King James Version

What Does James 1:11 Mean?

James 1:11 in the King James Version says “For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the ... — study this verse from James chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

James 1:11 · KJV


Context

9

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: rejoice: or, glory rejoice: or, glory

10

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

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.

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.

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: evil: or, evils


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. James paints a vivid picture: the sun rising with burning heat (kausōn, καύσων) scorches grass until its beauty (euprepeia, εὐπρέπεια) perishes. Wealth fades just as quickly; the rich man "shall fade away" (maranthēsetai, μαρανθήσεται) in the midst of pursuits. The imagery echoes Psalm 103 and Isaiah 40, anchoring James's warning in Scripture.

Reformed theology affirms that earthly prosperity is transient, while union with Christ secures imperishable riches. James urges believers to interpret economic changes eschatologically: all flesh is grass, but the Word endures. This perspective frees the church to practice liberality without clinging to temporary adornment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Diaspora congregations witnessed wealthy patrons losing fortunes due to Roman taxation or political unrest. Such volatility proved James's metaphor. Writing from Jerusalem, James reminded merchants that exile status made wealth precarious, urging them to align with Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 6 about storing treasure in good works.

The persecution climate meant believers could be dispossessed overnight, so James grounds their hope not in stability but in Christ's promise of the crown of life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does James's imagery of withering grass challenge your view of success?
  2. What practical steps can help you hold wealth loosely?
  3. Where can your resources bring lasting gospel fruit this season?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
ἀνέτειλεν1 of 32

is no sooner risen

G393

to (cause to) arise

γὰρ2 of 32

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

3 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἥλιος4 of 32

the sun

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

σὺν5 of 32

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τῷ6 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καύσωνι7 of 32

a burning heat

G2742

a glare

καὶ8 of 32

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξήρανεν9 of 32

it withereth

G3583

to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature

τὸν10 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χόρτον11 of 32

the grass

G5528

a "court" or "garden", i.e., (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation

καὶ12 of 32

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ13 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνθος14 of 32

the flower

G438

a blossom

αὐτοῦ15 of 32

of it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐξέπεσεν16 of 32

falleth

G1601

to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient

καὶ17 of 32

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

18 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐπρέπεια19 of 32

the grace

G2143

good suitableness, i.e., gracefulness

τοῦ20 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προσώπου21 of 32

of the fashion

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

αὐτοῦ22 of 32

of it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀπώλετο·23 of 32

perisheth

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

οὕτως24 of 32

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ25 of 32

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

26 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλούσιος27 of 32

the rich man

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

ἐν28 of 32

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς29 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πορείαις30 of 32

ways

G4197

travel (by land); figuratively (plural) proceedings, i.e., career

αὐτοῦ31 of 32

of it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μαρανθήσεται32 of 32

fade away

G3133

to extinguish (as fire), i.e., (figuratively and passively) to pass away


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

James 1:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to James 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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