King James Version

What Does James 5:11 Mean?

James 5:11 in the King James Version says “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that ... — study this verse from James chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

James 5:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. We count those blessed who endure. Job's perseverance and the Lord's compassion illustrate God's purpose. James highlights God's character: very compassionate (polusplagchnos, πολυσπλαγχνός) and merciful.

Reformed teaching on providence emphasizes God's tender mercy even in trials, as Job discovered.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Job's story was beloved among Jews. James appeals to it to show that suffering has divine purpose and compassionate outcome. Early Christians facing trials saw themselves in Job's narrative.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's story shape your view of suffering?
  2. Where have you seen God's compassion amid trials?
  3. How can you encourage fellow sufferers with this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἰδού,1 of 20

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

μακαρίζομεν2 of 20

we count them happy

G3106

to beatify, i.e., pronounce (or esteem) fortunate

τοὺς3 of 20
G3588

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

ὑπομένοντας·4 of 20

which endure

G5278

to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere

τὴν5 of 20
G3588

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

ὑπομονὴν6 of 20

of the patience

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

Ἰὼβ7 of 20

of Job

G2492

job, a patriarch

ἠκούσατε8 of 20

Ye have heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ9 of 20

and

G2532

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

τὸ10 of 20
G3588

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

τέλος11 of 20

the end

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

κύριος12 of 20

of the Lord

G2962

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

εἴδετε13 of 20

have seen

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι14 of 20

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πολύσπλαγχνός15 of 20

very pitiful

G4184

extremely compassionate

ἐστιν16 of 20

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

17 of 20
G3588

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

κύριος18 of 20

of the Lord

G2962

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

καὶ19 of 20

and

G2532

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

οἰκτίρμων20 of 20

of tender mercy

G3629

compassionate


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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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