King James Version

What Does James 5:7 Mean?

James 5:7 in the King James Version says “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of th... — study this verse from James chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be: or, Be long patient, or, Suffer with long patience

James 5:7 · KJV


Context

5

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

6

Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

7

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be: or, Be long patient, or, Suffer with long patience

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be patient (makrothymēsate, μακροθυμήσατε) until the Lord's coming. James uses the farmer waiting for early and latter rain as metaphor for persevering hope.

Reformed eschatology nurtures patience by fixing eyes on Christ's return. Like farmers trust seasonal rains, believers trust the Lord's timing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian agriculture depended on autumn and spring rains. Persecuted saints needed assurance that suffering would end with Christ's return, similar to Paul's encouragement in 1 Thessalonians 4-5.

Reflection Questions

  1. What long trial requires farmer-like patience from you?
  2. How does Christ's coming shape your endurance?
  3. What practices help you wait actively rather than passively?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
μακροθυμῶν1 of 27

Be patient

G3114

to be long-spirited, i.e., (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient

οὖν2 of 27

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἀδελφοί3 of 27

brethren

G80

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

ἕως4 of 27

until

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τῆς5 of 27
G3588

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

παρουσίας6 of 27

the coming

G3952

a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect

τοῦ7 of 27
G3588

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

κυρίου8 of 27

of the Lord

G2962

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

ἰδού,9 of 27

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

10 of 27
G3588

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

γεωργὸς11 of 27

the husbandman

G1092

a land-worker, i.e., farmer

ἐκδέχεται12 of 27

waiteth

G1551

to accept from some source, i.e., (by implication) to await

τὸν13 of 27
G3588

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

τίμιον14 of 27

for the precious

G5093

valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved

καρπὸν15 of 27

fruit

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

τῆς16 of 27
G3588

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

γῆς17 of 27

of the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

μακροθυμῶν18 of 27

Be patient

G3114

to be long-spirited, i.e., (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient

ἐπ'19 of 27

for

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτῷ20 of 27

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

ἕως21 of 27

until

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἂν22 of 27
G302

whatsoever

λάβῃ23 of 27

he receive

G2983

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

ὑετὸν24 of 27

rain

G5205

rain, especially a shower

πρώϊμον25 of 27

the early

G4406

dawning, i.e., (by analogy) autumnal (showering, the first of the rainy season)

καὶ26 of 27

and

G2532

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

ὄψιμον27 of 27

latter

G3797

later, i.e., vernal (showering)


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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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