Have [ε χ ε τ ε]. Rev., hold, not in the sense of hold fast, cleave to, but of possessing, occupying, and practicing, as a matter of habit. Thus we say that a man holds his property by a certain tenure. A rented estate is a holding. So of an opinion, or set of opinions, with which one is publicly id... [ Continue Reading ]
Assembly [σ υ ν α γ ω γ η ν]. The word synagogue is a transcript of this. From sun, together, and agw, to bring. Hence, literally, a gathering or congregation, in which sense the word is common in the Septuagint, not only of assemblies for worship, but of gatherings for other public purposes. From t... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye have respect [ε π ι β λ ε ψ η τ ε]. Lit., ye look upon, with the idea of respectful consideration; ye regard. Compare Luke 1:48; Luke 9:38. In a good place [κ α λ ω ς]. Lit., honorably; in a seat of honor. Under. Not literally underneath, but down on the ground beside. Compare Matthew 23:6, on... [ Continue Reading ]
Are ye not partial in yourselves? [ο υ δ ι ε κ ρ ι θ η τ ε ε ν ε α υ τ ο ι ς]. Wrong. The constant sense of the verb in the New Testament is doubt, except Acts 11:2; Jude 1:9, where it means dispute. Compare ch. 1 6. The meaning here is, therefore, that, in making a distinction between the rich and... [ Continue Reading ]
Hearken, my beloved brethren. Alford cites this phrase as one of the very few links which connect this epistle with the speech of Jas. in Acts 14:13. The poor of this world [τ ο υ ς π τ ω χ ο υ ς τ ο υ κ ο σ μ ο υ]. But the correct reading is tw kosmw, to the world; and the expression is to be expla... [ Continue Reading ]
Despised [η τ ι μ α σ α τ ε]. Not strong enough. They had manifested their contempt; had done despite to them. Rev., correctly, dishonored. From the use of the aorist tense, ye dishonored, which the A. V. and Rev. render as a perfect, ye have dishonored, the reference would appear to be to a specifi... [ Continue Reading ]
They [α υ τ ο ι]. Emphatic. "Is it not they who blaspheme ?" Worthy [κ α λ ο ν]. Rev., better, because stronger, honorable. By this epithet the disgracefulness of the blasphemy is emphasized. By the which ye are called [τ ο ε π ι κ λ η θ ε ν ε φ υ μ α ς]. Lit., which is called upon you; the name of... [ Continue Reading ]
Fulfill the royal law [ν ο μ ο ν τ ε λ ε ι τ ε β α σ ι λ ι κ ο ν]. The phrase occurs only here and Romans 2:27. Telein, fulfill, is stronger than the more common word threin, observe or keep, which appears in ver. 10. Compare, also, Matthew 19:17; Matthew 23:3; John 14:15, etc. James here speaks of... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye have respect to persons [π ρ ο σ ω π ο λ η μ π τ ε ι τ ε]. Only here in New Testament. See on ver. 1. Ye commit sin [α μ α ρ τ ι α ν ε ρ γ α ζ ε σ θ ε]. Lit., "work sin." Compare Matthew 7:23; Acts 10:35; Hebrews 11:33. The phrase is rather stronger than the more common aJmartian poiein, to do s... [ Continue Reading ]
Keep [τ η ρ η σ η]. See on ver. 8. Offend [π τ α ι σ η]. Lit., as Rev., stumble. He is guilty [γ ε γ ο ν ε ν ε ν ο χ ο ς]. Lit., he is become guilty. Enocov, guilty, is, strictly, holden; within the condemning power of. Compare Matthew 26:66; Mark 3:29; 1 Corinthians 11:27. Huther cites a Talmudic... [ Continue Reading ]
A transgressor [π α ρ α β α τ η ς]. From para, beyond, and bainw, to go. A transgressor, therefore, is one who goes beyond the line. So, also, trespass, which is trespass, from the Latin trans, across, and passus, a step. A similar word occurs in Homer, uJperbasia, a transgression or trespass, from... [ Continue Reading ]
So. With reference to what follows, speak and do.... [ Continue Reading ]
He shall have judgment without mercy that hath shewed no mercy [η γ α ρ κ ρ ι σ ι ς α ν ι λ ε ω ς τ ω μ η π ο ι η σ α ν τ ι ε λ ε ο ς]. Lit., as Rev., judgment is without mercy to him that hath shewed no mercy. Both A. V. and Rev. omit the article "the judgment," that, namely, which is coming. Hath... [ Continue Reading ]
What doth it profit ? [τ ι τ ο ο φ ε λ ο ς]. Lit., what is the profit ? Ofelov, profit, only here, ver. 16, and 1 Corinthians 14:32.... [ Continue Reading ]
Be [υ π α ρ χ ω σ ι ν]. The distinction between this word and the simple einai, to be, is very subtle. The verb uJparcw originally means to make a beginning; hence, to begin or to come into being; and, though used substantially as a synonym of einai, of a thing actually existing and at hand, it has... [ Continue Reading ]
Depart in peace [υ π α γ ε τ ε ε ν ε ι ρ η ν η]. Compare upage or paoreuou eijv eijrhnhn, go into peace, Mark 5:34; Luke 7:50. Be filled [χ ο ρ τ α ζ ε σ θ ε]. See on Matthew 5:6. Those things which are needful [τ α ε π ι τ η δ ε ι α]. Only here in New Testament.... [ Continue Reading ]
Being alone [κ α θ ε α υ τ η ν]. Wrong. Rev., correctly, in itself. The phrase belongs to dead. It is dead, not merely in reference to something else, but absolutely.... [ Continue Reading ]
Without [χ ω ρ ι ς]. Rev., more literally, apart from. And I will shew thee, etc. The Rev. brings out the antithesis more sharply by keeping more closely to the Greek order : I by my works will shew, etc.... [ Continue Reading ]
Tremble [φ ρ ι σ σ ο υ σ ι ν]. Only here in New Testament. It means, originally, to be rough on the surface; to bristle. Hence, used of the fields with ears of corn; of a line of battle bristling with shields and spears; of a silver or golden vessel rough with embossed gold. Aeschylus, describing a... [ Continue Reading ]
Vain [κ ε ν ε]. Lit., empty, without spiritual life. Dead [ν ε κ ρ α]. But the best texts read ajrgh, idle; as of money which yields no interest, or of land lying fallow.... [ Continue Reading ]
When he had offered [α ν ε ν ε γ κ α ς]. Incorrect. For the participle states the ground of his justification. By works gives the general ground; offered, etc., the specific work. Compare Genesis 22:16; Genesis 22:17. Rev., correctly, in that he offered. The word ajnenegkav is, lit., brought up to;... [ Continue Reading ]
Wrought with his works [σ υ ν η ρ γ ε ι τ ο ι ς ε ρ γ ο ι ς]. There is a play on the words in the Greek : worked with his works.... [ Continue Reading ]
Was fulfilled [ε π λ η ρ ω θ η]. Not was confirmed, which the word does not mean either in New - Testament or in classical usage, but was actually and fully realized. James here uses the formula which in the Old Testament is employed of the realizing of a former utterance. See 1 Kings 2:27; 2 Chroni... [ Continue Reading ]
Rahab. Also referred to in Hebrews 11:31, among the examples of faith. Dante places her in the third heaven : "Thou fain wouldst know who is within this light That here beside me thus is scintillating, Even as a sunbeam in the limpid water. Then know thou, that within there is at rest Rahab, and be... [ Continue Reading ]
Works [τ ω ν ε ρ γ ω ν]. Note the article : the works belonging or corresponding to faith; its works.... [ Continue Reading ]