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James 5:1

James 5:1 in Multiple Translations

Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.

Come now, ye rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you.

Come now, you men of wealth, give yourselves to weeping and crying because of the bitter troubles which are coming to you.

Come on, you rich people! You should weep and wail for all the problems that are coming your way!

Goe to nowe, ye rich men: weepe, and howle for your miseries that shall come vpon you.

Go, now, ye rich! weep, howling over your miseries that are coming upon [you];

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming on you.

Come now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you .

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl in your miseries, which shall come upon you.

Now I have something to say to the rich people who do not believe in Christ and who ◄oppress you/cause you to suffer►. Listen to me, you rich people! You should weep and wail loudly [DOU] because you will experience terrible troubles [PRS]!

Now I’m talking to rich people that cheated people to get money for themselves. You mob listen to me. You are going to get big trouble, so you can start to cry right now, and you can be really sad.

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Berean Amplified Bible — James 5:1

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Word Study

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James 5:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK αγε νυν οι πλουσιοι κλαυσατε ολολυζοντες επι ταις ταλαιπωριαις υμων ταις επερχομεναις
αγε agō G71 to bring Verb-PAM-2S
νυν nun G3568 now Adv
οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM
πλουσιοι plousios G4145 rich Adj-NPM
κλαυσατε klaiō G2799 to weep Verb-AAM-2P
ολολυζοντες ololuzō G3649 to wail Verb-PAP-NPM
επι epi G1909 upon/to/against Prep
ταις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPF
ταλαιπωριαις talaipōria G5004 misery Noun-DPF
υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP
ταις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPF
επερχομεναις eperchomai G1904 to arrive/invade Verb-PNP-DPF
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — James 5:1

αγε agō G71 "to bring" Verb-PAM-2S
This verb means to lead or bring something. Jesus used it in John 10:16 to describe leading his followers. It also appears in Romans 2:4 and Hebrews 2:10.
Definition: ἄγω, [in LXX for בּוא hi., לקח, נהג, etc. ;] __1. to lead, bring, carry: with ace, before ἐπί, εἰς, ἕως, πρός and simple dative; metaphorically, to lead, guide, impel: Jhn.10:16 Rom.2:4, Heb.2:10, 2Ti.3:6, al. __2. to spend or keep a day: Luk.24:21, Act.19:38 __3. Intrans., to go: subjunc., ἄγωμεν, Mat.2:46, al. (Cramer, 61; MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 75 NT verses. KJV: be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open See also: 1 Corinthians 12:2; John 7:45; Hebrews 2:10.
νυν nun G3568 "now" Adv
Now refers to the present time, as in John 4:18 and Romans 13:11. It's used to emphasize a current situation or action.
Definition: νῦν, adv., [in LXX chiefly for עַתָּה ;] __1. prop., of time, now, i.e. at the present time: as opposite to past, Jhn.4:18, Act.7:52, Rom.13:11, 2Co.7:9, Col.1:24, al.; opposite to fut., Jhn.12:27, Rom.11:31, al.; with art., ὁ (ἡ, τὸ) and subst., the present: Rom.3:26, Gal.4:25, 1Ti.6:17, Tit.2:12, al.; απὸ τοῦ ν. (LXX for מֵעַתָּה), Luk.1:48, Act.18:6, al.; ἄχρι τοῦ ν., Rom.8:22, Php.1:5; ἕως τοῦ ν. (LXX for עַד עַתָּה), Mat.24:21, Mrk.13:19; τὰ ν., as regards the present, Act.5:38; with pret., just now, but now, Mat.26:65, Jhn.11:8 21:10; with fut., now, presently, Jhn.12:31, Act.20:22; so with praes., presently, forthwith, Jhn.12:31 17:13; καὶ ν., Jhn.11:22 17:5, al.; ἀλλὰ ν., Luk.22:36; ἔτι ν., 1Co.3:2; τότε (πότε) . . . ν. (δέ), Rom.6:21 11:30; ν. ἤδη, 1Jn.4:3; ν. οὖν, Act.10:33, al. __2. Of logical sequence (often difficult to disting. from the temporal sense; cf. Lft., Notes, 113f.), now, therefore, now, however, as it is: Luk.11:39; καὶ ν., Act.3:17, 2Th.2:6, 1Jn.2:28; id. before δεῦρο, Act.7:34; ν. δέ, Jhn.8:40 9:41 15:22, 24, 18:36, 1Co.5:11 7:14 12:20, al. (cf. WM, 579.11). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 139 NT verses. KJV: henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this (time) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 12:26; 1 Peter 1:12.
οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
πλουσιοι plousios G4145 "rich" Adj-NPM
In the Bible, this word means being rich or wealthy, like the rich man in Luke 18:25. It can also mean having a lot of something, like God's mercy in Ephesians 2:4. This idea appears in Matthew 27:57 and Luke 12:16.
Definition: πλούσιος, -α, -ον (πλοῦτος), [in LXX chiefly for עָשִׁיר ;] rich, wealthy: Mat.27:57, Luk.12:16 14:12 16:1, 19 18:23 19:2. Substantively, ὁ π., Luk.16:21-22, Jas.1:10-11; oἱ π., Luk.6:24 21:1, 1Ti.6:17, Jas.2:6 5:1, Rev.6:15 13:16; anarth., a rich man, Mat.19:23-24, Mrk.10:25 12:41, Luk.18:25. Metaphorical, of God, ἐν ἐλέει (= cl., with genitive, dative), Eph.2:4; of Christ, 2Co.8:9; of Christians, Rev.2:9 3:17; ἐν πίστει, Jas.2:5.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 28 NT verses. KJV: rich See also: 1 Timothy 6:17; Luke 16:22; James 1:10.
κλαυσατε klaiō G2799 "to weep" Verb-AAM-2P
To weep means to cry out loud, like the people who mourned in Mark 5:38-39 after a little girl died.
Definition: κλαίω [in LXX chiefly for בָּכָה ;] of any loud expression of pain or sorrow, esp. for the dead, to weep, lament; __(a) intrans.: Mrk.5:38-39 14:72 (M, Pr., 131) Mrk.16:10, Luk.7:13, 32 7:38 8:52, Jhn.11:31, 33 16:20 20:11, 13 20:15 Act.9:39 21:13, 1Co.7:30, Php.3:18, Jas.4:9 5:1, Rev.5:5 18:15, 19; πολύ, Rev.5:4; πολλά, Act.8:24 (WH, mg.); πικρῶς, Mat.26:75, Luk.22:62; opposite to γελάω, Luk.6:21, 25; χαίρω, Rom.12:15; before ἐπί, with accusative, Luk.19:41 23:28, Rev.18:9; __(b) trans., with accusative of person(s), to weep or lament for, bewail: Mat.2:18.† SYN.: see: δακρύω (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 34 NT verses. KJV: bewail, weep See also: 1 Corinthians 7:30; Luke 19:41; James 4:9.
ολολυζοντες ololuzō G3649 "to wail" Verb-PAP-NPM
To wail or howl means to cry out loudly in distress or pain, as seen in James 5:1. This type of crying out is often a response to suffering or hardship.
Definition: ὀλολύζω (onomatop.), [in LXX chiefly for יָלַל hi. ;] (in Hom., of women crying to the gods in prayer or thanksgiving), to cry aloud: Jas.5:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: howl See also: James 5:1.
επι epi G1909 "upon/to/against" Prep
A preposition meaning upon, to, or against, often used to show location or direction, like in Matthew 6:10 where Jesus teaches us to pray for God's will to be done on earth. It can also indicate a sense of time or order.
Definition: ἐπί (before a smooth breathing ἐπ᾽, before a rough breathing ἐφ᾽), prep. with genitive, dative, accusative (accusative most frequently in NT), with primary sense of superposition, on, upon. __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, answering the question, where? __(a) of the place on which, on, upon: ἐπὶ (τ.) γῆς, Mat.6:10, 19, al.; τ. κεφαλῆς, 1Co.11:10; τ. νεφελῶν, Mat.24:3o, al.; like ἐν, in constr. praegn. after verbs of motion: βάλλειν, Mrk.4:26; σπείρειν, ib. 31; ἔρχεσθαι, Heb.6:7, al.; figuratively, ἐπ᾽ ἀληθείας (MM, see word ἀ.); of the subject of thought or speech, Gal.3:16; of power or authority, over, πάντων, Rom.9:5: τ. γάζης, Act.8:27; ἐξουσία, Rev.2:26 20:6; __(b) of vicinity, at, by: τ. θαλάσσης, Jhn.6:9; τ. ὁδοῦ, Mat.21:19; τοῦ βάτου, Mrk.12:26 (see Swete, in l.); with genitive of person(s), in the presence of, before, Mat.28:14, Act.23:30, 1Co.6:1, al. __2. Of time, __(a) with genitive of person(s), in the time of: ἐπὶ Ἐλισαίου, Luk.4:27; ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου, Act.11:28; ἐπὶ Ἀβιάθαρ ἀρχιερέως, when A. was high priest, Mrk.2:26; __(b) with genitive of thing(s), at, at the time of: Mat.1:11, Heb.1:2, 2Pe.3:3; ἐπὶ τ. προσευχῶν, Rom.1:10, Eph.1:16, 1Th.1:2, Phm 4. __II. C. dative, of place, answering the question, where? __(a) lit., on, upon: Mat.9:16, 14:8, al.; after verbs of motion (see supr., I, 1, (a)), Mat.9:16 Act.8:16; above, Luk.23:38; at, by, Mrk.13:29, Jhn.5:2, Act.5:9, al.; __(b) metaphorically, upon, on the ground of, Luk.4:4 (LXX); in the matter of, Mrk.6:52 (see Swete, in l.); upon, of, concerning, Act.5:35, 40; of the ground, reason or motive (Bl., §38, 2; 43, 3), Mat.18:3 19:9, Rom.12:12, al.; ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, for the reason that, because, Rom.5:12 2Co.5:4; after verbs of motion, over, Mat.18:13, Rom.16:19, al.; of a condition (cl.), Rom.8:20, 1Co.9:10; ἐπὶ δυσὶ μάρτυσιν (see Westc. on Heb.9:10), Heb.10:28; of purpose or aim, Eph.2:10, Php.4:10; of authority, over, Mat.24:47 Luk.12:44; of hostility, with dative of person(s) (cl.), against, Luk.12:52; in addition to (cl.), 2Co.7:13; of an adjunct, in, at, on, Php.1:3 2:17. __III. C. accusative, __1. of place of motion upon or over, answering the question, whither? __(a) lit., upon, over: Mat.14:28, 29, Luk.5:19, al. mult.; in NT also, answering the question, where? (as with genitive, dative), Mrk.4:38 11:2, Luk.2:25, Jhn.1:32; ἐπὶ τ. αὐτό, Act.1:15 2:1, al.; of motion to a vicinity, to, Mrk.16:2, Act.8:36, al.; __(b) metaphorically (in wh. "the accusative is more widely prevalent than it strictly should be," Bl., §43, 1); of blessings, evils, etc., coming upon one, with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:13 12:28, Act.2:17, Jhn.18:4, Eph.5:6, al.; of addition (dative in cl.), λύπη ἐπὶ λύπην, Php.2:27; ἐπικαλεῖν ὄνομα ἐπί (see: ἐπικαλέω), Act.15:17, Jas.2:7; καλεῖν ἐπί, to call after, Luk.1:59; of number or degree: ἐπὶ τρίς (cl. εἰς τ.), thrice, Act.10:16 11:10; ἐπὶ πλεῖον, the more, further, Act.4:17 2Ti.2:16 3:9 (see also infr., 2, (a)); ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (see infr., ib.), forasmuch as, Mat.25:40, 45, Rom.11:13; of power, authority, control, Luk.1:33, Act.7:10 Rom.5:14, Heb.3:6, al.; of the direction of thoughts and feelings, unto, towards, Luk.1:17 23:28, Act.9:35, 42, Rom.11:22, Gal.4:9, Eph.2:7, 1Ti.5:5, al.; of purpose, for, Mat.3:7, Luk.23:48; ἐφ᾽ ὅ πάρει (Rec. ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, Mat.26:50; of hostility, against, Mat.24:7, Mrk.3:24-26 10:11 13:8, Luk.9:5, Jhn.13:18, Act.7:54, 1Co.7:36, 2Co.1:23; Of reference, concerning, for (cl. usually dative), Mrk.9:12 15:24, Jhn.19:24, Rom.4:9. __2. Of time, __(a) during, for: Luk.4:25 (WH, txt., omits ἐπί), Act.13:31 16:18, Heb.11:30, al.; ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (χρόνον), as long as, for so long time as, Mrk.9:15 Rom.7:1, al. (for ἐφ᾽ ὅ in another sense, see supr., 1, (b)); ἐφ᾽ ἱκανόν (see: ἱ), Act.20:11; ἐπὶ πλεῖον (see supr., 1, (b)), yet longer, further, Act.20:9 24:4; __(b) on, about, towards (cl. εἰς): Luk.10:35 Act.3:1 4:5. __IV. In composition, ἐπί signifies: up, ἐπαίρω; upon, ἐπίγειος, ἐπιδημέω, ὠπικαθίζω; towards, επιβλέπω, ὠπεκτείνω; over (of superintendence), ἐπιστάτης; again, in addition, ἐπαιτέω; against, ἐπιορκέω, ἐπιβουλή. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 788 NT verses. KJV: about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 4:33; 1 Peter 1:13.
ταις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
ταλαιπωριαις talaipōria G5004 "misery" Noun-DPF
This word means misery or wretchedness, like a state of great hardship or suffering, as seen in Romans 3:16 and James 5:1.
Definition: ταλαιπωρία, -ας, ἡ (ταλαίπωρος) [in LXX chiefly for שֹׁד ;] __1. hard work (Hippocr.). __2. hardship, suffering, distress: Rom.3:16 (LXX) pl., Jas.5:1 (see B1., § 32, 6; WM, 220; Swete, Mk., 153). (Hdt., Thuc., al.; and cf. MM, xxiv.)† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: misery See also: James 5:1; Romans 3:16.
υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
ταις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
επερχομεναις eperchomai G1904 "to arrive/invade" Verb-PNP-DPF
This word means to arrive or invade, and is used to describe the coming of the Holy Spirit in Luke 1:35 and Acts 1:8.
Definition: ἐπ-έρχομαι, [in LXX for בּוֹא, עָבַר, etc. ;] __1. to come to, arrive, come on: before ἀπό, with genitive loc., Act.14:19 (ἐπῆλθαν; cf. M, Pr., 65; Deiss., BS, 191); of time, Eph.2:7. __2. to come upon (as in Hom.): of calamities, Luk.21:26, Act.8:24 13:40, Jas.5:1; of an enemy, Luk.11:22; of the Holy Spirit, Luk.1:35, Act.1:8, [in LXX: γίγνομαι ἐπί, Jdg.14:6, 3Ki.11:6, al.].† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: come (in, upon) See also: Acts 1:8; James 5:1; Luke 21:35.

Study Notes — James 5:1

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.
2 1 Timothy 6:9–10 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
3 Proverbs 11:4 Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.
4 Jeremiah 9:23 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches.
5 James 1:11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
6 Luke 12:16–21 Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”
7 Luke 6:24–25 But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
8 Luke 16:19–25 Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony.
9 Matthew 19:23–24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
10 Micah 6:12 For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.

James 5:1 Summary

James 5:1 is a warning to those who have a lot of money and possessions, telling them to be sad and sorry because their wealth will not last (as seen in James 5:2-3). This is because God wants us to trust in Him, not in our wealth or things (as taught in Matthew 6:19-20), and to use what we have to help others and bring glory to Him. We should remember that our wealth and possessions can decay and disappear, but our relationship with God is what truly lasts (as reflected in 1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is James 5:1 addressing?

James 5:1 is addressing those who are rich, warning them of the misery to come upon them, as seen in the verse 'Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you', a concept also found in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 which warns against trusting in riches.

What is the nature of the misery James is warning about?

The misery James is warning about seems to be a future judgment, possibly related to the corruption and decay of their riches, as mentioned in James 5:2-3, and also reflected in Proverbs 28:20 which says 'A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished'

Is James condemning all rich people?

No, James is not condemning all rich people, but rather those who have hoarded treasure and trusted in their riches, as seen in James 5:3, a concept also supported by Matthew 19:21 which teaches that wealth can be a hindrance to following God.

How can we apply James 5:1 to our lives today?

We can apply James 5:1 by examining our own hearts and priorities, making sure we are not trusting in our wealth or material possessions, but rather in God, as taught in Psalm 52:7 which says 'Lo, the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches'

What does James mean by 'weep and wail'?

James means that the rich should mourn and lament their coming misery, recognizing the emptiness and fleeting nature of their wealth, a concept also reflected in Luke 6:24-25 which says 'But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I prioritize my wealth or material possessions over my relationship with God?
  2. How can I use my resources to bless others and bring glory to God, rather than just accumulating more wealth?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I am trusting in my own abilities or resources, rather than trusting in God's provision and care?
  4. How can I cultivate a heart of generosity and contentment, rather than a heart of greed and covetousness?

Gill's Exposition on James 5:1

Go to now, ye rich men,.... All rich men are not here designed; there are some rich men who are good men, and make a good use of their riches, and do not abuse them, as these here are represented;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 5:1

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Go to now - Come now: to call solemn attention. Ye rich - who neglect the true enjoyment of riches, which consists in doing good.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 5:1

JAMES CHAPTER 5 Wicked rich men are warned of God’ s impending judgment. The brethren are exhorted to patience, after the example of the prophets and of Job, to abstain from swearing, to pray in affliction and sickness, and sing psalms in prosperity, to acknowledge mutually their faults, and to pray for one another, ,20 and to endeavour to reclaim sinners. Go to now: see . Ye rich men; he speaks to them not simply as rich, (for riches and grace sometimes may go together), but as wicked, not only wallowing in wealth, but abusing it to pride, luxury, oppression, and cruelty. Against these, either as looking on them as incurable, or upon supposition of their impenitency, he denounceth God’ s judgments; and that whether they were unconverted Jews, vexing the believing Jews; or Gentiles, oppressing the Christian Jews; or Christians in profession and name, who yet were so vile in their practice, as to condemn and kill the just; and that they might more speciously do it, to draw them before the judgment-seats, &c. Weep and howl; to denote the extremity of the calamities coming upon them, in which they should not only weep like men, but howl like wild beasts: see ,13. For your miseries that shall come upon you; or, are coming upon you, to signify the certainty and nearness of them. The miseries he means may be both temporal and eternal.

Trapp's Commentary on James 5:1

1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Ver. 1. Go to now, ye rich men] Those rich wretches mentioned James 2:6-7, that blasphemed God and oppressed men. Magna cognatio ut rei sic nominis, divitiis et vitiis. Weep and howl] Better weep here, where there are wiping handkerchiefs in the hand of Christ, than to have your eyes whipped out in hell. Better howl with men than yell with devils. That shall come upon you] Gr. επερχομεναις, that are even now stealing upon you.

Ellicott's Commentary on James 5:1

(1) Go to now, ye rich.—As in James 4:3, it was “Woe to you, worldly,” so now “Woe to ye rich: weep, bewailing”—literally, howling for your miseries coming upon you. Comp. Isaiah 13:6; Isaiah 14:31; Isaiah 15:3, where (in the LXX.) the same term is used;—a picture word, imitating the cry of anguish,—peculiar to this place in the New Testament. Observe the immediate future of the misery; it is already coming. Doubtless by this was meant primarily the pillage and destruction of Jerusalem, but under that first intention many others secondary and similar are included: for all “riches certainly make themselves wings” and fly away (Proverbs 23:5). Calvin and others of his school fail to see in this passage an exhortation of the rich to penitence, but only a denunciation of woe upon them; in the sense, however, that all prophecy, whether evil or good, is conditional, there is sufficient room to believe that no irrevocable doom was pronounced by “a Christian Jeremiah.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 5:1

CHAPTER V. The profligate rich are in danger of God's judgments, because of their pride, fraudulent dealings, riotous living, and cruelty, 1-6. The oppressed followers of God should be patient, for the Lord's coming is nigh; and should not grudge against each other, 7-9. They should take encouragement from the example of the prophets, and of Job, 10, 11. Swearing forbidden, 12. Directions to the afflicted, 13-16. They should confess their faults to each other, 16. The great prevalence of prayer instanced in Elijah, 17, 18. The blessedness of converting a sinner from the error of his way, 19, 20. NOTES ON CHAP. V. Verse 1. Go to now] See Clarke on James 4:13. Weep and howl for your miseries] St. James seems to refer here, in the spirit of prophecy, to the destruction that was coming upon the Jews, not only in Judea, but in all the provinces where they sojourned. He seems here to assume the very air and character of a prophet; and in the most dignified language and peculiarly expressive and energetic images, foretells the desolations that were coming upon this bad people.

Cambridge Bible on James 5:1

Ch. James 5:1-6. Warnings for the Rich1. Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl] The words are nearly the same as those we have met with before in ch. James 4:9, but there is in them less of the call to repentance, and more of the ring of prophetic denunciation. The word for “howl,” not found elsewhere in the New Testament, is found in three consecutive chapters of Isaiah (Isaiah 13:6, Isaiah 14:31, Isaiah 15:3), which may well have been present to St James’ thoughts.for your miseries that shall come upon you] Literally, that are coming upon you, in the very act to come. The context points to these as consisting not merely in the cares and anxieties that come in the common course of things upon the rich, but in the special troubles that were to usher in the advent of the Judge. Historically, the words had their primary fulfilment in the woes that preceded the destruction of Jerusalem, but these were but the first in the series of “springing and germinant accomplishments” which will attain their completeness before the final Advent.

Barnes' Notes on James 5:1

Go to now - Notes, James 4:13. Ye rich men - Not all rich men, but only that class of them who are specified as unjust and oppressive.

Whedon's Commentary on James 5:1

4. Denunciatory appeal to the rich for their oppression, self-indulgence, and persecution, James 5:1-6.1. Go to now—Note on James 4:13. Rich men—The rich men of St.

Sermons on James 5:1

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill "Rebuke to Prosperity Preachers" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon challenges the notion of prosperity gospel by questioning why God rebukes those who claim to be rich and increased with goods. It delves into the discrepancy between th
Jackie Pullinger Testimony - Part 10 by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for action and accountability in our Christian faith. He highlights how in the West, we have an abundance of teaching and resources,
Compilations Don't Preach About Hell! (Compilation) by Compilations The video is a sermon that emphasizes the importance of recognizing oneself as a child of God. The speaker repeats the phrase "You are my child" multiple times to drive this point
Chuck Smith James 5 Expositional by Chuck Smith This sermon by James focuses on various important topics such as the warning to the rich about the dangers of setting their hearts on riches, the importance of patience in waiting
Andrew Strom We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 4 by Andrew Strom This sermon addresses the housing crisis and the prevalence of deception in the church, particularly related to prosperity gospel teachings. It emphasizes the importance of standin
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Job 21-30 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the psalmist's lamentation of his tragic condition and the bitterness he experiences. The psalmist questions why the wicked prosper while th
Andrew Strom Jesus Commands Us to Go by Andrew Strom This sermon emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith by following the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus. It challenges believers to step out of their comfort zones,

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