THE BOOK OF JAMES

 JAMES CHAPTER ONE

Below is a detailed scriptural concordance of this chapter, breaking down key words, themes, cross-references, and theological insights. This follows a verse-by-verse analysis with relevant Greek terms (where applicable) and connections to other biblical passages.

Scriptural Concordance

Theme: Endurance, Wisdom, Faith, and True Religion (v. 1)

(Verse 1) "James, a servant of God - Yehovah and of the lord Messiah Jesus to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings."

James: Or “Jacob.” The translation of Ἰάκωβος as Jacob is valid since the name originates from the Hebrew Yaʿaqov and is linguistically consistent in Greek as Ἰάκωβος or Ἰακώβ. The use of "James" in English is a later development tied to linguistic tradition rather than fidelity to the original text.

• "James" (Gk. Ἰάκωβος, Iakobos) - Traditionally identified as James, the brother of the lord Messiah Jesus (Galatians 1:19; Matthew 13:55).
• "Servant" (Gk. δοῦλος, doulos)-– A bondservant, emphasizing humility (Philippians 2:7; Romans 1:1).
• "Twelve tribes scattered" – Refers to Jewish Christians dispersed due to persecution (Acts 8:1, 11:19; 1 Pet 1:1).

Trials and Endurance (vv. 2-4)

(Verses 2-4) "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

• "Trials" (Gk. πειρασμοῖς, peirasmois) – Tests of faith (1 Peter 1:6-7; Romans 5:3-5).
• "Joy" (Gk. χαρὰν, charan) – Not happiness in suffering, but joy in God’s – Yehovah’s purpose (Matthew 5:12; Hebrews 12:2).
• "Perseverance" (Gk. ὑπομονή, hypomonē) – Steadfast endurance (Romans 5:3-4; Colossians 1:11).
• "Mature and complete" (Gk. τέλειοι, teleioi) – Spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:13; Hebrews 6:1).

Asking for Wisdom (vv. 5-8)

(Verses 5-8) "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of the God - Yehovah who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord – Yehovah, a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

• "Wisdom" (Gk. σοφία, sophia) – Practical, godly wisdom (Proverbs 2:6; 1 Corinthians 1:30).
• "Ask in faith" – Contrasts with doubt (Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24).
• "Double-minded" (Gk. δίψυχος, dipsychos) - Unstable (James 4:8; 1 Kings 18:21).

The Temporary Nature of Wealth (vv. 9-11)

(Verses 9-11) "Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also, will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.."

• Humble exalted, rich humbled – Kingdom reversal (Luke 1:52; Matthew 5:3; 1 Timothy 6:17).
• "Flower fading" – Life’s brevity (Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24).

Temptation and God’s Goodness (vv. 12-18)

*Verses 12-18) "Blessed is the man who endures temptation, because when he has been tested, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord - Yehovah promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures."

• "Crown of life" – Eternal reward (Revelation 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:25).
• "God does not tempt" – Contrast with Satan (Matthew 4:1; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
• "Good and perfect gift" – God’s – Yehovah’s unchanging goodness (Matthew 7:11; Psalm 84:11).

Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak (vv. 19-21)

(Verses 19-21) "Therefore, my beloved brothers: let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does produce the righteousness of God - Yehovah. Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."

• "Anger" (Gk. ὀργή, orgē) – Human vs. righteous anger (Ephesians 4:26; Proverbs 14:29).
• "Word implanted" (Gk. ἔμφυτος λόγος, emphytos logos) – Gospel’s transformative power (Colossians 3:16; 1 Peter 1:23).

Doers of the Word (vv. 22-25)

(Verses 22-25) "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and is not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror; for he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

• "Mirror" – Self-examination (1 Corinthians 13:12; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
• "Perfect law of liberty" – Gospel freedom (Psalm 119:45; Romans 8:2).

True Religion (vv. 26-27)

(Verses 26-27) "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue he deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father - Yehovah is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

• "Orphans and widows" – Biblical social justice (Deuteronomy 10:18; Isaiah 1:17).
• "Unspotted from the world" – Holiness (Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15).

Key Cross-References:

• Trials & Perseverance: Job 23:10; 2 Cor 4:17
• Wisdom: Prov 3:5-6; Col 2:2-3
• Temptation: Gen 3:6; 1 John 2:16
• Doers of the Word: Matt 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49

This breakdown provides a strong exegetical foundation for studying James chapter 1.

JAMES CHAPTER TWO

Scriptural Concordance

Theme: Faith Without Works is Dead

Favoritism Condemned (vv. 1-13)

(Verses 1-13) “For if a man with a gold ring and fine clothing enters your assembly, and a poor man in dirty clothing also enters, and you look upon the one wearing the fine clothing and say: You sit here in a good place, and to the poor man, You stand there, or sit here under my footstool, have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God - Yehovah chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into courts? Do they not blaspheme the good name by which you are called? If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well [Leviticus 19:18]; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles in one point has become guilty of all. For He who said: “Do not commit adultery,” also said: “Do not murder.” Now, if you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So, speak and so act as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is merciless to the one who has not shown mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

Key Words & Cross-References:

              1. "Partiality" (v.1, 9) (Gk. prosōpolēmpsia – favoritism)

• Leviticus 19:15 - "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great."
• Deuteronomy 10:17 - "The Lord your God - Yehovah… shows no partiality."
• Acts 10:34 - "God - Yehovah shows no partiality."
• Romans 2:11 - "For God - Yehovah does not show favoritism.
• Rich vs. Poor" (vv. 2-6)
• Luke 6:20, 24 – "Blessed are you who are poor… But woe to you who are rich."
• 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 – "Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential."
• Proverbs 22:2 – "Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all."
• 
  
• 2. "Royal Law" (v.8) (Quoting Leviticus 19:18)
• Matthew 22:39 – "Love your neighbor as yourself."
  Galatians 5:14 – "The entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command."

• 3. "Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment" (v.13)
• Matthew 5:7 – "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
• Hosea 6:6 – "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."

Faith Without Works is Dead (vv. 14-26)

(Verses 14-26) “What [is the]^h benefit, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and lacking daily food, and one of you says to them, go in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them the things needed for the body, what profit? In the same way, faith also, if it does not have works, is dead by itself. But someone will say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith from my works. You believe that there is one God – Yehovah. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble! But do you want to know, O empty man, that faith apart from works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the alter? You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was made perfect, and the Scripture was fulfilled which says: “Abraham believed God - Yehovah, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God – Yehovah [Genesis 15:16]. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, also faith without works is dead.

Note: 2:26: Spirit: Breath. The Greek word means (1) air in movement, blowing, breathing, (2) that which animates or gives life to the body, breath of life (3) a part of human personality, spirit, (4) God's being as a controlling influence, with focus on association with humans, Spirit, spirit.

Key Words & Cross-References:

1. "What good is it?" (v.14, 16)
• 1 John 3:17-18 – "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God - Yehovah be in that person?"
2. "Faith Without Works is Dead" (v.17, 20, 26)
• Matthew 7:21 – "Not everyone who says to me, ‘lord, lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father."
• Galatians 5:6 – "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
• Ephesians 2:8-10 – "Saved by grace… created for good works." 

Abraham’s Example (v.21-23)

• Genesis 22:12 – "Now I know that you fear God - Yehovah, because you have not withheld your son."
• Hebrews 11:17-19 – "By faith Abraham, when God - Yehovah tested him, offered Isaac." 

Rahab’s Example (v.25)

• Joshua 2:1-21 – Rahab protected the spies by faith.
• Hebrews 11:31 – "By faith the prostitute Rahab… was not killed." 

"Justified by Works" (v.24) 

Compare with Paul’s "Justified by Faith"

• Romans 3:28 - "A person is justified by faith apart from works of the law."
• Galatians 2:16 - "Not justified by works of the law but by faith in the lord Messiah Jesus."
• Harmony: James emphasizes demonstrative faith (works prove faith), while Paul condemns legalistic works (to earn salvation).

Summary of Key Themes:

1. No Favoritism in the Called-out Assembly - Congregation - God - Yehovah judges impartially.
2. The Law of Love – Mercy triumphs over legalism.

Living Faith Produces Works – Genuine faith is active, not just intellectual.

JAMES CHAPTER THREE

Below is a detailed scriptural concordance of this chapter, breaking down key words, themes, and cross-references to other parts of the Bible. This will help you study the chapter in depth.

Scriptural Concordance

The Power of the Tongue (vv. 1-12)

Key Themes: Speech, Wisdom, Self-Control, Hypocrisy

(Verse 1)"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive greater judgment."

• Cross-References:
• Matthew 23:8 – Warning against seeking titles.
• 1 Corinthians 12:29 – Not all are teachers.
• Hebrews 13:17 – Leaders will give an account.

(Verses 2-5)."For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in speech, this one is a perfect man, able to control the whole body as well. But if we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide their whole body. Behold, even the ships, being so large and driven by strong winds, are directed by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the one steering desires. So also, the tongue is a small member and boasts great things. See how great a forest fire ignites."

• Key Words: Bridle, stumble, small member
• Cross-References:
• Proverbs 10:19 - "When words are many, sin is not absent."
• Proverbs 21:23 - "Whoever keeps his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble."
• Matthew 12:36 - "Every careless word will be judged."

(Verse 6)"And the tongue is a fire. The world of unrighteousness, the tongue, is set among our members, staining the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of life, and is set on fire by Gehenna."

• Metaphor: Tongue as fire
• Cross-References:
• Proverbs 16:27 - "A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire."
• Psalm 39:1 - "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue."

(Verses 7-8) "For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by human nature, but no one can tame the tongue; it is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison."

• Cross-References:
• Romans 3:13-14 - "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive."
• Psalm 140:3 - "They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s."

(Verses 9-12) "With it we bless God and Father - Yehovah, and with it we curse men who are made in the likeness of God - Yehovah. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can salt water produce fresh water?"

• Key Idea: Inconsistency in speech
• Cross-References:
• Matthew 7:16-20 - "You will recognize them by their fruits."
• Ephesians 4:29 - "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths."

True Wisdom vs. Earthly Wisdom (13-18)

Key Themes: Humility, Jealousy, Righteousness, Peace

(Verse 13)"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct his works in the meekness of wisdom."

• Cross-References:
• Proverbs 11:2 - "With humility comes wisdom."
• 1 Peter 3:15-16 - "Gentleness and respect."

(Verses 14-16) "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

• Key Words: Bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, demonic
• Cross-References:
• Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the flesh include envy and rivalry.
• 1 Corinthians 3:3 - "For where there is jealousy and strife, you are of the flesh."

(Verses 17-18) "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, sincere. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

• Seven Traits of Heavenly Wisdom:
1. Pure
2. Peaceable
3. Gentle
4. Open to reason
5. Full of mercy
6. Full of good fruits
7. Impartial & sincere
8. 
   
• Cross-References:

• Matthew 5:9 – "Blessed are the peacemakers."
• Philippians 4:8 – "Whatever is pure... think on these things."

Summary

1. The Tongue’s Power (1-12) - It must be controlled; hypocrisy in speech is condemned.
2. Two Kinds of Wisdom (13-18) - Earthly wisdom leads to chaos; heavenly wisdom brings peace.

JAMES CHAPTER FOUR

Below is a detailed scriptural concordance, examining keywords, themes, and cross-references to other biblical passages. This will help you study the chapter in depth.

Scriptural Concordance

Conflict and Worldly Desires (vv. 1-3)

(Verse 1)"Where do wars and fights among you come from? Is it not from your pleasures that wage war in your members?"

• Key Words:
• Quarrels (μάχαι - machai) – Strife, conflicts (cf. Galatians 5:20; 2 Timothy 2:23).
• Passions (ἡδονῶν - hēdonōn) – Pleasures, lusts (cf. Luke 8:14; Titus 3:3; 1 John 2:16).
• Cross-References:
• Romans 7:23 – "But I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind."
• 1 Peter 2:11 – "Abstain from sinful passions, which wage war against your soul."

(Verses 2-3)"You desire and do not have, you murder and are envious and cannot obtain, you fight and wage war, you do not have because you do not ask.You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your pleasures.."

• Key Words:
• Murder (φονεύετε - phoneuete) – Possibly hyperbolic, or reflecting hatred (cf. Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15).
• Ask wrongly (κακῶς αἰτεῖσθε - kakōs aiteisthe) – Selfish motives (cf. Matthew 6:8; 1 John 5:14).
• Cross-References:
• Proverbs 21:25-26 – Laziness leads to unfulfilled desire.
• Matthew 20:20-22 – Wrong motives in requests.

Friendship with the World = Enmity with God (vv. 4-5)

(Verse 4)"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God - Yehovah? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God - Yehovah."

• Key Words:
• Adulterous (μοιχαλίδες - moichalides) – Spiritual unfaithfulness (cf. Hosea 3:1; Matthew 12:39).
• Friendship with the world (φιλία τοῦ κόσμου - philia tou kosmou) – Love for sinful systems (cf. 1 John 2:15).
•  
• Cross-References:
• Romans 8:7 – "The mind set on the flesh is hostile to God."
• John 15:19 – "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own."

(Verse 5)"Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says: ‘He yearns jealously over the spirit that He has made to dwell in us’?"

• Possible OT Allusions:
• Exodus 20:5 – God is a jealous God.
• Zechariah 8:2 – "Thus says the Lord: I am jealous for Zion."

Humility, Submission, and Repentance (vv. 6-10)

(Verse 6)"But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, ‘God - Yehovah opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’"

• Quotation from Proverbs 3:34.
• Cross-References:
• 1 Peter 5:5-6 - Same quote, calling for humility.
• Matthew 23:12 - "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled."

(Verses 7-10)"Submit yourselves therefore to God - Yehovah. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God - Yehovah, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before Yehovah, and He will exalt you."

• Key Words:
• Resist the devil (ἀντίστητε τῷ διαβόλῳ - antistēte tō diabolō) – (cf. Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 5:9).
• Cleanse your hands (καθαρίσατε χεῖρας - katharisate cheiras) – OT ritual purity language (cf. Psalm 24:4).
• Purify your hearts (ἁγνίσατε καρδίας - hagnisate kardias) – Inner repentance (cf. Psalm 51:10).
• Cross-References:
• 2 Chronicles 7:14 – "If my people humble themselves..."
• Matthew 5:4 – "Blessed are those who mourn."

Warning Against Judging Others (vv. 11-12)

(Verses 11-12) “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"

• Key Words:
• Speak evil (καταλαλεῖτε - katalaleite) – Slander (cf. 1 Peter 2:1).
• One lawgiver and judge (εἷς ἐστιν νομοθέτης καὶ κριτής - heis estin nomothetēs kai kritēs) – God alone (cf. Isaiah 33:22).
•  
• Cross-References:
• Matthew 7:1-5 – "Judge not, that you be not judged."
• Romans 14:4 – "Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?"

Arrogance in Planning (vv. 13-17)

(Verses 13-16)"Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’ - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If Yehovah wills, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil."

• Key Words:
• Mist (ἀτμίς - atmis) – Transience of life (cf. Job 7:7; Psalm 102:3).
• Lord wills (ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θελήσῃ - ean ho Kyrios thelēsē) – Divine sovereignty (cf. Acts 18:21; 1 Corinthians 4:19).
•  
• Cross-References:
• Proverbs 27:1 – "Do not boast about tomorrow."
• Luke 12:16-21 – Parable of the Rich Fool.

(Verse 17)"Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. So, whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

• Key Concept: Sins of omission (cf. Luke 10:31-32 – Good Samaritan)

Conclusion & Summary of Themes:

1. Spiritual Warfare (4:1-3) – Battles arise from unchecked desires.
2. Worldliness vs. Godliness (4:4-5) – Friendship with the world is enmity with God - Yehovah.
3. Humility & Repentance (4:6-10) – God - Yehovah exalts the humble.
4. Judging Others (4:11-12) – God - Yehovah alone is the Judge.
5. Dependence on God’s Will (4:13-17) – Life is fleeting; submit to God’s plan.

This concordance provides a verse-by-verse breakdown with key words, cross-references, and thematic analysis for deeper study.

JAMES CHAPTER FIVE

Below is a detailed scriptural concordance breaking down key words, themes, cross-references, and theological insights.

Scriptural Concordance

Outline

1. Warning to the Rich (5:1–6)
2. Patience in Suffering (5:7–11)
3. The Power of Prayer (5:12–18)
4. Restoring the Wandering (5:19–20) 

Warning to the Rich (vv. 1–6)

Key Themes:

• Condemnation of oppressive wealth
• The fleeting nature of material riches
• Divine judgment for exploitation

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown:

(Verse 1) “Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the miseries that are coming upon you."

• Cross-ref: Luke 6:24–25 (Woes to the rich); 1 Timothy 6:9–10 (Dangers of loving money)
• Key Term: "Weep and howl" (Greek: klausate ololuzontes) – a prophetic lament over impending judgment.

(Verses 2–3) "Your wealth has rotted, and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. You have stored up treasure in the last days."

• Cross-ref: Matthew 6:19–21 (Treasures on earth vs. heaven)
• Symbolism: Corrosion as a sign of moral decay and divine disapproval.

(Verse 4) "Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of Yehovah of Hosts."

• Cross-ref: Leviticus 19:13 (Timely wages); Deuteronomy 24:14–15 (Oppression of workers)
• Theological Insight: God - Yehovah hears the cries of the oppressed (Exodus 2:23–25).

(Verses 5–6)"You have lived on the earth in luxury and self-indulgence; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous one; he does not resist you."

• Cross-ref: Amos 6:1–7 (Woe to the complacent rich); Proverbs 22:16 (Oppressing the poor)
• Key Term: "Righteous one" (Greek: dikaion) – possibly a reference to Christ (Acts 3:14) or godly martyrs.

Patience in Suffering (7–11)

Key Themes:

• Endurance in trials
• The Lord’s coming as vindication
• The example of the prophets

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown:

(Verses 7–8)"Therefore, be patient, brothers, until the coming of the lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the lord is near."

• Cross-ref: Matthew 24:42–44 (Watchfulness); 2 Peter 3:9 (God’s – Yehovah’s patience)
• Metaphor: Farmer waiting for harvest (cf. Galatians 6:9).

(Verse 9)"Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged, behold, the judge is standing at the door."

• Cross-ref: 1 Corinthians 10:10 (Israel’s grumbling); Philippians 2:14–15 (Do all things without grumbling)

(Verses 10–11)" Take as an example of suffering and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of Yehovah. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of Yehovah, how Yehovah He is compassionate and merciful."

• Cross-ref: Hebrews 11:32–38 (Suffering of prophets); Job 1:21–22 (Job’s endurance)
• Key Term: "Steadfastness" (Greek: hypomonē) – endurance under trial (Romans 5:3–4).

The Power of Prayer (vv. 12–18)

Key Themes:

• Honesty in speech
• Prayer for healing and forgiveness
• Elijah as a model of effective prayer

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown:

(Verse 12)"Above all, my brothers, do not swear, neither by heaven nor by earth nor by any other oath: But let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no, so that you may not fall under judgment.”

 Cross-ref: Matthew 5:34–37 (Jesus on oaths); Colossians 4:6 (Speech seasoned with grace)

(Verses13–14) "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you weak? Let him call for the elders of the called-out Assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord - Yehovah."

• Cross-ref: Mark 6:13 (Anointing with oil); 1 Peter 5:7 (Casting anxieties on God)
• Theological Insight: Healing involves both faith and the church’s ministry.

(Verses 15–16) "And the prayer of faith will save the weary one, and the Lord - Yehovah will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

• Cross-ref: Proverbs 28:13 (Confession and mercy); 1 John 1:9 (God’s forgiveness)
• Key Term: "Effective prayer" (Greek: energoumenē proseuchē) – prayer that accomplishes much.

(Verses 17–18) "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit."

• Cross-ref: 1 Kings 17:1; 18:41–45 (Elijah’s prayer)
• Theological Insight: God answers the prayers of the righteous (John 15:7).

Restoring the Wandering (vv. 19–20)

Key Themes:

• Spiritual restoration
• Love covering sins
• Eternal consequences of repentance

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown:

(Verses 19–20 “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul [complete being] from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

• Cross-ref: Galatians 6:1 (Restoring gently); Proverbs 10:12 (Love covers sins)
• Key Term: "Save his soul from death" – possibly referring to physical death (1 Cor. 11:30) or eternal consequences (1 John 5:16–17).

Summary of Key Doctrines

1. Wealth & Judgment – Earthly riches are temporary; God - Yehovah judges oppression.
2. Patience in Trials – The followers of the lord Messiah Jesus must endure, looking to the lord Messiah Jesus return.
3. Prayer & Healing – Faith-filled prayer brings restoration.
4. Restoration & Forgiveness – The called-out Assembly – Congregation must reclaim the lost in love.

Notice The Key Themes in the Epistle of James

• Trials & Perseverance (James 1:2-4, 12)
• Wisdom & Prayer (James 1:5-8)
• Wealth & Humility (James 1:9-11, 2:1-7, 5:1-6)
• Temptation & Sin (James 1:13-18)
• Hearing & Doing the Word (James 1:19-27)
• Faith & Works (James 2:14-26)
• The Tongue & Speech (James 3:1-12)
• Heavenly vs. Earthly Wisdom (James 3:13-18)
• Worldliness & Submission to God (James 4:1-10)
• Judging Others (James 4:11-12)
• Patience in Suffering (James 5:7-11)
• Prayer & Healing (James 5:13-18)
• Restoring the Wandering (James 5:19-20)