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James 1:2

James 1:2 in Multiple Translations

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;

Let it be all joy to you, my brothers, when you undergo tests of every sort;

My friends, choose to stay happy even when all kinds of troubles come your way,

My brethren, count it exceeding ioy, when ye fall into diuers tentations,

All joy count [it], my brethren, when ye may fall into temptations manifold;

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations,

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.

My brethren, count it all joy, when you shall fall into divers temptations;

My fellow believers, rejoice greatly, even when you experience various kinds of difficulties/troubles.

Listen, my Christian friends, you might get a lot of trouble sometimes. You might get different sorts of trouble. But don’t get upset about it. No, you can be happy about it,

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Berean Amplified Bible — James 1:2

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James 1:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK πασαν χαραν ηγησασθε αδελφοι μου οταν πειρασμοις περιπεσητε ποικιλοις
πασαν pas G3956 all Adj-ASF
χαραν chara G5479 joy Noun-ASF
ηγησασθε hēgeomai G2233 to govern Verb-ADM-2P
αδελφοι adelphos G80 brother Noun-VPM
μου egō G1473 I/we Pron-1GS
οταν hotan G3752 when(-ever) Conj
πειρασμοις peirasmos G3986 temptation/testing: temptation Noun-DPM
περιπεσητε peripiptō G4045 to fall upon Verb-2AAS-2P
ποικιλοις poikilos G4164 various Adj-DPM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — James 1:2

πασαν pas G3956 "all" Adj-ASF
This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.
Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.
χαραν chara G5479 "joy" Noun-ASF
Joy, or chara, means a deep and lasting happiness, like the joy felt by the shepherds in Luke 1:14 when they heard about Jesus' birth.
Definition: χαρά, -ᾶς, ἡ (χαίρω), [in LXX for שִׂמְחָה, שָׂשׂוֹן, etc. ;] joy, delight: Luk.1:14 15:7, 10, Jhn.15:11 16:22, 24 17:13, Act.8:8, 2Co.1:24 7:13 8:2, Gal.5:22, Col.1:11, Php.2:2, 1Jn.1:4, 2Jn.12; opposite to κατήφεια, Jas.4:9; to λύπη, Jhn.16:20; χ. τῆς πίστεως, Php.1:25; ἀγαλλιᾶσθαι (χαίρειν, which see), χαρᾷ, Jhn.3:29, 1Pe.1:8; χ. ἔχειν, Phm 7; πληροῦν (-οῦσθαι) χαρᾶς, Act.13:52, Rom.15:13, 2Ti.1:4; ποιεῖν χ. μεγάλην, Act.15:3; ἀπὸ τῆς χ., Mat.13:44, Luk.24:41, Act.12:14; ἐν χ., Rom.15:32; μετὰ χαρᾶς, Mat.13:20 28:8, Mrk.4:16, Luk.8:13 10:17 24:52, Php.1:4 2:29, Heb.10:34 13:17; id. beforeπνεύματος ἁγίου, 1Th.1:6; χ. ἐν π. ἁ, Rom.14:17; χ. ἐπί, 2Co.7:4; διά, 1Th.3:9; ὅτι, Jhn.16:21; ἵνα, III Jn 4 By meton., of the cause or occasion of joy: Luk.2:10, 2Co.1:15, WH, txt., R, mg., Php.4:1, 1Th.2:19-20, Heb.12:2, Jas.1:2; ἡ χ. τ. κυρίου, Mat.25:21, 23.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 57 NT verses. KJV: gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous) See also: 1 John 1:4; John 15:11; 1 Peter 1:8.
ηγησασθε hēgeomai G2233 "to govern" Verb-ADM-2P
To govern or lead is the meaning of this word, which involves guiding or ruling with authority. It is used in Matthew 2:6 and Acts 7:10 to describe leaders and rulers, and also in Acts 26:2 to mean thinking or supposing something.
Definition: ἡγέομαι, -οῦμαι depon. mid., [in LXX (chiefly Pres. ptcp.) for נָגִיד, רֹאשׁ, שַׂר, etc. ;] __1. to lead; __(a) to guide, go before; __(b) to rule, be leader: present ptcp., ἡγούενος, a ruler, leader (MM, Exp., xiv), Mat.2:6 (LXX), Luk.22:26, Act.7:10 14:12 15:22, Heb.13:7, 17 13:24. __2. to suppose, believe, consider, think (Hdt., Soph., al.; of. Lat. duco): with dupl. accusative, Act.26:2, Php.2:3, 6 3:7, 1Ti.1:12 6:1, Heb.10:29 11:11, 26, 2Pe.1:13 2:13 3:9 3:15; with accusative before ὡς, with accusative, 2Th.3:15; with accusative before adv., 1Th.5:13; ὅταν, Jas.1:2; ἀναγκαῖον, with inf., 2Co.9:5, Php.2:25; δίκαιον, with inf., 2Pe.1:13; with accusative and inf., Php.3:8 (of. δι-, ἐκ-δι-, ἐξ- προ-ηγέομαι).† SYN.: see: δοκέω (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think See also: 1 Thessalonians 5:13; Hebrews 10:29; Hebrews 11:11.
αδελφοι adelphos G80 "brother" Noun-VPM
The Greek word for brother refers to a male sibling or a fellow Christian, as seen in Matthew 1:2 and 1 Corinthians 1:1. It implies a close relationship.
Definition: ἀδελφός, -οῦ, ὁ (ἀ- copul., δελφύς, womb), in cl., a brother, born of the same parent or parents. [In LXX (Hort, Ja., 102f.), for אָח ;] __1. lit. of a brother (Gen.4:2, al.). __2. Of a neighbour (Lev.19:17). __3. Of a member of the same nation (Exo.2:14, Deu.15:3). In NT in each of these senses (1. Mat.1:2, al.; 2. Mat.7:3; 3. Rom.9:3) and also, __4. of a fellow-Christian: 1Co.1:1, Act.9:30. This usage finds illustration in π., where ἀ. is used of members of a pagan religious community (M, Th., I, 1:4; MM, VGT, see word). The ἀδελφοὶ τ. Κυρίου (Mat.12:46-49 13:55 28:10, Mrk.3:31-34, Luk.8:19-21, Jhn.2:12 7:3, 5 10 20:17, Act.1:14, 1Co.9:5) may have been sons of Joseph and Mary (Mayor, Ja., Intr. viff.; DB, i, 320ff.) or of Joseph by a former marriage (Lft., Gal., 252ff.; DCG, i, 232ff.), but the view of Jerome, which makes ἀ. equivalent to ἀνεψιός, is inconsistent with Greek usage. (Cremer, 66.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 318 NT verses. KJV: brother See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 2:37; 1 Peter 5:12.
μου egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1GS
This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.
Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.
οταν hotan G3752 "when(-ever)" Conj
When or whenever refers to an uncertain future time, as in Matthew 6:2 and Mark 14:7, where it is used to describe expected events.
Definition: ὅταν (for ὅτ᾽ ἄν = ὅτε ἄν), temporal particle, with a conditional sense, usually of things expected to occur in an indefinite future; __1. prop., whenever; __(a) (a) with subjc. praes.: Mat.6:2, 5 Mrk.14:7, Luk.11:36, Jhn.7:27, Act.23:35, 1Co.3:4, al.; ἕως τ. ἡμέρας ἐκείνης, ὅ., Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25; before τότε, 1Th.5:3; __(b) with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 185): Mat.5:11, Mrk.4:15, Luk.6:22, Jhn.2:10 8:28 (Field, Notes, 94), 10:4, al. __2. As in Hom. (LS, see word), but not in cl. prose, with indic., when (M, Pr., 167f.; Bl., §65, 9): with impf., Mrk.3:11(cf. Gen.38:9, al.); with praes., Mrk.11:25; with fut.. Rev.4:9 (Swete, in l.); with aor., Mrk.11:19, Rev.8:1 (Swete, in ll.; M, Pr., 168, 248; Field, Notes, 35). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 118 NT verses. KJV: as long (soon) as, that, + till, when(-soever), while See also: 1 Corinthians 3:4; Luke 16:4; Hebrews 1:6.
πειρασμοις peirasmos G3986 "temptation/testing: temptation" Noun-DPM
Temptation or testing refers to a difficult situation that challenges someone's faith or character. It can come from God, like in Deuteronomy 8:2, or from Satan, like in Matthew 4:1.
Definition: πειρασμός, -οῦ, ὁ (πειράζω), [in LXX for מַסָּה, עִנְיָן ;] __1. = πεῖρα, an experiment Diosc.). __2. a trial, of ethical purpose and effect, whether good or evil (see Hort on Jas.1:13) __(a) in good or neutral sense: Gal.4:14, Jas.1:12, 1Pe.4:12; esp. of afflictions sent by God (Deu.7:19, Sir.21:1-28, al.): 2Pe.2:9, Rev.3:10; pl., Luk.22:28, Act.20:19, Jas.1:2, 1Pe.1:6; __(b) of trial regarded as leading to sin, temptation: Luk.8:13, 1Co.10:13, 1Ti.6:9; of the temptation of Jesus by the devil, Luk.4:13; εἰσφέρειν (ἔρχεσθαι, εἰσέρχ-) εἰς π., Mat.6:13 26:41, Mrk.14:38, Luk.11:4 22:40, 46; __(with) of the testing or challenge of God by man (see: πειράζω, 3, with) : Heb.3:8 (LXX: Psa.95:9, where κατα τ. ἡμέραν πειρασμοῦ = מַסָּה the day of Massah).† SYN.: δοκίμιον (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: temptation, X try See also: 1 Corinthians 10:13; Luke 4:13; 1 Peter 1:6.
περιπεσητε peripiptō G4045 "to fall upon" Verb-2AAS-2P
This term means to fall into or among something, like surrounded by troubles. In Luke 10:30, it describes falling among robbers. It emphasizes being surrounded or overwhelmed by something.
Definition: περι-πίπτω [in LXX: Rut.2:3, 2Ki.1:6 (קָרָה), Pro.11:5 (נָפַל), Dan LXX 2:9, 2Ma.6:13 2Mac 9:7 2Mac 9:21 2Mac 10:4 * ;] __1. to fall around. __2. to fall in with, light upon, come across: with dative, λῃσταῖς, Luk.10:30; πειρασμοῖς, Jas.1:2; before εἰς, Act.27:41.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: fall among (into) See also: Acts 27:41; James 1:2; Luke 10:30.
ποικιλοις poikilos G4164 "various" Adj-DPM
Something that is various or diverse has many different parts or characteristics. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the many kinds of people and experiences that Christians face, as seen in Matthew 4:24 and 1 Peter 1:6. It highlights the complexity of life.
Definition: ποικίλος, -η, -ον [in LXX for נָקֹד, רִקְמָה, etc. ;] many-coloured, variegated. Metaphorical, various, manifold: Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:34, Luk.4:40, 2Ti.3:6, Tit.3:3, Heb.2:4 13:9, Jas.1:2, 1Pe.1:6 4:10.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: divers, manifold See also: 1 Peter 1:6; James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:10.

Study Notes — James 1:2

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ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Peter 1:6–8 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
2 James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
3 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
4 Matthew 5:10–12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
5 Luke 6:22–23 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.
6 Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,
7 2 Peter 2:9 if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
8 Romans 8:17–18 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.
9 Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
10 Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

James 1:2 Summary

[This verse, James 1:2, is telling us that when we face hard times, we should try to see them as chances to grow stronger in our faith and to learn to trust God more. It's not always easy, but it's possible to find joy in the midst of struggles, just like the apostle Paul did in 2 Corinthians 12:10, where he says he delights in weaknesses, because they make him stronger in the Lord. By trusting in God's plan and promises, like Romans 8:28, we can find peace and joy, even when things seem tough.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider trials as pure joy?

According to James 1:2, we should consider trials as pure joy because they are opportunities for our faith to be tested and for us to develop perseverance, as seen in James 1:3 and also in Romans 5:3-4, where we learn that perseverance produces character and hope.

What kind of trials is James talking about?

James 1:2 mentions trials of many kinds, which could include physical suffering, emotional distress, or spiritual challenges, similar to what the apostle Paul experienced in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, where he lists various forms of persecution and hardship.

Is it really possible to feel joy during difficult times?

Yes, it is possible to experience joy in the midst of trials, not because of the trial itself, but because of our trust in God's sovereign plan and His promise to work all things together for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28 and also seen in the example of Habakkuk 3:17-19, where the prophet expresses joy in the Lord despite his circumstances.

How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?

To apply James 1:2, we need to shift our perspective on trials, recognizing that they are not just random events, but opportunities for spiritual growth, and then trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord and His guidance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some trials I am currently facing, and how can I choose to see them as opportunities for growth and perseverance?
  2. In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when I don't understand my circumstances?
  3. How can I cultivate a heart of joy and gratitude, even in the midst of difficult times?
  4. What are some practical ways I can apply the principle of considering trials as pure joy in my relationships and daily interactions?

Gill's Exposition on James 1:2

My brethren,.... Not only according to the flesh, he being a Jew as they were; but in a spiritual sense, they being born again of the same grace, belonging to the same family and household of faith,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 1:2

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; My brethren - often in James, marking community of nation and of faith. All joy - cause for the highest joy (Grotius). Nothing but joy.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 1:2

My brethren; both as being of the same nation and the same religion; so he calls them, that the kindness of his compellation might sweeten his exhortations. Count it; esteem it so by a spiritual judgment, though the flesh judge otherwise. All joy; matter of the chiefest joy, viz. spiritual. So all is taken, . When ye fall into; when ye are so beset and circumvented by them, that there is no escaping them, but they come upon you, though by the directeth of God’ s providence, yet not by your own seeking. Divers temptations; so he calls afflictions, from God’ s end in them, which is to try and discover what is in men, and whether they will cleave to him or not. The Jews were hated by other nations, and the Christian Jews even by their own, and therefore were exposed to divers afflictions, and of divers kinds, .

Trapp's Commentary on James 1:2

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Ver. 2. Count it all joy] The world wondereth (saith Mr Philpot the martyr) how we can be so merry in such extreme misery. But our God is omnipotent, who turneth misery into felicity. Believe me, there is no such joy in the world as the people of Christ have under the cross; I speak it by experience, &c. He counted it so upon mature deliberation, as the apostle here adviseth. All joy] That is, full joy (by a Hebraism), complete and perfect; such as is the joy of merchants when they see their ships come laden in. When ye fall into] Not go in step by step, but are precipitated, plunged. Or when ye fall among, as he that went down towards Jericho fell among thieves, Luke 10:30. When ye are so surrounded that there is no escaping them, being distressed, as David was, Psalms 116:3. Into divers temptations] Crosses seldom come single ( Catenata piorum crux), as neither do mercies, but trooping and treading one upon the heels of another. After rain cometh clouds, Ecclesiastes 12:2. As in April, no sooner is one shower unburdened, but another is brewed. And when the apostle calleth them temptations, he meaneth such afflictions as will put us hard to it, and show what metal we are made of; pressing and piercing crosses. Aliud ex alio malum. Teren.

Ellicott's Commentary on James 1:2

(2-27) Immediately after the salutation, and with more or less a play upon the word which we translate “greeting” (“rejoice,” James 1:1; “count it all joy,” James 1:2) there follow appeals on behalf of patience, endurance. and meekness.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 1:2

Verse 2. Count it all joy] The word πειρασμος, which we translate temptation, signifies affliction, persecution, or trial of any kind; and in this sense it is used here, not intending diabolic suggestion, or what is generally understood by the word temptation.

Cambridge Bible on James 1:2

2. count it all joy …] We lose, in the English, the link which connects the wish for “joy” merged in our “greeting,” with the thought which indicates how the wish may be realised even under conditions that seem most adverse to it. The transition may be noticed as characteristic of the style of the Epistle. Other examples of a like method will meet us as we go on. The Greek formula for “all joy” (literally, every kind of joy) suggests the thought of the varied elements of joy that were to be found in the manifold forms of trial.into divers temptations] The word, as commonly in the New Testament, stands for trials that take the form of suffering, rather than for the enticements of pleasure. Comp. Luke 22:28; Acts 20:19; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 1:6. Its use implies accordingly that those to whom the Epistle was written were passing through a time of adversity. This was true, more or less, of the whole Jewish race, everywhere, but it was specially true of those who being of the Twelve Tribes, also held the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of those most of all who were most within the writer’s view. Comp. 1 Thessalonians 2:14; Hebrews 10:32-33, for the sufferings of Jewish and specially of Hebrew Christians. The word for “fall into” implies an unlooked-for concurrence of adverse circumstances.

Barnes' Notes on James 1:2

My brethren - Not brethren as Jews, but as Christians. Compare James 2:1. Count it all joy - Regard it as a thing to rejoice in; a matter which should afford you happiness.

Whedon's Commentary on James 1:2

2. Being not hearers only, but doers of the word, 22-27.

Sermons on James 1:2

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Receiving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker, Pastor Dave, shares a story about a farmer who toiled his whole life on a rocky piece of land, only to die in poverty and discouragement. However, afte
Max Lucado They Call Him Savior - Part 1 by Max Lucado The video is a sermon that explores the nature of God and His love for humanity. It emphasizes that God's love is not based on passion and romance, but on a common mission and sacr
Charles Stanley A Passion to Know Him by Charles Stanley In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus Christ not only as Savior but also as Lord. Many people are content with knowing Jesus as their Savior becaus
Keith Daniel Book of James by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and not being enticed away by worldly distractions. He highlights the book of James as a powerful c
David Wilkerson The Consequences of Not Trusting God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of trust and faith in difficult times. He emphasizes that despite all the teachings and preaching about faith, this generation is o
Peter Marshall Contrast of Faith by Peter Marshall Peter Marshall contrasts two maritime disasters to illustrate the evolution of faith in society. He reflects on the survivors of the Athenia, who sang lighthearted songs in the fac
David Wilkerson Making of a Man of God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing a desire to draw closer to God and be broken before Him. He emphasizes that even in the midst of trials and confusion, God is at w

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