King James Version
1 John 3
24 verses with commentary
Children of God
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.</strong> John's exclamation "Behold" (<em>idete</em>) is a command to observe, consider deeply, and marvel. "What manner of love" (<em>potapēn agapēn</em>) expresses astonishment at the quality and magnitude of divine love. Thi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.</strong> John declares the present reality and future certainty of believers' identity. "Now are we the sons of God" (<em>nun tekna theou esmen</em>, νῦν τέκνα θεοῦ ἐσμεν) uses the present indicative to affirm our cur...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 4 Jas 4:1-17. Against Fightings and Their Source; Worldly Lusts; Uncharitable Judgments, and Presumptuous Reckoning on the Future.
**1. whence--**The cause of quarrels is often sought in external circumstances, whereas internal lusts are the true origin.
**wars, &c.--**contrasted with the "peace" of heavenly wisdom. "Fightings" are the active carrying on of "wars." The best authorit...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.</strong> The hope of glorification mentioned in verse 2 produces present purification. "Every man that hath this hope" (<em>pas ho echōn tēn elpida tautēn</em>) makes this universal—all who genuinely possess this hope demonstrate its reality through moral transformation. The present tense "purifieth" (<em>hagni...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Ye lust--**A different Greek word from that in Jas 4:1. "Ye desire"; literally, "ye set your mind (or heart) on" an object.
**have not--**The lust of desire does not ensure the actual possession. Hence "ye kill" (not as Margin, without any old authority, "envy") to ensure possession. Not probably in the case of professing Christians of that day in a literal sense, but "kill and envy" (as th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.</strong> John provides a theological definition of sin's essential nature. "Committeth sin" (<em>ho poiōn tēn hamartian</em>, ὁ ποιῶν τὴν ἁμαρτίαν) uses the present participle, indicating habitual practice, not isolated acts. The one who makes a practice of sin also "transgresseth the law" (<em>tē...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3. Some of them are supposed to say in objection, But we do "ask" (pray); compare Jas 4:2. James replies, It is not enough to ask for good things, but we must ask with a good spirit and intention. "Ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it (your object of prayer) upon (literally, 'in') your lusts (literally, 'pleasures')"; not that ye may have the things you need for the service of God. Contrast Jas 1:...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.</strong> John presents Christ's purpose and qualification for saving sinners. "Ye know" (<em>oidate</em>) appeals to established Christian truth. "He was manifested" (<em>ephanerōthē</em>, ἐφανερώθη) recalls the incarnation—the eternal Son took visible, bodily form. The purpose clause "to take away our sins" (<...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4. The oldest manuscripts omit "adulterers and," and read simply, "Ye adulteresses." God is the rightful husband; the men of the world are regarded collectively as one adulteress, and individually as adulteresses.
**the world--**in so far as the men of it and their motives and acts are aliens to God, for example, its selfish "lusts" (Jas 4:3), and covetous and ambitious "wars and fightings" (Jas...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.</strong> This verse presents a stark contrast that has challenged interpreters. "Whosoever abideth in him" (<em>pas ho en autō menōn</em>) describes continuous fellowship with Christ. "Sinneth not" (<em>ouch hamartanei</em>) uses the present tense, indicating not absolute sinlessness but the absen...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. in vain--**No word of Scripture can be so. The quotation here, as in Ep 5:14, seems to be not so much from a particular passage as one gathered by James under inspiration from the general tenor of such passages in both the Old and New Testaments, as Nu 14:29; Pr 21:20; Ga 5:17.
**spirit that dwelleth in us--**Other manuscripts read, "that God hath made to dwell in us" (namely, at Pentecost)...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.</strong> John issues an urgent warning against deception regarding the relationship between righteousness and righteous living. "Let no man deceive you" (<em>mēdeis planatō hymas</em>) suggests false teachers were active, promoting a view that separated justification from sanctificat...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. But--**"Nay, rather."
**he--**God.
**giveth more grace--**ever increasing grace; the farther ye depart from "envy" [Bengel].
**he saith--**The same God who causes His spirit to dwell in believers (Jas 4:5), by the Spirit also speaks in Scripture. The quotation here is probably from Pr 3:34; as probably Pr 21:10 was generally referred to in Jas 4:5. In Hebrew it is "scorneth the scorners...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.</strong> John presents sin's ultimate source and Christ's purpose. "He that committeth sin" (<em>ho poiōn tēn hamartian</em>)—again the present participle indicating habitual practice—"is of the devil" (<em>ek tou di...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Submit to ... God--**so ye shall be among "the humble," Jas 4:6; also Jas 4:10; 1Pe 5:6.
**Resist ... devil--**Under his banner pride and envy are enlisted in the world; resist his temptations to these. Faith, humble prayers, and heavenly wisdom, are the weapons of resistance. The language is taken from warfare. "Submit" as a good soldier puts himself in complete subjection to his captain. ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.</strong> This challenging verse requires careful interpretation consistent with 1:8. "Whosoever is born of God" (<em>pas ho gegennēmenos ek tou theou</em>) uses the perfect tense—having been born, continuing in that state. "Doth not commit sin" (<em>hamartian ou poiei<...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Draw nigh to God--**So "cleave unto Him," De 30:20, namely, by prayerfully (Jas 4:2, 3) "resisting Satan," who would oppose our access to God.
**he will draw nigh--**propitious.
**Cleanse ... hands--**the outward instruments of action. None but the clean-handed can ascend into the hill of the Lord (justified through Christ, who alone was perfectly so, and as such "ascended" thither).
**...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.</strong> John presents two tests distinguishing God's children from the devil's. "In this are manifest" (<em>en toutō phanera estin</em>)—what follows makes visible and identifiable the two spiritual families. The first test: "who...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Be afflicted--**literally, "Endure misery," that is, mourn over your wretchedness through sin. Repent with deep sorrow instead of your present laughter. A blessed mourning. Contrast Is 22:12, 13; Lu 6:25. James does not add here, as in Jas 5:1, "howl," where he foretells the doom of the impenitent at the coming destruction of Jerusalem.
**heaviness--**literally, "falling of the countenance,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →Love One Another
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. message: or, commandment
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.</strong> John appeals to apostolic teaching as the foundation for brotherly love. "The message that ye heard from the beginning" (<em>hē aggelia hēn ēkousate ap' archēs</em>) refers to the gospel and Jesus's foundational commands delivered from Christianity's inception. "From the beginning" echoes 1:...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. in the sight of the Lord--**as continually in the presence of Him who alone is worthy to be exalted: recognizing His presence in all your ways, the truest incentive to humility. The tree, to grow upwards, must strike its roots deep downwards; so man, to be exalted, must have his mind deep-rooted in humility. In 1Pe 5:6, it is, Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, namely, in His de...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.</strong> John provides a negative example of lovelessness—Cain, the first murderer. "Not as Cain" (<em>ou kathōs Kain</em>) establishes contrast. "Who was of that wicked one" (<em>ek tou ponērou ēn</em>)—Cain belonged to the devil's family,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11. Having mentioned sins of the tongue (Jas 3:5-12), he shows here that evil-speaking flows from the same spirit of exalting self at the expense of one's neighbor as caused the "fightings" reprobated in this chapter (Jas 4:1).
**Speak not evil--**literally, "Speak not against" one another.
**brethren--**implying the inconsistency of such depreciatory speaking of one another in brethren.
**s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.</strong> Following the Cain example, John addresses the reality of worldly hatred toward believers. "Marvel not" (<em>mē thaumazete</em>) commands believers not to be surprised or shocked. The present imperative indicates a continuous attitude—never be amazed when this occurs. The term "my brethren" (<em>adelphoi mou</em>) expresses affection...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. There is one lawgiver--**The best authorities read in addition, "and judge." Translate, "There is One (alone) who is (at once) Lawgiver and Judge, (namely) He who is able to save and destroy." Implying, God alone is Lawgiver and therefore Judge, since it is He alone who can execute His judgments; our inability in this respect shows our presumption in trying to act as judges, as though we wer...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion; and are liable to be provoked ...
Read full commentary →We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.</strong> John provides assurance of salvation based on the evidence of love. "We know" (<em>hēmeis oidamen</em>) expresses certain knowledge, not mere hope or feeling. "That we have passed from death unto life" (<em>hoti metabebēkamen ek tou thanatou eis tēn zōēn...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. Go to now--**"Come now"; said to excite attention.
**ye that say--**boasting of the morrow.
**To-day or to-morrow--**as if ye had the free choice of either day as a certainty. Others read, "To-day and to-morrow."
**such a city--**literally, "this the city" (namely, the one present to the mind of the speaker). This city here.
**continue ... a year--**rather, "spend one year." Their la...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion; and are liable to be provoked ...
Read full commentary →Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.</strong> John equates hatred with murder, echoing Jesus's Sermon on the Mount teaching (Matthew 5:21-22). "Whosoever hateth his brother" (<em>pas ho misōn ton adelphon autou</em>)—the present participle indicates habitual hatred. "Is a murderer" (<em>anthrōpoktonos estin</em>)—literal...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. what--**literally, "of what nature" is your life? that is, how evanescent it is.
**It is even--**Some oldest authorities read, "For ye are." Bengel, with other old authorities, reads, "For it shall be," the future referring to the "morrow" (Jas 4:13-15). The former expresses, "Ye yourselves are transitory"; so everything of yours, even your life, must partake of the same transitoriness. Re...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion; and are liable to be provoked ...
Read full commentary →Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
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KJV Study Commentary
John defines authentic love by pointing to its ultimate demonstration. 'Hereby perceive we the love of God' (ἐν τούτῳ ἐγνώκαμεν τὴν ἀγάπην, en toutō egnōkamen tēn agapēn) uses perfect tense—we have come to know and continue to know love's nature. The defining moment follows: 'because he laid down his life for us' (ὅτι ἐκεῖνος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἔθηκεν, hoti ekeinos hyper hēmōn tēn psychēn a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15. Literally, "instead of your saying," &c. This refers to "ye that say" (Jas 4:13).
**we shall live--**The best manuscripts read, "We shall both live and do," &c. The boasters spoke as if life, action, and the particular kind of action were in their power, whereas all three depend entirely on the will of the Lord.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion; and are liable to be provoked ...
Read full commentary →But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?</strong> John provides a practical test of love's genuineness. "Whoso hath this world's good" (<em>hos d' an echē ton bion tou kosmou</em>)—<em>bios</em> (βίος) means life resources, material possessions necessary for living. This addres...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. now--**as it is.
**rejoice in ... boastings--**"ye boast in arrogant presumptions," namely, vain confident fancies that the future is certain to you (Jas 4:13).
**rejoicing--**boasting [Bengel].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion; and are liable to be provoked ...
Read full commentary →My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.</strong> John calls for authentic love demonstrated in action. "My little children" (<em>teknia mou</em>) again expresses pastoral affection. "Let us not love in word, neither in tongue" (<em>mē agapōmen logō mēde tē glōssē</em>)—the negative command targets mere verbal profession. <em>Logos</em> (wor...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17. The general principle illustrated by the particular example just discussed is here stated: knowledge without practice is imputed to a man as great and presumptuous sin. James reverts to the principle with which he started. Nothing more injures the soul than wasted impressions. Feelings exhaust themselves and evaporate, if not embodied in practice. As we will not act except we feel, so if we wi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion; and are liable to be provoked ...
Read full commentary →Confidence Before God
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. assure: Gr. persuade
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.</strong> John presents love in deed and truth as the ground for assurance. "And hereby we know" (<em>kai en toutō gnōsometha</em>)—the future tense suggests ongoing, growing knowledge. "That we are of the truth" (<em>hoti ek tēs alētheias esmen</em>)—we belong to truth's sphere, aligned with reality as God...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.</strong> John addresses believers whose hearts (conscience) condemn them despite evidence of genuine love. "If our heart condemn us" (<em>ean kataginōskē hēmōn hē kardia</em>)—when our conscience accuses and condemns us. This is a reality for sensitive Christians who keenly feel their remaining sin and impe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 5 Jas 5:1-20. Woes Coming on the Wicked Rich: Believers Should Be Patient unto the Lord's Coming: Various Exhortations.
**1. Go to now--**Come now. A phrase to call solemn attention.
**ye rich--**who have neglected the true enjoyment of riches, which consists in doing good. James intends this address to rich Jewish unbelievers, not so much for themselves, as for the saints, that they ma...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.</strong> John addresses the opposite situation—when conscience doesn't condemn. "Beloved" (<em>agapētoi</em>) again expresses affection. "If our heart condemn us not" (<em>ean hē kardia hēmōn mē kataginōskē</em>)—when our conscience is clear, not accusing us. This assumes we've examined ourselves and found evidence o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. corrupted--**about to be destroyed through God's curse on your oppression, whereby your riches are accumulated (Jas 5:4). Calvin thinks the sense is, Your riches perish without being of any use either to others or even to yourselves, for instance, your garments which are moth-eaten in your chests.
**garments ... moth-eaten--**referring to Mt 6:19, 20.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.</strong> John connects obedience to answered prayer. "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him" (<em>kai ho ean aitōmen lambanomen ap' autou</em>)—the present tenses indicate habitual pattern. This isn't claiming Christians receive absolutely everything they reque...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. is cankered--**"rusted through" [Alford].
**rust ... witness against you--**in the day of judgment; namely, that your riches were of no profit to any, lying unemployed and so contracting rust.
**shall eat your flesh--**The rust which once ate your riches, shall then gnaw your conscience, accompanied with punishment which shall prey upon your bodies for ever.
**as ... fire--**not with th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.</strong> John summarizes God's essential commands. "And this is his commandment" (<em>kai autē estin hē entolē autou</em>)—singular "commandment" with two inseparable components. First: "That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" (<em>hi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. Behold--**calling attention to their coming doom as no vain threat.
**labourers--**literally "workmen."
**of you kept back--**So English Version rightly. Not as Alford, "crieth out from you." The "keeping back of the hire" was, on the part OF the rich, virtually an act of "fraud," because the poor laborers were not immediately paid. The phrase is therefore not, "kept back by you," but "of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.</strong> John concludes the chapter with the doctrine of mutual indwelling. "He that keepeth his commandments" (<em>ho tērōn tas entolas autou</em>)—habitual obedience, especially to the commandments of verse 23: faith and love. "Dwelleth in h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. Translate, "Ye have luxuriated ... and wantoned." The former expresses luxurious effeminacy; the latter, wantonness and prodigality. Their luxury was at the expense of the defrauded poor (Jas 5:4).
**on the earth--**The same earth which has been the scene of your wantonness, shall be the scene of the judgment coming on you: instead of earthly delights ye shall have punishments.
**nourished ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue.
(1-12)
The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.
(13-18)
**Verses 1-12**
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and...
Read full commentary →