SIL Translator’s Notes on James 2012 – Page 4

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:25

1:25

In Greek and the Berean Standard Bible, 1:25 is one long sentence. This sentence has many clauses, and some clauses repeat information. In some languages, it will not be natural to follow the Berean Standard Bible order and structure. For some ways to reorder this verse, see the General Comment on 1:25a–e at the end of 1:25e.

1:25a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But indicates a contrast. The contrast is between the person who only hears the word (1:23–24) and the person who hears the word and does it (1:25).

the one who: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the one who is in a general statement that applies to anyone. In some languages, it may be more natural to use a pronoun or a plural in such a statement. For example:

the person who (God’s Word)
-or-
the one who (NET Bible)
-or-
those who (New Century Version)
-or-
if you (Good News Translation)

looks intently: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as looks intently literally means “look/peer into.” Here it is used figuratively and means “investigate carefully.” (Some authorities (including F. Field, page 236, and F. J. A. Hort) think the component of carefulness is not present in the meaning of the verb. It seems, however, that examples can be quoted on both sides. In other words, the context shows whether carefulness is implied or not. ) It refers to determining what God’s word says by listening to someone else read it, asking questions, or reading it oneself.

Some other ways to translate this verb are:

thoroughly examines
-or-
carefully study (New Century Version)
-or-
carefully thinks about
-or-
listens very well

the perfect law: The phrase the perfect law refers to all the commandments in God’s word. It refers to the set of instructions and commands that God gave his people to live by. They are perfect. It does not just refer to the Ten Commandments or other laws in the Old Testament. It also includes Jesus’ teachings.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

God’s perfect law (New Century Version)
-or-
God’s perfect teachings (God’s Word)
-or-
God’s perfect rules

perfect: The word perfect means that God’s law is completely good. It has no unrighteous commands.

This same word occurs in 1:17a with similar meaning.

of freedom: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as of freedom describes what the perfect law does for people who obey it. It frees them from sin. (This interpretation is explicitly supported by the New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, and Huther, page 89. However, since the Greek literally just says, “the law of liberty,” some commentators interpret the phrase as “the law that a person obeys freely.” See Mayor, page 70; Mitton, pages 72–73. But the interpretation that the law sets a person free fits well with the teaching of the Psalms (see Psalm 119:32, “I will run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free,” and 119:45 “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts”) and other Jewish literature (for example, “you find no free man except him who occupies himself with the study of Torah,” Aboth 6:2b, cited in Martin, page 51).) In some languages it may be necessary to translate freedom as a verb. For example:

that makes us free (Revised English Bible)
-or-
that sets you free (Contemporary English Version)

In other languages, it may be necessary to provide an object. For example:

that frees people from sin
-or-
that frees people to do what God wants them to do

1:25b

and continues to do so: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as continues to do so indicates that the person continues to carefully investigate the law of God.

In some languages, it may be possible to translate this word as part of 1:25a. For example:

But the man who continues to look intently into the perfect law
-or-
But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

1:25c–d

not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer: In Greek, this is literally “being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work.” For example:

being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts (Revised Standard Version)

The words “hearer” and “doer” are the same words as in 1:22a and 1:22c. See the notes on 1:22a, 1:22c, and try to use the same expressions here that you did there.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice (Good News Translation)
-or-
They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God’s teaching says (New Century Version)
-or-
not neglecting to do what they heard that they should do but doing it

If it is more natural in your language to first say what a person does and then say what he does not do, then you may want to reverse the order of these clauses. For example the New Living Translation (2004 Revision) says:

and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard

1:25c

not being a forgetful hearer: If you used a verb in 1:25a that means “look,” “read” or “study,” then it may not be natural to use the verb “heard” here. In such a case, you can say:

not forgetting what he read/studied
-or-
not forgetting what he saw in the law
-or-
not neglecting to do what he has learned
-or-
not forgetting what it says

Another way to translate this is to translate it without the negative. For example:

Remembering what he has heard

1:25d

but an effective doer: The clause effective doer refers to doing what the perfect law teaches. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

but doing what the law says/teaches
-or-
but keeping/obeying the law

1:25e

he will be blessed in what he does: The clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as he will be blessed in what he does is literally “that one will be blessed in the doing of him/it.” The Greek pronoun can be translated as either “him” or “it.” As a result, there are two different ways to interpret the words “the doing of him/it”:

(1) The pronoun should be interpreted as “it” and refers to the law. So the words “the doing of it” refer to doing/keeping the law. According to this interpretation, God will bless a person because he keeps the law. For example, the New Living Translation (2004 Revision) says:

But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says…, then God will bless you for doing it.

(Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, Revised English Bible, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New Century Version) (New International Version (2011 Revision), New American Standard Bible, King James Version, and NET Bible (which all say something similar to “will be blessed in what he does”) are somewhat ambiguous but the intended meaning may be “in what he does to keep/do the law.”)

(2) The pronoun should be interpreted as “him” and refers to the man in 1:25a. So the words “the doing of him” refer to the activities that the man does. According to this interpretation, God will bless the man in everything he does. For example, the New Jerusalem Bible says:

But anyone who looks steadily at the perfect law of freedom and keeps to it…will be blessed in every undertaking.

(New Jerusalem Bible, Good News Translation (The Good News Translation’s “you will be blessed by God in what you do” will probably be interpreted by most readers to mean “in whatever you do.” It is also possible to understand “in what you do” to refer to what was just said about putting the law into practice.), Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) because this is the most natural meaning of the phrase “the doing of it” in this context. These words refer to the same action as the words “doing it” in 1:25d. In other words, it means doing what the law says.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

he will be blessed because he does/keeps the law
-or-
he will be blessed through/by doing it
-or-
Those who do this will be made happy (New Century Version)

In some languages, it may not be natural to translate the clause in what he does because it repeats information in 1:25d. If that is true in your language, you may leave this clause implicit. For example:

he will be blessed

will be blessed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as blessed means that the person is in a good position or situation. In other words, because he is doing what the law commands, all will be well with him. He will be blessed in the sense that God will think well of him.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

God will bless him
-or-
how good it will be for that kind of person
-or-
a person like that will be favored/fortunate

This does not mean that he will necessarily be comfortable or successful from a human point of view.

This same word occurs in 1:12.

General Comment on 1:25a–e

In Greek and the Berean Standard Bible, 1:25 is one, long sentence. In some languages, it may be natural to divide this long sentence into several sentences. For example:

^25aBut the truly happy people are those who carefully study God’s perfect law that makes people free, ^25band they continue to study it. ^25cThey do not forget what they heard, ^25dbut they obey what God’s teaching says. ^25eThose who do this will be made happy. (New Century Version)

It may also be natural to change the order of some of the clauses. For example:

^25a–bBut if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law—the law that sets you free—^25dand if you do what it says ^25cand don’t forget what you heard, ^25ethen God will bless you for doing it. (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)
-or-
The law is complete and frees us(incl) from sin. So if we study it carefully, and remember to always obey it, God will bless us.

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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.

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:26

Paragraph 1:26–27

In order to please God, a person must control his tongue, help others, and avoid sin.

1:26a

If anyone:

Some Greek manuscripts also have the phrase “among you” in 1:26. For example, the King James Version says, “If any man among you.” The majority of English versions do not include this phrase.
The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as If anyone can also be translated as “Anyone who.” The form of this Greek “if” clause indicates that James was referring to everyone who was like this. He was not uncertain whether there was anyone like this. So in some languages, it may be more natural to use a plural here. For example:

Those who
-or-
People who (New Century Version)
-or-
If you(plur)

considers himself religious: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as considers himself religious implies that the person falsely thinks that he is religious. He believes that he does things that please God, but he is wrong.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

thinks that he is religious
-or-
says that he is a religious person

religious: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as religious describes a person who seriously follows the rites and teachings of a religion. This might include prayer, worship with other people, and fasting.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

devoted to God
-or-
on God’s path
-or-
walks well with God
-or-
does God’s work/laws

1:26b

does not bridle his tongue: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as does not bridle his tongue refers to the way a person who rides a horse controls his horse with ropes or leather straps around the head. The ropes are called a bridle. (See the illustration below.) The act of controlling a horse by means of those ropes or straps is also called “bridle.” (For example, “He bridles his horse.”)

Here this word is a metaphor. James compared someone who is able to control his tongue to a horse that is bridled. They are similar in that both can be controlled. Some ways to translate this figure of speech are:

• Keep the metaphor. For example:

does not bridle his tongue (English Standard Version)

• Translate the meaning of the metaphor. For example:

can’t control your tongue (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
say things they should not say (New Century Version)

his tongue: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as his tongue is also a figure of speech. It refers to “the words that a person says” with his tongue.

Some other ways to translate this figure are:

his mouth
-or-
his words
-or-
what he says

1:26c

he deceives his heart: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as heart is frequently used in Greek to refer to a person’s thoughts. Some modern English versions translate this word as “himself.”

Another way to translate this phrase is:

he is fooling himself (God’s Word)
-or-
he is lying to himself
-or-
what he thinks about himself is wrong

A person deceives himself if he thinks that he is religious when, at the same time, he cannot control his tongue.

1:26d

and his religion is worthless:

In Greek, 1:26a–c is part of a complex clause that begins with “if.” This is followed by the consequence in 1:26d. The Revised Standard Version follows this grammatical structure:
^26aIf any one thinks he is religious^26band does not bridle his tongue^26cbut deceives himself,Consequence^26dthis man’s religion is vain. The New International Version (2011 Revision) and many other modern versions have transferred 1:26c (but deceives himself) to the consequence. One way to emphasize the consequence in 1:26d is to make it a separate sentence. For example, the God’s Word says:^26aIf a person thinks that he is religious^26bbut can’t control his tongue,^26che is fooling himself.^26dThat person’s religion is worthless.) The clause his religion is worthless indicates that all that he does to show that he is devoted to God is useless in God’s eyes. Another way to translate this is:

this person’s religious acts/practices are worth nothing
-or-
his religion is of no worth/use
-or-
his worship has no value

religion: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as religion refers to the worship of God or gods. It refers primarily to outward, external acts of piety or devotion.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

ceremonies to God
-or-
worship of God
-or-
piety toward God

This word also occurs in Acts 26:5.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:27

1:27

Verse 1:26 is about the sort of behavior that is a wrong way of showing devotion to God. In 1:27, James explained how to do what really pleases God.

See the General Comment on 1:27a–c at the end of 1:27c for ways to reorder this verse.

1:27a

Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: This clause is literally “Religion pure and undefiled before God is this.”

Pure and undefiled: The two Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Pure and undefiled have the same general meaning: “without any fault.” In some languages, it may be more natural to find one word to translate both terms. If your language is like that, you should try and intensify that word to convey James’ emphasis here. For example:

completely pure

Pure: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Pure means “clean.” Here it is used in a figurative sense to mean “having no sin.” It has a very positive sense.

undefiled: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as undefiled means “unpolluted” or “faultless.” It conveys a positive sense by saying “not anything is bad” about it.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

without fault (New Century Version)
-or-
genuine (Good News Translation)
-or-
spotless (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
without sin

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: (Good News Translation)
-or-
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. (Contemporary English Version)

our God and Father: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as our God and Father is literally “the God and father.” The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the word our. Another way to translate this phrase is:

God the Father (Good News Translation)

1:27b

to care for orphans and widows: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to look after literally means “to visit” (as in the Revised Standard Version). In this context, it means “to take care of,” “to care for,” or “to help” orphans and widows. For example:

to take care of orphans and widows (God’s Word)
-or-
we must care for orphans and widows (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)
-or-
You must help…orphans and widows (Contemporary English Version)

Use an expression that is natural in your language for caring for widows and orphans.

orphans: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as orphans refers to children whose father had died. It also refers to children whose father and mother have died. If the word “orphan” in your language refers only to those who have lost both a mother and a father, then you may want to translate this word as:

the fatherless

in their distress: The phrase in their distress refers to both orphans and widows. It does not just refer to widows.

The word distress also means “affliction,” “suffering,” or “troubles.”

In Jewish society, orphans and widows were the people who needed help most frequently. James did not mean that all orphans and widows always suffer. So it may be natural to translate this phrase as:

when they suffer (God’s Word)
-or-
who are suffering

1:27c

and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as from being polluted is literally “unstained” (as in the Revised Standard Version). This word also means “spotless” or “without blemish.” Here it is used in a spiritual sense. Just as we try to keep dirt from staining our clothing, so we should keep the world from having a negative effect on our lives.

Some other ways to translate this are:

and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world (Good News Translation)
-or-
and keeping oneself uncontaminated by the world (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
and not let this world make you evil (Contemporary English Version)

by the world: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the world here refers to every person in the world who is opposed to God and who tempts God’s people to sin against him. God’s people become polluted by the world when they begin to act and think like the ungodly people of the world.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

those who are against God
-or-
behavior that is opposed to God
-or-
by the evil which is being done by God’s enemies

General Comment on 1:27a–c

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

^27bWhen you take care of widows and orphans in their distress, ^27cand you keep yourself from being polluted by the world, ^27athis is the type of religion that God considers to be pure and undefiled.
-or-
^27aA person whose worship of God is completely genuine ^27cavoids the evil behavior that people here on the earth do. ^27bHe takes good care of orphans and widows who are in difficulty. ^27aThis is the way which our Father God likes for us to worship him.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:2

2:2–4

Verses 2:2–4 contain a specific example of showing favoritism. James gave this example to reinforce the command he gave in 2:1.

2:2a

Suppose: The word Suppose introduces an example of showing favoritism. Consider how your language naturally introduces an example.

Some other ways to begin this example are:

For example (God’s Word)
-or-
For instance (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Let us say

your meeting: The phrase your meeting refers to a gathering of Christians to worship the Lord. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

your assembly (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
your church meeting (New Century Version)
-or-
your worship service

wearing a gold ring: The Greek adjective that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wearing a gold ring is literally “gold-fingered.” Notice that the word ring is not actually in the Greek. But many versions add the word ring to make the sense clear. This word indicates that the man was rich.

The Greek does not specify whether the man was wearing one ring or many rings. However, at the time when James wrote, it was customary for very rich people to wear many rings on their fingers. (See Hiebert, pages 151–152 for more information on this point; also Martin, page 61.) So it is good to use “rings.” For example:

wearing gold rings (God’s Word)

If rings do not signify wealth in your culture, use another phrase to show that the man was rich. For example:

wearing gold
-or-
wearing expensive gold rings
-or-
expensive jewelry (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
wearing things that rich people wear

fine clothes: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as fine literally means “bright, shining.” This word was especially used for clothes that were pure white (as in Acts 10:30). Wealthy men in James’ day often wore white clothes. So this word also shows that the man in this example was rich.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

well-dressed (Revised English Bible)
-or-
glamorous/splendid clothes
-or-
expensive clothes
-or-
elegantly bright clothes

2:2b

shabby clothes: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as shabby means “dirty.” Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

grimy clothes (Revised English Bible)
-or-
filthy clothes (NET Bible)
-or-
worn-out clothes (Contemporary English Version)

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:3

2:3a

If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as lavish attention on means “look at someone in a way that shows that you care about them and are interested in their needs.”

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

If you show more respect to the well-dressed man (Good News Translation)
-or-
You honor the rich man
-or-
and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes (New Revised Standard Version)

2:3b

Here is a seat of honor: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Here is a good seat of honor is literally “You sit here well.” There are two ways to interpret the word “well” in this context:

(1) It refers to a good seat, either because the seat is more comfortable than others or because it is a seat of honor. (Alford, page 291; Huther, page 102; Mayor, page 81; Hiebert, page 153; Adamson (1976), page 106; Laws, page 99; Davids (1982), page 109; Martin, page 62.) For example, the NET Bible says:

You sit here in a good place.

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), New Jerusalem Bible, Good News Translation, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), Contemporary English Version, English Standard Version)

(2) It indicates a polite request, “please” (Ropes, page 190; Adamson (1989), page 279 note 43; Dibelius, page 131; Lenski, page 565.) For example, the Revised English Bible says:

Please take this seat.

(Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, God’s Word)

In many cultures, it is important to speak politely to important people. So, even though interpretation (1) is the preferred interpretation, your translation may combine interpretations (1) and (2). For example:

Sir, here is a good seat for you
-or-
Please, sir, sit here in this nice seat

2:3c–d

“You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,”: In the earliest Greek manuscripts, there were no punctuation marks. There are two ways to punctuate this sentence:

(1) There should be two separate quotations. According to this interpretation, these two clauses are two possible commands. (Adamson (1976), page 101; Dibelius, page 132; Lenski, page 565.) For example, the NET Bible says:

“You stand over there,” or “Sit on the floor.”

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version (2011 Revision), New Jerusalem Bible, NET Bible, God’s Word, New Century Version, English Standard Version)

(2) There should be only one quotation. According to this interpretation, the poor man was given two choices: sit on the ground or stand. (Alford, page 291; Huther, page 102; Mitton, page 83; Hiebert, page 153; Moo (1985), page 89; Martin, page 62.) For example, the Revised English Bible says:

‘You stand over there, or sit here on the floor by my footstool,’

(King James Version, Revised English Bible, New American Standard Bible, Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

It seems unlikely that people would give the poor man a choice between sitting or standing. It seems more likely that James mentioned two commands that people might give to a poor man. Therefore, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Another way to translate this is:

but to the poor man you either say, “Stand over there,” or you say, “Sit on the ground/floor.”

2:3d

“Sit at my feet,”: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sit at my feet is literally “sit below my footstool.” At the time when James lived, important people used to sit on a fine chair with a low stool in front of it. They would rest their feet on this stool. This was called a footstool. Poor people would sit on the floor below the level of the rich person’s feet on the footstool.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

sit here on the floor by my footstool (Revised English Bible)
-or-
sit on the floor next to my chair
-or-
sit down next to my feet

What is important here is not the footstool itself but the fact that “below the footstool” represents the most inferior place. Use an expression that shows that the speaker is showing contempt for the poor man. For example:

sit on the ground
-or-
go sit over there

General Comment on 2:3a–d

When translating the words spoken to the two men who might come into the worship place, it is more natural in some languages to use indirect speech. For example:

You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor. (Contemporary English Version)

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:4

2:4a–b

have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?: This is a rhetorical question. James was not asking for information but making an emphatic statement: “You certainly have discriminated.” He was also implying that they had done some things wrong, and he was rebuking them for it.

Some ways to translate this emphasis and rebuke are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

do you not see that you are discriminating among your members and judging by wrong standards? (Revised English Bible)
-or-
You have discriminated among yourselves. You have become judges with evil thoughts. Why have you done that?

• As a statement. For example:

You have certainly done wrong by discriminating among yourselves and becoming judges with evil thoughts.
-or-
That is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge. (Contemporary English Version)

Translate this emphasis and rebuke in the way that is natural in your language for making a strong statement.

2:4a

have you not discriminated among yourselves: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you…discriminated among yourselves means “you think that some people are better than others, and so you treat them better.” By treating the rich and the poor differently, they were creating distinctions within the fellowship of God’s people. The meaning is essentially the same as “show favoritism” in 2:1.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

have you not made distinctions among yourselves (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
You are making some people more important than others (New Century Version)
-or-
You are treating some members of your congregation as if they were better than others
-or-
That is the same as saying that some people are better than others (Contemporary English Version)

2:4b

and become judges with evil thoughts: This is a metaphor. When people in the Christian community discriminated and favored the rich over the poor, they were acting like evil judges. Some ways that these Christian people and judges with evil thoughts are similar are:

(a) both make decisions about who is good/right and who is evil/wrong.

(b) both prefer the rich. They unjustly make decisions that favor the rich.

When Christians act this way, they become like judges who have evil thoughts.

Some ways to translate this metaphor are:

• Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:

and you would be acting like a crooked judge (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
you have become like evil judges who mistreat good people

• Keep the metaphor as in the Berean Standard Bible. In some languages, it may be necessary to translate the noun “judge” as a verb. For example:

you have become people who have evil thoughts and who judge the rich man better than the poor man

• Translate the meaning without the metaphor. For example:

You think that you can decide who is worthy of honor. That is a wrong way of thinking.
-or-
you favor the rich because of what you hope to receive from them. That is an evil way of thinking.

This phrase does not mean that these Christians had become judges who sit in a court.

with evil thoughts: The phrase with evil thoughts means evil in their way of thinking. It includes the idea that these people judge with an evil standard. This means that they make decisions based on someone’s wealth and social status. It also means that they decide with evil motives. (Some commentators (Moo (2000), page 105; Martin, page 64; McCartney, pages 140 and 144) point out that in a legal context, it is also possible to interpret this as “evil verdicts.”) They make decisions based on what they can get, such as a bribe.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

with evil motives (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
using a corrupt standard (God’s Word)
-or-
evil/corrupt judges

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:5

Paragraph 2:5–7

In this paragraph, James wrote about two further reasons why Christians should not favor a rich person above a poor one. The reasons are:

(a) that God honors poor people, and

(b) that the enemies of Christ and the church are more likely to be rich people.

2:5a

Listen: James used the word Listen so that his readers would pay special attention to what he wrote next. Some other ways to translate Listen are:

Be attentive to what I am about to say
-or-
Please think about this

In your translation, use whatever a speaker of your language would say in order to encourage his listeners to focus their thoughts on the next words.

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.

For suggestions on translating this phrase, see the note in 1:16 where this same phrase occurs.

The Berean Standard Bible places the phrase my beloved brothers at the beginning of 2:5, right after the word “listen.” This follows the Greek text. In some languages, it may be more natural to place it before the word “listen.”

2:5b–e

Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that God had certainly chosen the people whom society regards as being poor. He chose them to be rich in faith.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. In some languages, it will be more natural to divide this long question into two questions. For example:

Do you not know that God has chosen those who are poor to be rich in faith? Do you not know that he has chosen them to obtain the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?
-or-
God has chosen those who are poor to be rich in faith, right? God has chosen them to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him, right?

• As a statement. For example:

God has certainly chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith. He has certainly chosen them to inherit the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him.
-or-
God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him. (Good News Translation)

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

2:5b

Has not God chosen the poor: The clause Has not God chosen the poor refers to the fact that most of the people whom God has chosen are poor. It does not mean that all poor people are rich in faith. In some languages, it is more natural to make that clear. For example:

God has often chosen those who are poor
-or-
It is those people who are poor…whom God has often chosen
-or-
God has certainly chosen more poor people than rich people

the poor of this world: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as poor of this world is literally “poor in the world” or possibly “poor to the world.”

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

poor in things and money
-or-
poor according to the way people think

In some languages, it may be possible to translate “poor in/to the world” simply as “poor.” Readers will understand that the poor have very little or no money, land, or possessions. They are poor according to the way that people think.

2:5c

to be rich in faith: The phrase rich in faith contrasts with “poor of this world” (2:5b). These people were actually rich because they had placed their faith in Christ and had the benefits of such faith. This is something of great value.

This phrase does not necessarily indicate that they had a lot of faith. It simply means that they had faith.

Some ways to translate this phrase are:

• Translate it literally using the word rich. For example:

to be rich in faith/believing
-or-
to rather be rich because they have faith

• Show that the word rich is used in a spiritual sense. For example:

to believe in Christ. When they believe, it may be said that they are rich.

• Use a word other than rich that fits better with faith. For example:

to instead have faith, which is truly valuable

in faith: The word faith refers here to faith in Jesus. If it is necessary to include an object for the verb “believe,” use “our Lord Jesus Christ” as in 2:1, or simply “Jesus Christ.” “Faith in Jesus” means to trust, to rely on, and to be committed to him.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

trust in our Lord Jesus Christ
-or-
reliance/dependence upon Jesus Christ
-or-
confidence in Jesus Christ

In some languages, it is more natural to translate the noun faith with a verb. Some ways to do this are:

relying/depending on Jesus
-or-
trusting in Jesus
-or-
believing in Jesus
-or-
trusting in and committing to Jesus
-or-
having confidence in Jesus

Your language may use an idiom for this meaning.

2:5d

to inherit the kingdom: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to inherit the kingdom is literally “to be heirs of the kingdom” (as in the Revised Standard Version). The “heirs” are God’s children, so they will receive all the blessings that God has promised to give to his people.

The phrase the kingdom refers to the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God refers to God ruling and caring for his people as their king. It refers to the relationship that he has with his people. He leads, protects, and cares for them. They obey, trust, and submit to him as their king. It does not refer to a land or country that he rules over.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

to have a share/part in his kingdom
-or-
to be citizens/subjects of his kingdom
-or-
to receive the eternal blessings of his kingdom
-or-
to have the benefits of being a citizen of his kingdom
-or-
to be blessed by having him as their/our king

2:5e

He promised those who love Him: This clause describes the kingdom. In some languages, it will be natural to begin a new sentence here. For example:

God has promised this kingdom to those who love him.

promised: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as promised means “said or announced with certainty that he will do something.”

Some other ways to translate this word are:

said he would do
-or-
vowed
-or-
assured

those who love Him: The phrase those who love him refers to all believers. James is saying that poor believers are included in this group. Some other ways to translate this are:

to all those who love him
-or-
to everyone who loves him
-or-
to all of us who love him

The same words occur in 1:12d.

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SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:6

2:6a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But here indicates a contrast. The contrast is between what God had done (chosen the poor) in 2:5, and what James’ readers had done (dishonored the poor) in 2:6.

you have dishonored: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as dishonored refers to being rude to someone by what you do or say. The believers whom James was addressing should have realized that the poor person was important to God. Instead they treated him as someone who deserved no respect.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

you have insulted (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
you have humiliated
-or-
you have treated shamefully
-or-
you have shown no respect

you: The pronoun you is emphatic in Greek. One way to translate this is:

as for you, you

the poor: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the poor is singular. So James was probably referring again to his example, and the poor is the poor man of 2:2–3. For example:

the poor man (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

2:6b–7b

The rhetorical questions in 2:6b–7b all imply that it was foolish to honor the rich, because they were the very ones who were being cruel to Christian believers. You may be able to show this by making some of this information explicit in 2:6. For example:

^2:6aBut you have dishonored the poor and honored the rich. Why?. ^2:6bIs it not the rich who are exploiting you?
-or-
^2:6aBut you have insulted the poor. ^2:6bYou are foolish! Is it not the rich who oppress you?

2:6b–c

In Greek and the Berean Standard Bible, 2:6b–c forms one rhetorical question. Some translations, however, translate 2:6b–c as two rhetorical questions. For example:

Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? (New International Version (2011 Revision))

Do whatever is clearest and easiest to understand in your language.

2:6b

Is it not the rich who oppress you: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that it was the rich people who were exploiting the believers. He implied that his readers knew this very well. For that reason, their custom of treating the rich better than the poor did not make much sense.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

are not the rich your oppressors? (Revised English Bible)
-or-
It is the rich people who are oppressing you, right?

• As a statement. For example:

The rich are always trying to control your lives. (New Century Version)
-or-
You know that it’s the rich people who oppress you.

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

the rich: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the rich is plural. James was referring to rich people in general. For example:

rich people (God’s Word)

oppress: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as oppress means “oppressing, dominating, causing severe hardship.” James meant that rich people were using their power against the poor and making them suffer while helping themselves to become richer.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

taking advantage of you
-or-
mistreating you
-or-
control your lives (New Century Version)
-or-
causing you to suffer

2:6c

and drag you into court?: This is a rhetorical question. James again emphasized that it was the rich people who were mistreating believers.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Is it not they who drag you into court? (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
It is the rich people who drag you into court, right?

• As a statement. For example:

It is the rich people who are forcing you to appear before the law court.
-or-
They are the ones who take you to court. (New Century Version)

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

drag you into court: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as drag means “forcing to go.” Rich people were taking poor people to court, making false accusations against them, and treating them unjustly.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

take you to court (New Century Version)
-or-
force you to go before the judges

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Source: SIL Translator's Notes on James 2012

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:25

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:26

SIL Translator's Notes on James 1:27

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:2

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:3

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:4

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:5

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:6

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