to the new heaven and earth?
45. James 1:9
KJV: Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
Greek: καυχασθω δε ο αδελφος ο ταπεινος εν τω υψει αυτου
Latin: glorietur autem frater humilis in exaltatione sua
46. James 1:10
KJV: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
Greek: ο δε πλουσιος εν τη ταπεινωσει αυτου οτι ως ανθος χορτου παρελευσεται
Latin: dives autem in humilitate sua quoniam sicut flos faeni transibit
47. James 1:11
James 1:11 For 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. [kjv]
ανετειλεν γαρ ο ηλιος συν τω καυσωνι και εξηρανεν τον χορτον και το ανθος αυτου εξεπεσεν και η ευπρεπεια του προσωπου αυτου απωλετο ουτως και ο πλουσιος εν ταις πορειαις αυτου μαρανθησεται [gnt]
48. James 1:11
KJV: For 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.
Greek: ανετειλεν γαρ ο ηλιος συν τω καυσωνι και εξηρανεν τον χορτον και το ανθος αυτου εξεπεσεν και η ευπρεπεια του προσωπου αυτου απωλετο ουτως και ο πλουσιος εν ταις πορειαις αυτου μαρανθησεται
49. James 1:12 Happy
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. [kjv]
μακαριος ανηρ ος υπομενει πειρασμον οτι δοκιμος γενομενος λημψεται τον στεφανον της ζωης ον επηγγειλατο τοις αγαπωσιν αυτον [gnt]
beatus … temptationem … probatus … coronam … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"μακάριος" ≈ "happy, content" but is often translated as
"blessed".
The Latin word
"beati" ≈ "happy, fortunate" and is the origin of the English word
"beatitude" and the name of the
"Beatitudes".
The Latin word
"probo" ≈ "approve, test, inspect, examine, demonstrate, prove".
50. James 1:13
James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [kjv]
μηδεις πειραζομενος λεγετω οτι απο θεου πειραζομαι ο γαρ θεος απειραστος εστιν κακων πειραζει δε αυτος ουδενα [gnt]
… temptatur … temptor … intemptator … temptat [v]
The ancient Greek word
"πειράζω" ≈ "examine" is an examination, sometimes to deceive, using beliefs that the person being examined holds to be true. How can God be examined by what God believes to be true (since he knows what is true) in an attempt to deceive God?
Does God "examine" in order to "deceive"?
Does God allow "false teachers" to "examine" in order to "deceive"?
Should we pray that God not allow those "false teachers" to be able "examine" to "deceive" us?
51. James 1:12
KJV: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Greek: μακαριος ανηρ ος υπομενει πειρασμον οτι δοκιμος γενομενος ληψεται λημψεται τον στεφανον της ζωης ον επηγγειλατο ο κυριος τοις αγαπωσιν αυτον
Latin: beatus vir qui suffert temptationem quia cum probatus fuerit accipiet coronam vitae quam repromisit Deus diligentibus se
52. James 1:13
KJV: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Greek: μηδεις πειραζομενος λεγετω οτι απο του θεου πειραζομαι ο γαρ θεος απειραστος εστιν κακων πειραζει δε αυτος ουδενα
Latin: nemo cum temptatur dicat quoniam a Deo temptor Deus enim intemptator malorum est ipse autem neminem temptat
53. James 1:14
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [kjv]
εκαστος δε πειραζεται υπο της ιδιας επιθυμιας εξελκομενος και δελεαζομενος [gnt]
… temptatur … concupiscentia … abstractus … inlectus [v]
In simple terms, "
abstraction" is looking at
similarities and ignoring
differences. The English word
"abstract" comes from the Latin word
"abstractus" ≈ "take away from" used in this verse.
Compare and contrast the following ways of being
"drawn away". The Greek for "
wander away" is used in the next verse.
☐ 1. Greek meaning: abstractly deceived to follow desires and wander away
☐ 2. Latin meaning: physically enticed to follow desires and wander away.
From the context, which meaning does James appear to convey?
The Latin word
"inlectus" ≈ "enticed, seduced".
54. Strongs - drawn away
- *G1828 *1 ἐξέλκω (ex-el'-ko) : from G1537 and G1670; to drag forth, i.e. (figuratively) to entice (to sin):--draw away.
- εξελκομενος
- James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, ...
55. Usage - drawn away
*G1828 *1 ἐξέλκω (ex-el'-ko) : from G1537 and G1670; to drag forth, i.e. (figuratively) to entice (to sin):--draw away.
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Words: εξελκομενος=1
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56. James 1:14
KJV: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Greek: εκαστος δε πειραζεται υπο της ιδιας επιθυμιας εξελκομενος και δελεαζομενος
Latin: unusquisque vero temptatur a concupiscentia sua abstractus et inlectus
57. James 1:15 Conception
James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. [kjv]
ειτα η επιθυμια συλλαβουσα τικτει αμαρτιαν η δε αμαρτια αποτελεσθεισα αποκυει θανατον [gnt]
… concupiscentia … conceperit … peccatum peccatum … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"συλλαμβάνω" ≈ "collect, gather, take hold of, seize, conceive a child".
The ancient Greek word
"συλλαβή" ≈ "conception, pregnancy, hold together". In music, it was a chord today called the fourth.
The idea here appears to be of
"conception" as in a (physical) "
child" or an (abstract) "
idea" that takes hold and is acted on.
58. James 1:15
KJV: Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Greek: ειτα η επιθυμια συλλαβουσα τικτει αμαρτιαν η δε αμαρτια αποτελεσθεισα αποκυει θανατον
Latin: dein concupiscentia cum conceperit parit peccatum peccatum vero cum consummatum fuerit generat mortem
59. Strongs - conceive
- *G4815 *16 συλλαμβάνω (sool-lam-ban'-o) : from G4862 and G2983; to clasp, i.e. seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid:--catch, conceive, help, take.
- συλλαβειν *3
- Matthew 26:55 ... swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily ...
- Mark 14:48 ... swords and with staves to take me?
- Acts 12:3 ... it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then ...
- συνελαβον *2
- Luke 5:9 ... the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
- John 18:12 ... and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
- συνελαβεν
- Luke 1:24 ... his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself ...
- συλλημψη
- Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and ...
- συνειληφυια
- Luke 1:36 ... Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in ...
- συλλημφθηναι
- Luke 2:21 ... the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
- συλλαβεσθαι
- Luke 5:7 ... the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, ...
- συλλαβοντες
- Luke 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought ...
- συλλαβουσιν
- Acts 1:16 ... Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
- συλλημφθεντα
- Acts 23:27 This man was taken of the Jews, and ...
- συλλαβομενοι
- Acts 26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, ...
- συνλαμβανου
- Philippians 4:3 ... also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured ...
- συλλαβουσα
- James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and ...
60. Usage - conceive
 |
Words: συλλαβειν=3 συλλαβεσθαι συλλαβομενοι συλλαβοντες συλλαβουσα=1 συλλαβουσιν συλλημφθεντα συλλημφθηναι συλλημψη συνειληφυια συνελαβεν συνελαβον=2 συνλαμβανου
|
*G4815 *16 συλλαμβάνω (sool-lam-ban'-o) : from G4862 and G2983; to clasp, i.e. seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid:--catch, conceive, help, take.
The ancient Greek word
"συλλαμβάνω" ≈ "collect, gather, take hold of, seize, conceive a child".
61. James 1:16 Planets and errors and plans
James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. [kjv]
μη πλανασθε αδελφοι μου αγαπητοι [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"πλάνη" ≈ "wandering, roaming" and, figuratively,
"going astray" or
"in error". as in wandering off-target. The English word
"planet" came from this word meaning
"wandering star".
The primary problem in not
"erring" or
"wandering off target" is knowing which target is the true target. One way to deceive is to confuse others of the true target.
62. Isaiah and Luke Plans
Isaiah 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: [kjv]
πασα φαραγξ πληρωθησεται και παν ορος και βουνος ταπεινωθησεται και εσται παντα τα σκολια εις ευθειαν και η τραχεια εις πεδια [lxx]
… planas [v]
Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; [kjv]
πασα φαραγξ πληρωθησεται και παν ορος και βουνος ταπεινωθησεται και εσται τα σκολια εις ευθειας και αι τραχειαι εις οδους λειας [gnt]
… planas [v]
The English word
"plan" is, through French, from the Latin word
"plan" ≈ "flat, plane". A plan as a technical drawing, was drafted on a flat piece of paper. The meaning widened to mean a "
set of intended actions". The Latin Vulgate in Luke does not use the Greek word
"smooth" but, instead, the Latin word
"flat".
63. Isaiah 40:4
KJV: Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Hebrew: כל גיא ינשא וכל הר וגבעה ישפלו והיה העקב למישור והרכסים לבקעה׃
Greek: πασα φαραγξ πληρωθησεται και παν ορος και βουνος ταπεινωθησεται και εσται παντα τα σκολια εις ευθειαν και η τραχεια εις πεδια
Latin: omnis vallis exaltabitur et omnis mons et collis humiliabitur et erunt prava in directa et aspera in vias planas
64. Luke 3:5
KJV: Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
Greek: πασα φαραγξ πληρωθησεται και παν ορος και βουνος ταπεινωθησεται και εσται τα σκολια εις ευθειαν ευθειας και αι τραχειαι εις οδους λειας
Latin: omnis vallis implebitur et omnis mons et collis humiliabitur et erunt prava in directa et aspera in vias planas
65. James 1:16-17 Astronomical words
James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. [kjv]
μη πλανασθε αδελφοι μου αγαπητοι [gnt]
1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. [kjv]
πασα δοσις αγαθη και παν δωρημα τελειον ανωθεν εστιν καταβαινον απο του πατρος των φωτων παρ ω ουκ ενι παραλλαγη η τροπης αποσκιασμα [gnt]
… desursum … luminum … transmutatio … vicissitudinis obumbratio [v]
It is sometimes pointed out that James uses
astronomical terms, not often used elsewhere, to describe the "
Father". Some of those terms were used by Plutarch (46-119) many years
after James supposedly wrote his letter. If James is the brother of Jesus and a fisherman from Galilee, how did he learn about Greek astronomy and use these words (in a technical sense)
before they were used by Plutarch?
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Details are left as a future topic.
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66. James 1:16
KJV: Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Greek: μη πλανασθε αδελφοι μου αγαπητοι
67. James 1:17
KJV: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Greek: πασα δοσις αγαθη και παν δωρημα τελειον ανωθεν εστιν καταβαινον απο του πατρος των φωτων παρ ω ουκ ενι παραλλαγη η τροπης αποσκιασμα
Latin: omne datum optimum et omne donum perfectum desursum est descendens a Patre luminum apud quem non est transmutatio nec vicissitudinis obumbratio
Spanish: Toda buena dadiva y todo don perfecto desciende de lo alto, del Padre de las luces, en el cual no hay mudanza, ni sombra de variación.
68. James 1:19-20
James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: [kjv]
ιστε αδελφοι μου αγαπητοι εστω δε πας ανθρωπος ταχυς εις το ακουσαι βραδυς εις το λαλησαι βραδυς εις οργην [gnt]
1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. [kjv]
οργη γαρ ανδρος δικαιοσυνην θεου ουκ εργαζεται [gnt]
| quick |
hear |
| slow |
speak |
| slow |
wrath |
|
It appears that many make a causal connection here that may or may not exist. Perhaps James is doing the same thing.
That is, the compound use of "slow" appears to connect "speak" and "wrath". Is this always so? When is it not so?
|
The ancient Greek word
"βραδύνω" ≈ "make slow, delay" which comes from
"βραδύς" ≈ "slow" and which is the opposite of
"ταχύς" ≈ "quick, rapid, soon" which, depending on context, might mean
"soon". In Revelation this word is often translated
"soon" instead of
"quick".
69. James 1:19
KJV: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Greek: ωστε ιστε αδελφοι μου αγαπητοι εστω δε πας ανθρωπος ταχυς εις το ακουσαι βραδυς εις το λαλησαι βραδυς εις οργην
70. James 1:20
KJV: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Greek: οργη γαρ ανδρος δικαιοσυνην θεου ου κατεργαζεται ουκ εργαζεται
71. James 1:21
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. [kjv]
διο αποθεμενοι πασαν ρυπαριαν και περισσειαν κακιας εν πραυτητι δεξασθε τον εμφυτον λογον τον δυναμενον σωσαι τας ψυχας υμων [gnt]
… inmunditiam … malitiae … mansuetudine … insitum verbum … potest … animas … [v]
72. James 1:21
KJV: Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Greek: διο αποθεμενοι πασαν ρυπαριαν και περισσειαν κακιας εν πραυτητι δεξασθε τον εμφυτον λογον τον δυναμενον σωσαι τας ψυχας υμων
Latin: propter quod abicientes omnem inmunditiam et abundantiam malitiae in mansuetudine suscipite insitum verbum quod potest salvare animas vestras
73. James 1:22-23
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. [kjv]
γινεσθε δε ποιηται λογου και μη ακροαται μονον παραλογιζομενοι εαυτους [gnt]
… factores verbi … auditores … fallentes … [v]
1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: [kjv]
οτι ει τις ακροατης λογου εστιν και ου ποιητης ουτος εοικεν ανδρι κατανοουντι το προσωπον της γενεσεως αυτου εν εσοπτρω [gnt]
… auditor … verbi … factor … consideranti … speculo [v]
In Bible times, "
glass" was often used as a "
mirror". In modern times, one encounters "
carnival mirror sermons".
74. James 1:22
KJV: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Greek: γινεσθε δε ποιηται λογου και μη μονον ακροαται μονον παραλογιζομενοι εαυτους
Latin: estote autem factores verbi et non auditores tantum fallentes vosmet ipsos
75. James 1:23
KJV: For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Greek: οτι ει τις ακροατης λογου εστιν και ου ποιητης ουτος εοικεν ανδρι κατανοουντι το προσωπον της γενεσεως αυτου εν εσοπτρω
Latin: quia si quis auditor est verbi et non factor hic conparabitur viro consideranti vultum nativitatis suae in speculo
76. James 1:24-25
James 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. [kjv]
κατενοησεν γαρ εαυτον και απεληλυθεν και ευθεως επελαθετο οποιος ην [gnt]
consideravit … statim oblitus … [v]
1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. [kjv]
77. James 1:24
KJV: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Greek: κατενοησεν γαρ εαυτον και απεληλυθεν και ευθεως επελαθετο οποιος ην
Latin: consideravit enim se et abiit et statim oblitus est qualis fuerit
78. James 1:25
KJV: But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Greek: ο δε παρακυψας εις νομον τελειον τον της ελευθεριας και παραμεινας ουτος ουκ ακροατης επιλησμονης γενομενος αλλα ποιητης εργου ουτος μακαριος εν τη ποιησει αυτου εσται
79. James 1:26-27
James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. [kjv]
ει τις δοκει θρησκος ειναι μη χαλιναγωγων γλωσσαν εαυτου αυτου αλλα απατων καρδιαν εαυτου τουτου ματαιος η θρησκεια [gnt]
… putat … religiosum … refrenans linguam … seducens … religio [v]
1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. [kjv]
θρησκεια καθαρα και αμιαντος παρα τω θεω και πατρι αυτη εστιν επισκεπτεσθαι ορφανους και χηρας εν τη θλιψει αυτων ασπιλον εαυτον τηρειν απο του κοσμου [gnt]
religio munda … inmaculata … visitare … tribulatione … inmaculatum … saeculo [v]
80. James 1:26
KJV: If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Greek: ει τις δοκει θρησκος ειναι εν υμιν μη χαλιναγωγων γλωσσαν εαυτου αυτου αλλ αλλα απατων καρδιαν αυτου εαυτου τουτου ματαιος η θρησκεια
Latin: si quis autem putat se religiosum esse non refrenans linguam suam sed seducens cor suum huius vana est religio
Luther: So aber sich jemand unter euch lässet dünken, er diene Gott, und hält seine Zunge nicht im Zaum, sondern verführet sein Herz, des Gottesdienst ist eitel.
81. Deceiving heart
82. Proverbs 18:2
KJV: A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Hebrew: לא יחפץ כסיל בתבונה כי אם בהתגלות לבו׃
Greek: ου χρειαν εχει σοφιας ενδεης φρενων μαλλον γαρ αγεται αφροσυνη
Latin: non recipit stultus verba prudentiae nisi ea dixeris quae versantur in corde eius
Spanish: No toma placer el necio en la inteligencia, sino en que su corazón se descubra.
83. James 1:27
KJV: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Greek: θρησκεια καθαρα και αμιαντος παρα τω θεω και πατρι αυτη εστιν επισκεπτεσθαι ορφανους και χηρας εν τη θλιψει αυτων ασπιλον εαυτον τηρειν απο του κοσμου
Latin: religio munda et inmaculata apud Deum et Patrem haec est visitare pupillos et viduas in tribulatione eorum inmaculatum se custodire ab hoc saeculo
84. End of page
James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. [kjv]
