James 1:9

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

{G1161} Let {G2744} the brother {G80} of low degree {G5011} rejoice {G2744} in {G1722} that he {G846} is exalted {G5311}:

Let the brother in humble circumstances boast about his high position.

The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position.

But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate:

James 1:9 encourages believers who are humble or of low social standing to find joy in their spiritual elevation through Christ. This verse sets a foundational principle for Christian identity, emphasizing that true worth and status are determined by God, not by worldly circumstances or material possessions.

Context

This verse is part of James's opening exhortations to the "twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (James 1:1), likely referring to Jewish Christians facing various trials and persecutions. Following his instruction to "count it all joy" when encountering trials, James shifts focus to different social strata within the Christian community. Verse 9 speaks directly to the "brother of low degree," contrasting their spiritual exaltation with the rich man's transient glory in the subsequent verse (James 1:10). This highlights James's concern for social justice and the church's proper valuing of its members, regardless of their earthly status.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Exaltation Over Worldly Status: The core message is that a believer's true dignity and value come from their relationship with God, not from their wealth, power, or social standing. Being "exalted" implies a divine recognition and a spiritual position as a child of God, an heir of eternal life, and a co-heir with Christ.
  • Joy in Humility: The instruction to "rejoice" suggests that even in humble circumstances, there is profound reason for joy. This joy stems from the spiritual reality of being chosen, loved, and elevated by God, a perspective that transcends earthly struggles and societal judgments.
  • God's Reversal of Values: James underscores a common biblical theme where God often exalts the humble and brings low the proud. This divine reversal of human values is a source of hope for the marginalized and a warning for the self-sufficient.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "low degree" translates the Greek word tapeinos (ταπεινός), which means humble, lowly, or poor in circumstances. It refers to someone who is not esteemed by the world. The term "exalted" comes from hypsos (ὕψος), meaning height, eminence, or dignity. The spiritual exaltation described here is not a promise of earthly prosperity or social climbing, but rather a profound change in one's standing before God and within the divine economy. It's the recognition of one's identity as a beloved and valued member of God's family, regardless of earthly status.

Practical Application

For believers today, James 1:9 offers several important applications:

  • Identity in Christ: It encourages all Christians, particularly those who feel overlooked or insignificant by worldly standards, to root their identity and self-worth in their spiritual position in Christ. Your value is not determined by your job, income, or social circle, but by God's grace.
  • Humility and Dependence: For those who might have more earthly advantages, this verse implicitly reminds them of the transient nature of such things and encourages humility, acknowledging that true wealth is spiritual.
  • Perspective on Joy: It calls believers to find joy not in what they possess or achieve, but in the spiritual blessings and eternal hope they have in God. This perspective allows for contentment and gratitude even amidst challenging circumstances, echoing the sentiment of Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Indeed, God often chooses the lowly and despised things of the world to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27-28).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 9:23

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

  • Jeremiah 9:24

    But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • James 2:6

    But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

  • Proverbs 19:1

    ¶ Better [is] the poor that walketh in his integrity, than [he that is] perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:10

    As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.

  • Revelation 2:9

    I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.

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