Paragraph 1:9–11

Even if a Christian has a low position in society, he can rejoice. He can rejoice because, in God’s opinion, he is in a high position. Similarly, a Christian who is rich should have God’s opinion about himself. Although rich people are generally given high status because of their riches, rich Christians should rather value a low position and humble attitude. They should remember that our lives on earth are short and that riches will not last.

The theme of section 1:2–11 is that Christians should continue to trust God/Jesus when they have various kinds of tests/trials. Poverty is a kind of trial. It is also the result of the trial of being persecuted. Riches too may be a kind of test of faith. They test whether the Christian will trust God or his money. And for rich Christians who had lost wealth and status because of their faith in Christ, they should think of this in a positive way.

1:9a

The brother: The word brother refers to any believer, whether male or female. Notice that although James used a singular noun, he was not referring to one person in particular. He was referring to poor believers in general. Consider whether it is more natural to use a singular or plural term here in your language.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

the believer (NET Bible)
-or-
fellow believers
-or-
Any of God’s people (Contemporary English Version)

The plural form of this same word occurs in 1:2a.

in humble circumstances: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in humble circumstances literally means “lowly” (as in the Revised Standard Version). It refers to someone who is in a low position in society and whom others consider to be unimportant. It includes the idea of such a person being poor. So the person in humble circumstances is contrasted to “the one who is rich” in 1:10a.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

who are poor (Good News Translation)
-or-
who is unimportant
-or-
who has a low status

1:9b

should exult: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as should exult usually means “boast.” In other words, it usually refers to talking about something that you are proud of. It can have either a positive or negative meaning.

Here it is clearly positive, and it refers to a way of thinking. Lowly, poor believers should “think very well of” or “highly value” their high position. This is because God thinks of them very highly and will reward them in the future.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

be glad (Good News Translation)
-or-
think well/highly of
-or-
highly value
-or-
rejoice (King James Version)

in his high position: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in his high position refers to his spiritual status as a Christian. Although other people may not consider a poor believer important, he is still important to God. This is what should give him pride and pleasure.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

that he is important to God
-or-
in his high status as a Christian
-or-
for God has honored them (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

1:10a

But the one who is rich: The clause But the one who is rich contrasts with 1:9. However, there are two ways to interpret the clause the one who is rich:

(1) It refers to believers who are rich, in contrast to the ones who are poor (1:9). James was warning rich believers not to put their confidence in or highly value riches. For example, the Good News Translation says:

the rich Christians

(Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, God’s Word, Contemporary English Version and probably Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New Century Version) (Mayor, pages 43–44; Ropes, pages 145–146; Mitton, pages 36–37; Adamson (1976), page 61; Hiebert, pages 91–92; Moo (1985), page 68; Lenski, page 534; Tasker, page 43.)

(2) It refers to unbelievers. James was speaking about rich people who were generally evil and not believers in Jesus, like the ones described in James 2:6–7 and 5:1–6. He said that they will be condemned. For example, the New American Standard Bible says:

the rich man

(New American Standard Bible, NET Bible) (Alford, page 278; Huther, pages 55–56; Laws, pages 62–64; Davids (1982), pages 76–77; Martin, pages 25–26; Dibelius, pages 84–85, Stulac, pages 190–201.)

Some English translations can be understood either way (English Standard Version, Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English). The choice between interpretation (1) and (2) is very difficult. Some translators may prefer to translate in a way that can be understood as either (1) or (2). For example:

the rich (English Standard Version)
-or-
rich people

If you must choose one interpretation, or if you prefer to choose one interpretation, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Most English versions and many commentators follow that interpretation.

Some ways to make it clear that the one who is rich is also a brother are:

the rich brother
-or-
Rich believers (God’s Word)
-or-
the rich Christians (Good News Translation)

the one: Like “the brother” in 1:9a, the one here refers to rich believers in general. Consider whether it is more natural to use a singular or plural term here in your language.

should exult: The phrase should exult does not occur in Greek. However, it is clear from the parallel structure in 1:9b that readers should understand the same phrase here. So the Berean Standard Bible has supplied these words.

As noted in 1:9b, the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as should exult often means “boast.” But the Bible teaches that we should “boast” or “highly value” things that people generally have a low opinion of. Some of these things are weakness (2 Corinthians 12:5), knowing God (Jeremiah 9:24), and sufferings (Romans 5:3). Here James says that rich believers should “think well of” or “highly value” their low position.

Some other ways to translate this are:

be glad (Good News Translation)
-or-
think well/highly of
-or-
highly value
-or-
rejoice

If possible, use the same word for both the lowly brother (1:9b) and for the rich brother.

in his low position: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in his low position refers to:

(a) a humble attitude. God causes rich men to become humble so they understand that they need him to save them. Rich believers also become humble as they realize that their wealth does not make them important. They learn to highly value things that most people think of as lowly like serving others and being mistreated for the sake of Jesus.

(b) losing their wealth and high status when they were persecuted for being believers in Jesus.

If possible, translate this in a general way that could include both (a) and (b).

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

in being brought low (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
when God makes them humble (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
God has humbled them (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

1:10b

because: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because introduces the basis for the command in 1:10a. The rich believer should take pride in his low position, not in his riches (1:10a), because he, and his riches with him, will not last long (1:10b). In some languages, it is more natural to put the basis for the command (in 1:10b) before the command (in 1:10a). See the General Comment on 1:10a–b below for an example.

he will pass away like a flower of the field: This clause is a simile. In this simile, the rich person is compared to a wild flower. Some ways that they are similar are:

(a) They are not permanent. Both will soon die.

(b) It is only for a short period of time that people regard a rich person and a wild flower as important.

It is implied that the rich person’s wealth is also not permanent. You may want to make this explicit in your translation. For example:

he, and his riches too, will pass away like a wild flower

he will pass away: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he will pass away here means that the rich believer, like all people, “will die.” His life on this earth will end. For example:

The rich will die (New Century Version)

Many languages use idiomatic expressions for dying. In English, one such expression is what the Berean Standard Bible has used: pass away. If you have an idiom or an expression that would fit both a flower that withers and dies as well as a person who dies, you may want to use that here. For example:

he will no longer be alive
-or-
he will cease to live/be
-or-
he will no longer be present

like a flower of the field: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as flower of the field refers to flowers that grow on their own. No one plants them. In Israel, the land where James lived, brightly colored wild flowers grow in great numbers when rain comes. But it is not long before the hot sun dries them up, and they die.

In some languages there is no general word for a flower. In such cases, it may be necessary to:

• Use a word for a specific well-known flower that only lives for a short while and dies in the heat.

• Use a word for a specific part of a plant such as:

a blossom
-or-
a bloom

General Comment on 1:10a–b

In some languages, it will be more natural to change the order of the clauses in 1:10 and put the basis (1:10b) before the command (1:10a). For example:

^10aBut the one who is rich ^10bwill pass away like a flower of the field. ^10aSo, he should exult in his low position, not in his riches.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

1:11a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces a more detailed explanation of what was said in 1:10b. Do not translate this verse as if it were the reason for 1:10b. It further explains 1:10b, but it is not a reason. Some English versions do not translate this conjunction.

the sun rises with scorching heat: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as scorching heat refers to heat that is so great that it causes plants to die.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

The sun rises with burning heat (New Century Version)
-or-
the sun becomes high and scorches
-or-
the sun becomes hot and burns

1:11b

and withers: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as withers means “dries up.” In Israel, the rainy period ends early in the year. After that, there are no more clouds, and the sun is so hot that flowers dry up and die quickly.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

causes to dry up
-or-
causes to die
-or-
kills

the plant: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as plant may refer to any plant with flowers on it.

1:11c

its flower: The word flower refers to the flower of the plant.

falls: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as falls refers to when a flower “drops” or “falls off” its stem to the ground. For example:

The flowers drop off (God’s Word)
-or-
the plants lose their blossoms

1:11d

its beauty is lost: The phrase its beauty is lost means that “the plant’s beauty is gone.”

In some languages, it is not possible to talk about something abstract like beauty being lost. If that is true in your language, you may be able to use an adjective form and say:

It is no longer beautiful at all.
-or-
what was lovely to look at is lost for ever (Revised English Bible)

is lost: This is a passive verb. It is the heat of the sun that destroys the beauty of the flowers. So there are at least two ways to translate this:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

is destroyed (New American Standard Bible)

• Use an active verb. For example:

the heat destroys its beauty
-or-
the sun causes it to lose its beauty

• Use an intransitive verb. For example:

its beauty is gone (New Century Version)
-or-
its beauty fades away (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

General Comment on 1:10b–11d

James was talking about wild flowers in general, not one specific blossom or plant. So in some languages, it may be natural to use plural forms. For example:

10b–11bRich people will disappear like wild flowers scorched by the burning heat of the sun. 11cThe flowers lose their blossoms, 11dand their beauty is destroyed. (Contemporary English Version)

1:11e

So too: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So too introduces an explanation of how rich people will fade away like flowers.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

So also (NET Bible)
-or-
The same thing will happen to (God’s Word)

the rich man: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as the rich man is the same as the phrase translated “the one who is rich” in 1:10a. There it referred to the rich brother/believer. James was probably still thinking of the rich brother/believer, but what he says is true of all rich people. You can translate this either as “rich brother/believer” or as “rich man/person.”

This phrase does not refer to one specific rich man. It refers to all rich people. To make this clear, it may be best to translate this with a plural. For example:

rich people (God’s Word)

will fade away: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will fade away refers to a plant withering and dying. James used this verb to show how rich people will fade away like wild flowers. They will die and lose all the things that made people admire them, just as a flower loses its beauty when it dies. After that, people do not pay attention to them any longer.

If it is not natural in your language to talk about a person “fading,” you can say:

will die (New Century Version)
-or-
will end up being nothing

1:11f

in the midst of his pursuits: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in the midst of his pursuits here means, “while he is doing his normal activities.” James was probably thinking of the rich man’s daily business activities such as trading.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

while they are still taking care of business (New Century Version)
-or-
while he is busy working
-or-
while he is earning money

General Comment on 1:11e–f

In some languages, it will be more natural to change the order of some of the clauses in this verse. For example:

^11eIt will be the same with the rich person also. ^11fWhile he is busy at his work, ^11ehe will die.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

Section 1:12–18

God does not tempt people to do evil

This section has an opening verse (1:12) (Some commentators connect 1:12 to 1:2–11 (Hiebert, for example). Others see 1:12 as a kind of “hinge” that connects 1:2–11 to 1:12–18 (Moo (2000), pages 71–72; McCartney, page 100). They recognize that 1:2–3 and 1:12 form an inclusio, or verbal bracket to 1:2–12 through the repetition in both of three key words: trials and two main paragraphs (1:13–15 and 1:16–18). In 1:12 James recalled 1:2–3 and that it was important to persevere in times of trial and temptation. The next paragraph, 1:13–15, points out that it is not God who tempts us but our own sinful desires, which eventually lead to death. Paragraph 1:16–18 reinforces this by saying that God gives only good gifts.

Some other possible headings for this section are:

Christians should endure testing and temptations
-or-
Trials and temptations

Paragraph 1:12

In this paragraph, James reminded his readers that it is important to persevere when difficult situations test their faith.

1:12a

Blessed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Blessed means “in a good position” or “in an enviable/desirable situation.” In the Bible, the good situation results when God favors a person and does good to him. The person who perseveres when he is tried and tempted is in a good position.

This word does not primarily refer to a feeling. However, a person in this good situation will frequently have good feelings such as happiness and joy. Do not use a word that only refers to material prosperity or physical health.

Some other ways to translate this are:

Joyful/desirable/happy is the situation of the man
-or-
How good it is for the man
-or-
The person is favored/fortunate

Refer also to your translation of Matthew 5:3–11, where this word is used in a similar way.

man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as man generally refers to a male. However, in this context, the word introduces a general statement that is true of everyone. In some languages, it may be natural to introduce this statement with a general word like “people” or with a pronoun like “you” or “they.” For example:

Blessed are people
-or-
Blessed are those
-or-
Blessed is anyone (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
God will bless you (Contemporary English Version)

perseveres: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as perseveres means “continued effort to fulfill some purpose.” Someone who perseveres has the ability to face all kinds of troubles, difficulties, and sufferings with courage and faithfulness. He continues to work towards his goal. He does not run away or give up.

Some other ways to translate this verb are:

endures (NET Bible)
-or-
persists
-or-
don’t give up (Contemporary English Version)

This verb corresponds to the noun in 1:3c that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “perseverance”. See the note there.

under trial: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as trial refers to difficult situations that occur in a person’s life and test his faith. These can include both external problems like persecution and internal temptations from Satan.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

during troubles/difficulties
-or-
hardships/problems
-or-
when they are tested (God’s Word)
-or-
when your faith is being tested (Contemporary English Version)

This same word occurs in 1:2b.

1:12b

because: The conjunction because introduces the reason that the person who endures trials in 1:12a is blessed. He is blessed (1:12a) because he will receive the crown of life (1:12c). In some languages, it will be more natural to put the reason before 1:12a. See the General Comment on 1:12a–d at the end of 1:12d for an example.

when he has stood the test: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as when he has stood the test means “when he has passed the test.” When this person is persecuted because he believes in Jesus, he perseveres. He does not abandon his faith. In this way he passes the test. He shows that his faith is genuine.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

When they pass the test (God’s Word)
-or-
when he has proven to be genuine (NET Bible)
-or-
After they have proved their faith (New Century Version)

The word “test” here in 1:12b and the word “testing” in 1:3b come from related Greek words.

1:12c

he will receive the crown of life: The word crown literally refers to a wreath of leaves that both the Greek and Roman cultures put on a person’s head in order to honor him.

Here the word crown is a metaphor. James was using this metaphor to refer to a “reward” or “prize” for passing a test. He was not saying that believers will receive an actual object on their heads such as a crown.

So the phrase the crown of life refers to the reward or prize. A person will receive this reward or prize if he perseveres in his faith when he is persecuted. That reward/prize is eternal life.

There are two ways to translate this metaphor:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

he will receive the crown of eternal life

• Translate the meaning of the metaphor without keeping the figure of speech. For example:

he will receive in reward the life which God has promised (Revised English Bible)
-or-
God will reward them with life forever (New Century Version)
-or-
God will give him a reward/prize. That reward is eternal life

life: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as life here refers to eternal life with God. For example:

life forever (New Century Version)
-or-
life with God that never ends

1:12d

God: Most of the earliest Greek manuscripts simply have the pronoun “he” here. Other Greek manuscripts have “God” or “Lord.” The meaning is the same. “He” refers to God. Most English versions supply the word “God” to make it clear who is meant. You may want to do this also.

has promised: The verb promised means “affirm that he would do something.” God said with certainty that he would give the crown of life to those who passed the test.

Some other ways to translate this verb are:

vowed/guaranteed that he would do
-or-
said that he would certainly do

to those who love Him: The phrase those who love Him refers to all believers. James was including himself and his readers among those who love Him. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this clear by using the word “us.” Some other ways to translate this are:

to all those/people who love him
-or-
to all of us(incl) who love him
-or-
to everyone who loves him

General Comment on 1:12a–d

In some languages, it is more natural to put the reason (1:12b–d) before the result (1:12a). For example:

^12bWhen someone has stood the test, ^12che will receive the crown of life ^12dthat God has promised to those who love him. ^12aThat is why the man who perseveres under trial is blessed.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

Paragraph 1:13–15

In this paragraph, James taught that God does not tempt people. Our own sinful desires in our hearts and minds tempt us.

1:13a

When tempted: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as tempted refers to being “encouraged/enticed to do something wrong.” Some ways to translate this word are:

caused to desire to do what is wrong
-or-
persuaded to do evil
-or-
encouraged/urged to sin

Notice that there is a difference between being tempted to do something wrong and actually doing it.

Here the word tempted is a passive verb. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

When people are tempted (New Century Version)

• Use another type of verb. For example:

When you experience/undergo temptation
-or-
When you desire to do evil

This Greek word is related to the word translated as “trial” in 1:2b and 1:12a. It has a wide range of meanings in Greek. It can mean:

(a) “tested” to cause a person to trust God more.

(b) “tempted” to do evil. This is its meaning in 1:13.

The context indicates which meaning is intended.

In some languages, it is necessary to use a different word here than in 1:2b and 1:12a. This is true in English. In other languages, there may be one term which fits both testing/trials and temptations. This is true in Greek. In such a case, it may be necessary to add a phrase that indicates the purpose of the testing/trial. For example:

When we are tested to make us do evil
-or-
When we experience trials/difficulties which might cause us to sin

1:13c

“God is tempting me.”: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as God is tempting me is literally “I am being tempted from God.” The verb is passive. Some ways to translate this clause are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

I am tempted by God (Revised Standard Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

God is tempting me (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

General Comment on 1:13c

In some languages, it may be more natural to use indirect speech here. For example:

No one should say that God is tempting him.

1:13d

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces the basis for James’ command in 1:13a–b. No one should say, “God is tempting me” (1:13a–b), because God cannot be tempted by evil… (1:13d–1:15). The basis for the command continues to the end of 1:15.

God cannot be tempted by evil: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as cannot be tempted by evil means that God never feels the desire to do anything wrong. He never wants to sin. So though someone might try to tempt him, he will never do what is wrong.

There are at least two ways to translate this phrase:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

God is never tempted to do wrong (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

• Use an active verb. For example:

Evil cannot tempt God (New Century Version)
-or-
God never wants to do anything wrong

by evil: The word evil in this context refers to moral evil. It refers to acts and thoughts that are morally harmful and damage a person’s spiritual life. God will never desire to do anything that is wrong, sinful, or against his holy character and nature.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

wrong
-or-
sinful

1:13e

nor does He tempt anyone: The clause nor does He tempt anyone means that God does not encourage anyone to do something wrong. He never urges anyone to sin.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
and he does not try to make people want to do wrong

General Comment on 1:13a–e

In some languages, it is more natural to change the order of 1:13d and 1:13e. For example:

^13aWhen tempted, ^13bno one should say, ^13c“God is tempting me.” ^13eFor God does not tempt anyone, ^13dnor can he be tempted by evil.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

1:14a–b

each one is tempted when by his own evil desires: This clause states a general principle. In some languages, it may be more natural to state a general principle using plural phrases or using pronouns like “we” or “you.” For example:

people are tempted…by their own evil desires
-or-
we are tempted…by our own evil desires
-or-
you are tempted…by your own evil desires

This clause is also passive. Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

Everyone is tempted by his own desires (God’s Word)

• Use an active verb. For example:

A person’s own evil desire tempts him
-or-
Temptation comes from our own desires (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

1:14a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But indicates a contrast. The contrast is between the false idea that God tempts people to sin (1:13) and the true idea about temptation (1:14).

Some other ways to indicate this contrast are:

Rather
-or-
Instead

1:14b

his own evil desires: The Greek noun that the Berean Standard Bible translates as evil desires generally refers to any wish or desire. However, in this context, it is clearly a sinful desire. For example:

wrong desire (New Jerusalem Bible)

In some languages, it is more natural to translate this noun as a verb. For example:

he himself desires/wants to do evil

Notice that the word desires here is personified. In other words, desires are said to do things just like a person does. In some languages, it is not natural to say that “evil desires something.” In other words, in these languages, we cannot say that our own “desires” urge or entice us to do something. If your language is like that, you may want to avoid the personification. One way to do this is:

When he himself desires to do evil

1:14c

lured away and enticed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as lured away literally means “pulled/lured out.” The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as enticed literally means “attracted with a bait.” In this context, it means “attracted.”

These two Greek words are related metaphors. In this metaphor, the way that a person’s evil desires tempt him to sin is compared to the way a hunter catches a wild animal. One way that they are similar is that both the person and the wild animal are attracted to do something that is not good for them to do.

There are at least three ways to translate these metaphors:

• Keep the metaphors. For example:

he is lured and enticed (English Standard Version)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

like when they use bait to attract an animal and lure it to a trap

• Translate the meaning without the metaphor. For example:

attract him and try to persuade him to sin

These two Greek words are also a doublet. This means that the two words mean basically the same thing. The reason for saying the same thing in two different ways is to intensify the meaning. If it is not natural to use doublets in your language, you may use one expression and intensify it. For example:

which can be enormously attractive (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
he is increasingly attracted to do evil
-or-
he is enticed more and more to sin

General Comment on 1:14a–c

These verse parts contain three passive verbs (tempted, dragged, enticed). There are at least two ways to translate them:

• Use passive verbs. For example:

But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. (NET Bible)

• Use active verbs. For example:

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
A person’s own evil desires tempt him and entice him and drag him away.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

1:15a–d

Verse 1:15 is an extended metaphor. The stages of sin are compared to the stages of a woman having a child. Each stage is described below.

Verse 1:15 is also a personification. This means that “desire” and “sin” are both described as doing things that people normally do.

1:15a

Then: The word Then introduces the result and next logical step after a person is enticed to do wrong. When translating this word, consider how your language speaks of events that normally happen in a set order. Consider how to properly introduce an event that is the result of the one before it.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

As a result
-or-
Next
-or-
And then

desire has conceived: The clause desire has conceived is both a metaphor and personification. After a person is lured to sin (1:14c), the next step is that he actually decides to sin. This step is compared to conceiving a child.

Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

Then desire becomes pregnant (God’s Word)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

Then, it is like the person’s desire becomes pregnant,

• Keep the metaphor but not the personification. For example:

Then, he conceives/develops a plan to do what he desires

• Translate the meaning. For example:

Then he decides/plans to actually do the evil that he desires

has conceived: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as has conceived refers to the beginning of a woman’s pregnancy. For example:

becomes pregnant (God’s Word)

Use a word or phrase that is appropriate for reading aloud in church and will not offend or embarrass anyone.

1:15b

it gives birth to sin: This clause continues the metaphor and personification. The word it refers to “desire” in 1:15a. In this metaphor, sin is committed. This is compared to giving birth to a child.

Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

and gives birth to sin (God’s Word)
-or-
the child born to desire is sin

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

and it is like a woman who gives birth to sin

• Keep the metaphor but not the personification. For example:

sin is born
-or-
it produces sin

• Translate the meaning. For example:

Next he commits/does the sin

sin: The noun sin refers to any offense against God or another person. Sins include acts, thoughts, and attitudes that are not what God wants or approves. (In Greek, the verb that English versions translate as sin is also a term that was used in archery to mean “miss the target.” When a person sins, he “misses” the target, that is, he fails to reach God’s standard.) A person can also offend God by not doing what God wants him to do.

It is helpful to translate “sin” with a general term that can include any wrong act that a person does against God. Here are problems to avoid:

(a) The term should not imply that only serious crimes such as murder or stealing are sins. Other offenses such as gossip and greed are also sins.

(b) The term should not include accidents or mistakes that are not against God’s will.

Some ways to translate sin are:

a wrong act
-or-
an offense against God
-or-
an evil deed

In some languages, it is more natural to express “sin” as a verb. For example:

it causes the person to sin

1:15c

sin, when it is full-grown: This continues the metaphor and personification. When a person continues to sin, it develops or grows into a habit. This is compared to a child becoming mature or fully grown.

Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

When sin grows up (God’s Word)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

then it is as if sin grows up

• Keep the metaphor but not the personification. For example:

he grows up doing the sin

• Translate the meaning. For example:

when he continues to habitually sin

1:15d

gives birth to death: This continues the metaphor and personification. When a person continues to sin until it controls him, it will eventually lead to eternal death. This is compared to the grown-up child becoming pregnant and giving birth to a baby of her own. It is the opposite of the life with God mentioned in 1:12c.

Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

it gives birth to death. (God’s Word)

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

and it is like sin gives birth to death.

• Keep the metaphor but not the personification. For example:

and has/gets eternal punishment

• Translate the meaning. For example:

and he eventually dies eternally.
-or-
and the result is eternal death.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

Paragraph 1:16–18

This paragraph gives more reasons that show why it is not God who tries to make people do evil. Everything good comes from God, and he never changes. So it is unthinkable that any bad thing could come from him. God wants to give us new life.

1:16

Do not be deceived: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Do not be deceived means “do not go astray” or “do not have false ideas.” We should not deceive ourselves into thinking that God is the one who tempts us to do evil.

This phrase is passive. Some ways to translate this phrase are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

don’t be misled (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
do not be fooled (New Century Version)
-or-
do not be deceived into thinking that God tempts us

• Use an expression that is not passive. For example:

do not deceive yourselves
-or-
do not have false/wrong ideas

This expression is used elsewhere in the New Testament to warn Christians against ideas that are dangerously wrong (1 Corinthians 6:9, 15:33; Galatians 6:7). (See also Luke 21:8; 1 John 3:7. See also Davids (1982), page 86; Martin, page 37, and see the note on the word “wander” in 5:19a.)

my beloved brothers: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as my beloved brothers refers to believers in Christ to whom James was writing. It refers to both men and women. The similar phrase “my brothers” occurs in 1:2a.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

my dear fellow believers
-or-
my dear brothers and sisters (NET Bible)
-or-
my beloved relatives/siblings in Christ
-or-
my beloved Christian friends

James used the term of address my beloved brothers to soften his command “Don’t be deceived.” You may have another way in your language to soften a command. If you do, you may be able to use it instead of the phrase my beloved brothers.

Notice that the Berean Standard Bible places the phrase my beloved brothers at the end of 1:16. This follows the Greek text. In some languages, it is more natural to place it at the beginning of 1:16 before the command or after 1:17. For example:

My dear brothers and sisters, do not be fooled about this. (New Century Version)

beloved: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as beloved is used because James was telling his fellow believers that he cared about them.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.