James 1:1

KJV

¶ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

KJV (with Strong's)

James {G2385}, a servant {G1401} of God {G2316} and {G2532} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, to the twelve {G1427} tribes {G5443} which {G1722} are scattered abroad {G1290}, greeting {G5463}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From: Ya‘akov, a slave of God and of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah

To: The Twelve Tribes in the Diaspora:

Shalom!

Berean Standard Bible

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings.

American Standard Version

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 1:1 serves as the foundational opening to one of the New Testament's most practical and direct epistles, immediately establishing the author's identity as a devoted servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It precisely identifies his audience as the twelve tribes of Israel dispersed across the world, thereby setting a tone of pastoral authority and universal relevance for the profound and practical wisdom that is to follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 1:1 functions as the standard salutation for an ancient letter, clearly identifying the sender and the recipients. This initial verse establishes the author's spiritual authority and the broad scope of his audience, immediately preceding the letter's central theme of enduring trials with joy and wisdom, as introduced in [James 1:2](/james/1-2 "James 1:2 - Counting it all Joy"). The personal introduction sets a tone of direct, pastoral communication, preparing the reader for the practical, often challenging, instructions that comprise the bulk of the epistle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The author, James, is widely understood to be James, the brother of Jesus and a prominent leader of the early church in Jerusalem, as evidenced in [Galatians 1:19](/galatians/1-19 "Galatians 1:19 - James, the Lord's Brother") and his pivotal role in the Jerusalem Council described in [Acts 15:13-21](/acts/15-13-21 "Acts 15:13-21 - James's Leadership at the Jerusalem Council"). The recipients, "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad," refer to Jewish Christians living in the **Diaspora**, meaning outside of the geographical land of Israel. This dispersion was often a result of persecution, as seen after Stephen's martyrdom in [Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - Persecution and Dispersion"), or due to economic migration. These believers faced unique pressures, including internal struggles with faith and external societal challenges, which form the backdrop for James's exhortations.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the epistle. James's self-designation as a "servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" immediately highlights the theme of **Authoritative Humility**, emphasizing that true leadership and influence in God's kingdom stem from complete submission and devotion to Christ, a common self-description among apostles like Paul in [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul, a Servant of Christ") and Peter in [2 Peter 1:1](/2_peter/1-1 "2 Peter 1:1 - Peter, a Servant and Apostle"). The address to "the twelve tribes" underscores the **Universal Scope of God's People**, indicating that the message, while initially for Jewish believers, carries implications for the entire Christian church, which is the new Israel of God. Finally, the simple "greeting" (Greek: _chaírō_) subtly foreshadows the letter's practical focus on finding **Joy in Trials**, setting a tone that anticipates the immediate call to consider trials as opportunities for spiritual growth in [James 1:2](/james/1-2 "James 1:2 - Counting it all Joy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From G1401, this term literally means "slave" or "bondservant." In this context, it signifies absolute devotion, loyalty, and willing submission to God and Christ. It is a title of profound humility and honor, indicating one who belongs entirely to another and serves out of a deep sense of belonging and duty. James, despite his prominent position, chooses this designation to underscore his complete subservience to divine will.
* **scattered abroad (Greek, _diasporá'_):** From G1290, this word refers to a "dispersion," specifically the (converted) Israelite residents in Gentile countries. This term immediately identifies the primary audience as Jewish Christians who were living outside their homeland, dispersed among non-Jewish populations. It highlights their unique circumstances, often involving cultural assimilation pressures, economic hardship, and religious persecution.
* **greeting (Greek, _chaírō'_):** From G5463, this primary verb means "to be cheerful," "happy," or "well-off." While a standard salutation in ancient letters, its literal meaning of "rejoice" or "be well" takes on particular significance in light of the trials and tribulations James immediately addresses in the subsequent verses. It sets a tone that anticipates the letter's call to find joy amidst difficult circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ":** This clause identifies the author and establishes his authority not through familial ties to Jesus or ecclesiastical position, but through his profound spiritual identity as one wholly devoted to God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son and Lord. This humble yet authoritative self-designation immediately grounds the letter in divine authority.
* **"to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad":** This clause precisely identifies the recipients of the letter. "The twelve tribes" is a traditional designation for the entire nation of Israel, here used to refer to Jewish Christians who had embraced Christ. "Scattered abroad" (the Diaspora) specifies their geographical situation, indicating that they were living outside Palestine, dispersed throughout the Roman Empire, often facing unique challenges as a minority faith within a dominant pagan culture.
* **"greeting.":** This final word serves as the conventional salutation of an ancient letter. While seemingly a mere formality, in the context of James's immediate pivot to discussing trials, it carries the deeper implication of wishing well and even encouraging joy (from the root _chaírō_) to those facing difficult circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
James 1:1 employs several significant **literary devices**. The most prominent is the **Apostolic Salutation**, a standard epistolary convention that immediately establishes the sender's identity and authority, and the intended audience. James's choice of "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" as his self-designation is a powerful use of **Self-designation**, conveying profound **humility** alongside genuine **authority**. This title, _doûlos_ (bondservant), is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, setting an example for the recipients. Furthermore, the phrase "the twelve tribes" functions as a potent **Metaphor** for the entire people of God, encompassing both Jewish and, by extension, Gentile believers who are now united in Christ, connecting the New Covenant community to the historical lineage of Israel. The description "scattered abroad" (diasporá) is both a literal geographical description and carries **Symbolic** weight, representing the church's global reach and its experience of being "in the world but not of the world," often facing trials and living as exiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 1:1 lays a crucial theological foundation for the entire epistle. By identifying himself as a "servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ," James underscores that true authority in the kingdom of God is rooted in humble submission and unwavering devotion to the Triune God. This servanthood is not a position of weakness but of profound spiritual strength and legitimacy, enabling him to speak with divine wisdom. The address to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" highlights the continuity of God's covenant people, now redefined and expanded in Christ, emphasizing that the church is the true Israel. This universal scope sets the stage for a message applicable to all believers, regardless of their background, who are navigating the challenges of living faithfully in a dispersed and often hostile world. The "greeting" itself, rooted in the concept of joy, subtly introduces the epistle's central theme: that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but is actively lived out, producing perseverance and joy even amidst trials.

* [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul's Servanthood and Apostleship")
* [1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Salutation to the Scattered Exiles")
* [Revelation 7:4](/rev/7-4 "Revelation 7:4 - The Twelve Tribes of Israel Sealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 1:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, starting with our fundamental identity. Like James, our primary self-designation should be as "servants of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ." This foundational truth informs every aspect of our lives, reminding us that we belong entirely to Him, are called to serve His purposes, and find our true authority and purpose in His will. Understanding that the letter was addressed to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" reminds us that God's message is universal and timeless, applicable to all Christians, regardless of their geographical location, cultural context, or personal circumstances. We are all part of a global community of faith, often "scattered" in various spheres of influence, facing unique pressures and opportunities. This opening verse also serves as a crucial preparation for the practical wisdom that follows. By recognizing the challenging circumstances of the original audience, we are encouraged to approach our own trials with a servant's heart, seeking God's wisdom and relying on His strength, knowing that the "greeting" of joy is possible even in the midst of adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does identifying as a "servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" shape your daily life and priorities?**
* **In what ways do you experience being "scattered abroad" (e.g., as a Christian in a secular workplace, a believer in a non-Christian family, or a minority in your cultural context), and how does this verse encourage you in those circumstances?**
* **What does James's humble self-designation teach us about true leadership and authority within the Christian faith and in our personal spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**Who was James, the author of this letter?**

Answer: James is widely identified as James, the brother of Jesus Christ, who became a prominent and respected leader in the early church in Jerusalem. He is mentioned in [Galatians 1:19](/galatians/1-19 "Galatians 1:19 - James, the Lord's Brother") as "James the Lord's brother" and played a crucial role in the Jerusalem Council, where he offered decisive counsel, as recorded in [Acts 15:13-21](/acts/15-13-21 "Acts 15:13-21 - James's Speech at the Jerusalem Council"). His familial relationship to Jesus and his significant leadership position within the nascent Christian community lent considerable weight and authority to his words.

**What does "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" mean?**

Answer: This phrase refers to Jewish Christians living outside of Palestine, a group historically known as the Diaspora. While "the twelve tribes" traditionally represented the entire nation of Israel, in the New Testament context, it often signifies the whole people of God, including those of Jewish heritage who had embraced Jesus as the Messiah. These believers were dispersed throughout the Roman Empire due to various factors, including persecution (as seen in [Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - Persecution and Dispersion") after Stephen's martyrdom) and economic migration. James addresses them as a unified spiritual entity, acknowledging their shared heritage and their new identity in Christ, despite their geographical dispersion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 1:1, though a conventional salutation, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications. James, as a "servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ," mirrors the ultimate example of servanthood found in Jesus Himself, who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). This humble self-identification by James sets the tone for the entire epistle, emphasizing that genuine faith is expressed through active, Christ-like servanthood. Furthermore, the address to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" finds its profound fulfillment in Christ. He is the one who gathers the scattered, breaking down ethnic and social barriers to create "one new humanity in place of the two" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")), uniting both Jew and Gentile into His body, the Church. The true "Diaspora" now includes all believers who are living as sojourners and exiles in this world, awaiting their eternal home in Christ's kingdom ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Sojourners and Exiles")). The "greeting" itself, rooted in the concept of joy (_chaírō_), anticipates the profound joy that believers can experience even amidst trials, a joy made possible by Christ's victory over sin and suffering, enabling them to "count it all joy" ([James 1:2](/james/1-2 "James 1:2 - Counting it all Joy")) because their ultimate hope and security are found in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 12:15

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.

1 Peter 1:1

¶ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

John 7:35

Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?

Acts 8:1

¶ And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 26:7

Unto which [promise] our twelve tribes, instantly serving [God] day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

Acts 15:23

And they wrote [letters] by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren [send] greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Deuteronomy 28:64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.