James 1:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 1:9 offers profound encouragement to the Christian believer of humble means or low social standing, instructing them to find their deepest joy and worth in their spiritual exaltation through Christ. This verse establishes a counter-cultural principle, asserting that true dignity and status are divinely conferred, transcending the transient values and judgments of the world. It sets the stage for James's broader message on God's reversal of worldly hierarchies and the eternal significance of a believer's identity in God's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 1:9 is situated within the opening exhortations of James's epistle, following his initial greeting to the "twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" and his foundational instruction to "count it all joy" when facing various trials ([James 1:1-2](/james/1-1-2 "James 1:1-2 - Greeting and Joy in Trials")). Immediately preceding this verse, James emphasizes the necessity of asking for wisdom in faith and without doubting ([James 1:5-8](/james/1-5-8 "James 1:5-8 - Asking for Wisdom")). Verse 9 then introduces a social contrast, setting the "brother of low degree" against the "rich man" in [James 1:10](/james/1-10 "James 1:10 - The Rich Man's Fading Glory"). This juxtaposition highlights James's deep concern for the internal dynamics of the Christian community, particularly regarding social equity and the proper valuing of individuals regardless of their earthly status or material wealth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, particularly those composed of Jewish believers scattered across the Roman Empire, often comprised individuals from diverse social and economic backgrounds. Many early converts were from the lower strata of society, including slaves, laborers, and the poor, who found dignity and belonging in the nascent church. In a society rigidly stratified by wealth, status, and family lineage, the concept of a "brother of low degree" being "exalted" was revolutionary. Roman and Hellenistic cultures placed immense value on honor, patronage, and public standing, often marginalizing those without means or influence. James's message directly challenges these societal norms, offering a radical redefinition of status based on divine rather than human metrics.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in James's epistle. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Reversal of Worldly Values**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture where God often elevates the humble and brings low the proud ([Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52-53 "Luke 1:52-53 - The Magnificat: God's Reversal of Fortunes")). Secondly, it emphasizes **True Joy Amidst Trials**, extending the principle from [James 1:2](/james/1-2 "James 1:2 - Counting it All Joy") to specific social circumstances, suggesting that spiritual status is a greater source of joy than material prosperity. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Christian Identity and Worth**, asserting that a believer's ultimate identity and value are rooted in their relationship with God and their position within His kingdom, rather than in their earthly possessions or societal standing. This theme is further developed in [James 2:1-7](/james/2-1-7 "James 2:1-7 - Warning Against Favoritism"), where James condemns showing partiality to the rich.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **brother (Greek, _adelphós'_):** This term, meaning "a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote," is significant here. It emphasizes the familial bond within the Christian community, transcending social distinctions. Regardless of one's earthly status, all believers are united as spiritual siblings in Christ, sharing a common Father.
* **low degree (Greek, _tapeinós'_):** Derived from a root meaning "depressed," this word refers to someone who is humble, lowly, or poor in circumstances. It denotes a state of being humiliated or of little account in the eyes of the world, often associated with lack of wealth, power, or social standing. James uses this term to specifically address those who might feel overlooked or devalued by societal standards.
* **rejoice (Greek, _kaucháomai'_):** This verb means "to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)," "to boast," "glory," or "joy." In this context, it carries the positive connotation of finding deep, exultant joy or glory. It's not a superficial happiness but a profound, Spirit-given delight that stems from a secure spiritual reality, allowing the humble to genuinely boast in their new, elevated status.
* **exalted (Greek, _hýpsos'_):** Meaning "elevation," "altitude," or "dignity," this word describes a state of being raised to a high position or dignity. Here, it signifies a spiritual and positional elevation, a profound change in one's standing before God. It implies divine recognition, honor, and a secure place within God's eternal purposes, contrasting sharply with the "low degree" of earthly circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the brother of low degree":** This clause directly addresses a specific demographic within the Christian community: those who are humble, poor, or marginalized in society. The term "brother" underscores their inclusion and equal standing within the family of God, despite their earthly disadvantages. James's direct address highlights his pastoral concern for the vulnerable and his commitment to a community where all are valued.
* **"rejoice":** This is an imperative, a command to experience profound joy. The source of this joy is not external circumstances or material gain, but an internal, spiritual reality. It's a call to find deep satisfaction and even boast in something beyond the world's grasp, a joy that transcends hardship and societal judgment.
* **"in that he is exalted":** This phrase reveals the ground for the "brother of low degree's" joy. The exaltation is not a worldly promotion or an increase in material wealth, but a spiritual elevation in God's eyes. It signifies a change in status from being lowly in the world to being highly esteemed by God, recognized as His child, an heir of His kingdom, and a co-heir with Christ. This spiritual dignity is the true and lasting source of joy.

#### Literary Devices
James employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Contrast**, setting the "low degree" of the brother against his spiritual "exaltation." This creates a striking paradox that challenges conventional wisdom and highlights God's upside-down kingdom values. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Let... rejoice") makes the statement a direct command, urging believers to actively embrace this counter-cultural perspective. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony**, as the very condition that the world despises (lowliness) becomes the ground for divine honor and true joy. This irony underscores the radical nature of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 1:9 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's nature and His economy of grace: He consistently elevates the humble and opposes the proud. This principle is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God chose the least and the unlikely to accomplish His purposes, and it finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "exaltation" spoken of here is not merely a future hope but a present reality for the believer, a new identity and status conferred by divine grace, making them heirs of a kingdom that is not of this world. This spiritual dignity provides an unshakable foundation for joy, regardless of one's earthly circumstances, and serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

* [Psalm 113:7-8](/psalm/113-7-8 "Psalm 113:7-8 - God Lifts the Needy")
* [Proverbs 29:23](/proverbs/29-23 "Proverbs 29:23 - Humility Precedes Honor")
* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7-8 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - Hannah's Prayer: God Exalts the Lowly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, James 1:9 offers a vital anchor for identity and perspective in a world obsessed with status, wealth, and achievement. It challenges us to re-evaluate where we derive our sense of worth and joy. If our identity is rooted in our job, income, social circle, or material possessions, we are vulnerable to the shifting sands of worldly success and failure. However, if our identity is firmly grounded in our spiritual exaltation as beloved children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and citizens of His eternal kingdom, then our joy becomes unshakeable. This perspective empowers those who feel overlooked or insignificant by worldly standards to recognize their immense value in God's eyes, fostering contentment, gratitude, and a profound sense of purpose that transcends earthly struggles. It also serves as a sobering reminder for those with earthly advantages that true wealth and lasting honor are found not in what we possess, but in our humble submission to God and our spiritual standing before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my sense of worth and identity? Is it in my earthly achievements, possessions, or social standing, or in my spiritual position in Christ?**
* **How does the concept of being "exalted" by God, despite "low degree" in the world, challenge my understanding of success and significance?**
* **In what ways can I practically demonstrate joy in my spiritual exaltation, especially when facing circumstances that might tempt me to feel devalued or insignificant?**

### FAQ

**What does "low degree" mean in this context?**

Answer: In James 1:9, "low degree" refers to an individual's humble or disadvantaged social and economic status. The Greek word `tapeinós` (G5011) signifies someone who is depressed, humiliated, or of little account in the eyes of the world, often due to poverty, lack of influence, or a marginalized position in society. It contrasts sharply with the worldly understanding of power and prestige.

**How is a person of "low degree" "exalted"? Is this a promise of earthly prosperity?**

Answer: The "exaltation" spoken of in [James 1:9](/james/1-9 "James 1:9 - The Exaltation of the Lowly") is primarily spiritual and positional, not necessarily a promise of earthly prosperity or social climbing. It refers to the profound dignity and high standing a believer receives in God's eyes through their relationship with Christ. This includes being adopted as a child of God ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")), becoming an heir of eternal life ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), and being seated with Christ in heavenly places ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ")). This divine recognition and spiritual status are far more valuable and lasting than any earthly gain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 1:9 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodies the principle of divine exaltation through humility. Though He was "in the form of God," Christ "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He chose a humble birth, lived a life of service, and ultimately suffered the ultimate humiliation of the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Yet, it was precisely through this profound self-abasement that God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Jesus, the "brother of low degree" in His earthly manifestation, became the exalted Lord to whom "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Believers, by identifying with Christ through faith, participate in this divine reversal. Our spiritual "exaltation" is a direct result of being "in Christ," sharing in His death to sin and His resurrection to new life ([Romans 6:3-5](/romans/6-3-5 "Romans 6:3-5 - United with Christ in Death and Resurrection")), thereby becoming co-heirs with Him in glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Our joy in this exaltation is a reflection of the joy found in the Gospel, where God lifts the humble through the ultimate act of humility and exaltation in His Son.

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

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.