King James Version

What Does James 5:10 Mean?

James 5:10 in the King James Version says “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of... — study this verse from James chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

James 5:10 · KJV


Context

8

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

9

Grudge not one against another , brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Grudge not: or, Groan, or, Grieve not

10

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

11

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

12

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Take the prophets as examples of suffering and patience. James roots perseverance in biblical history: faithful messengers endured affliction with steadfastness.

Reformed spirituality draws encouragement from saints of old. Scripture's narratives equip believers for endurance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Diaspora Jews revered prophets; James uses shared heritage to encourage Christian endurance. Hebrews 11 similarly recounts prophetic suffering as inspiration.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which biblical examples inspire your perseverance?
  2. How can you encourage others with stories of endurance?
  3. Where might God be calling you to prophet-like faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὑπόδειγμα1 of 16

for an example

G5262

an exhibit for imitation or warning (figuratively, specimen, adumbration)

λάβετε2 of 16

Take

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τῆς3 of 16
G3588

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

κακοπαθείας4 of 16

of suffering affliction

G2552

hardship

ἀδελφοί5 of 16

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μου,6 of 16

my

G3450

of me

καὶ7 of 16

and

G2532

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

τῆς8 of 16
G3588

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

μακροθυμίας9 of 16

of patience

G3115

longanimity, i.e., (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude

τοὺς10 of 16
G3588

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

προφήτας11 of 16

the prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

οἳ12 of 16

who

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐλάλησαν13 of 16

have spoken

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

τῷ14 of 16
G3588

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

ὀνόματι15 of 16

in the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

κυρίου16 of 16

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)


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 5:10 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 5:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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