James 5:1

KJV

¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].

KJV (with Strong's)

Go to {G33} now {G3568}, ye rich men {G4145}, weep {G2799} and howl {G3649} for {G1909} your {G5216} miseries {G5004} that shall come upon {G1904} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next, a word for the rich: weep and wail over the hardships coming upon you!

Berean Standard Bible

Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.

American Standard Version

Come now, ye rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 5:1 delivers a stark, prophetic warning to the wealthy, urging them to lament with deep sorrow over impending miseries. This urgent call signals a divine judgment that will befall those who have accumulated riches unjustly or used their wealth for selfish indulgence, highlighting the severe consequences of neglecting social responsibility and spiritual stewardship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a sharp transition in James's epistle, moving from exhortations on patience in suffering and the power of prayer (James 4:13-17; 5:7-11) to a direct, confrontational address concerning social injustice. It sets the stage for the detailed condemnation of the rich that follows in [James 5:2-6](/james/5-2-6 "James 5:2-6 - Condemnation of the Rich"), where James elaborates on their specific sins: hoarding wealth, defrauding laborers, luxurious living, and condemning the innocent. This immediate literary context clarifies that the "miseries" are a direct consequence of these unrighteous practices, positioning James 5:1 as a powerful, introductory indictment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, particularly in the Roman Empire, existed within a society marked by vast economic disparities. Wealth was often concentrated in the hands of a few, frequently acquired through exploitative practices such as usury, land seizure, and the oppression of day laborers. Many early Christians were poor, often facing economic hardship and social marginalization. James's warning echoes the strong prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, which consistently condemned the rich who oppressed the poor and exploited the vulnerable, as seen in the pronouncements of prophets like [Amos](/amos/8 "Amos 8 - Judgment Against Oppression") and [Isaiah](/isaiah/5 "Isaiah 5 - Woes Against Injustice"). This historical backdrop underscores the urgency and relevance of James's message to a community grappling with internal and external economic pressures.
* **Key Themes:** James 5:1 contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle and broader biblical theology. First, it powerfully introduces the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability for Wealth**, emphasizing that material possessions come with spiritual responsibilities and that their misuse will incur severe consequences. This aligns with Christ's teachings on the dangers of riches, as illustrated in the [parable of the rich fool](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool"). Second, it underscores the theme of **Social Justice and the Condemnation of Exploitation**, directly challenging the prevailing economic injustices of the day and calling believers to righteous conduct in all their dealings. Finally, it serves as a **Prophetic Warning and Call to Lamentation**, employing the language of Old Testament prophets to convey the gravity of the impending "miseries," urging a desperate response from those who are about to face God's reckoning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rich men (Greek, _ploúsios'_):** Derived from _ploútos_, meaning "wealth," this term refers not just to those who possess material abundance, but often carries the connotation of someone who is wealthy in a way that leads to self-sufficiency, pride, or oppression. In this context, it specifically targets those whose riches are either ill-gotten or misused, leading to spiritual and social corruption.
* **Weep (Greek, _klaíō'_):** This verb signifies a loud, audible expression of grief, often accompanied by wailing or sobbing. It denotes a profound, public display of sorrow, typically associated with intense distress, mourning for the dead, or lamentation over calamity. James uses it to command a desperate, unreserved outpouring of anguish.
* **Howl (Greek, _ololýzō'_):** A reduplicated verb, this term describes a piercing, shrill cry, a shriek or a mournful ululation. It is even more intense than "weep," often used in the context of extreme pain, terror, or the lamentation over impending doom or destruction. Paired with "weep," it emphasizes the utter desperation and inescapable nature of the coming "miseries."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go to now":** This phrase translates the Greek _Áge nŷn_ (ἄγε νῦν), an urgent, almost confrontational imperative. It functions as a sharp interjection, demanding immediate attention and signaling a solemn, often reproving, address. It is a call to action, or rather, a call to prepare for a dire consequence.
* **"ye rich men":** The direct address to _ploúsioi_ (rich men) indicates a specific target audience. As discussed in the key word analysis, this is not a blanket condemnation of wealth itself, but a pointed warning to those whose riches have led them to injustice, self-indulgence, and spiritual complacency, particularly those who exploit others.
* **"weep and howl":** These two strong, imperative verbs (_klaíō_ and _ololýzō_) command a public, desperate, and profound lamentation. This is not a call to repentance, but a chilling prediction of the deep sorrow and anguish that will inevitably befall them. It evokes images of mourning for a great catastrophe.
* **"for your miseries":** The Greek word _talaipōría_ (ταλαιπωρία) means "wretchedness" or "calamity." This phrase specifies the reason for the commanded lamentation: the severe hardships, distress, and suffering that are about to come upon them. These miseries are presented as a direct consequence of their unrighteous actions related to their wealth.
* **"that shall come upon you":** The Greek verb _epérchomai_ (ἐπέρχομαι) indicates an impending arrival or supervening event, often with a sense of inevitability or even hostile attack. This signifies that the miseries are not merely a possibility but a certain, imminent reality, a divine judgment that will decisively fall upon them.

#### Literary Devices
James 5:1 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent message. The verse begins with a striking **Imperative Mood** ("Go to now," "weep and howl"), which creates a sense of immediate command and prophetic authority, demanding attention and conveying the gravity of the impending judgment. The direct address to "ye rich men" is an example of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker directly addresses an absent or abstract entity, or in this case, a specific group of people with a confrontational tone, intensifying the personal nature of the warning. The pairing of "weep and howl" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Parallelism**, two verbs that, while distinct, both convey extreme anguish, emphasizing the depth and public nature of the sorrow that will befall them. This vivid imagery is designed to shock and underscore the severity of the coming "miseries," which are presented as an inescapable consequence, embodying a strong element of **Prophetic Denunciation** characteristic of Old Testament warnings against injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 5:1 resonates deeply with the biblical theology of divine justice and the dangers of unrighteous wealth. It underscores the principle that God, as the ultimate sovereign, holds all people accountable for their stewardship, particularly concerning material possessions and their impact on others. The warning is not against wealth itself, but against the love of money, its unjust acquisition, and its selfish use, which often leads to the oppression of the vulnerable. This aligns with the consistent biblical narrative that God champions the cause of the poor and marginalized, and that He will judge those who exploit them. The impending "miseries" serve as a stark reminder that earthly prosperity, when pursued at the expense of righteousness and compassion, will ultimately lead to spiritual bankruptcy and divine retribution.

* [Amos 8:4-6](/amos/8-4-6 "Amos 8:4-6 - Oppression of the Poor Condemned")
* [Luke 16:19-31](/luke/16-19-31 "Luke 16:19-31 - The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 5:1 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror for all who possess material resources, regardless of the scale of their wealth. It compels us to critically examine our attitudes towards money, our methods of acquiring it, and our practices in utilizing it. Are our resources accumulated through just and ethical means, or do we, even subtly, participate in systems that exploit or disregard the dignity of others? More profoundly, where do we place our ultimate security and hope? Is our confidence rooted in the fleeting nature of earthly riches, or in the eternal, unchanging character of God? This verse challenges us to view all our possessions as a sacred trust from God, to be managed with wisdom, generosity, and a deep commitment to justice, recognizing that true wealth is found not in what we accumulate, but in how we steward what we have for God's glory and the good of our neighbors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my use of financial resources reflect my ultimate priorities and allegiances?**
* **In what ways might I, even unintentionally, contribute to systems or practices that exploit or marginalize others?**
* **Am I prone to finding my security and identity in my possessions rather than in God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my wealth (however modest or significant) is used for God's glory and the advancement of justice?**

### FAQ
**Does James 5:1 condemn all rich people, or just certain ones?**

Answer: James 5:1 does not condemn wealth itself, but rather the unrighteous acquisition and misuse of wealth, and the heart's attachment to it that leads to spiritual indifference or social injustice. The subsequent verses in [James 5:2-6](/james/5-2-6 "James 5:2-6 - Specific Sins of the Rich") clarify the specific sins being addressed: hoarding riches, defrauding laborers, living in self-indulgent luxury, and condemning the innocent. Therefore, the warning is directed at those "rich men" whose wealth is associated with such ungodly practices and attitudes, not at every person who happens to be financially prosperous.

**What kind of "miseries" is James referring to?**

Answer: The "miseries" (Greek _talaipōría_) refer to a state of wretchedness, distress, or calamity. While James doesn't explicitly detail them, the context suggests they could encompass various forms of divine judgment. This might include temporal consequences like economic ruin, social upheaval, or even physical suffering, as well as the ultimate spiritual judgment in the age to come. The intensity of the call to "weep and howl" implies a profound and inescapable suffering that will befall them as a direct result of their unrighteousness and exploitation.

**Is this warning only for people in James's time, or does it apply today?**

Answer: While directly addressed to specific "rich men" in James's historical context, the principles articulated in James 5:1 are timeless and universally applicable. The dangers of materialism, the temptation to exploit others for gain, and the call for righteous stewardship of resources are perennial human issues. Therefore, this verse serves as a perpetual warning to all who possess material wealth in any amount, urging self-examination regarding the source, use, and ultimate reliance on their possessions, and reminding them of God's unwavering commitment to justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James's stark warning to the rich in [James 5:1](/james/5-1 "James 5:1 - Warning to the Rich") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While James denounces the unrighteous accumulation and use of wealth, Christ Himself embodied the perfect standard of justice and self-giving love, challenging the very values that lead to the "miseries" James describes. Jesus consistently warned against the deceptive nature of riches, famously stating that it is difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 19:23-24](/matthew/19-23-24 "Matthew 19:23-24 - The Rich Young Ruler")). He called His followers to lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")), and exemplified a life of radical generosity, ultimately giving His own life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The "miseries" that James foretells are a shadow of the ultimate judgment that Christ, as the righteous judge, will execute upon all who have rejected His kingdom values and oppressed others ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Conversely, for those who, by faith in Christ, embrace His call to justice and compassionate stewardship, the impending "miseries" are replaced by the promise of eternal riches and an inheritance that will never fade away ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")). Thus, Christ is both the standard by which the rich are judged and the only true source of the spiritual wealth that transcends all earthly possessions.

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

Proverbs 11:28

¶ He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Proverbs 11:4

¶ Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

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:

Luke 12:16

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

Luke 12:21

So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.