James 5:13

KJV

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

KJV (with Strong's)

Is {G2553} any {G5100} among {G1722} you {G5213} afflicted {G2553}? let him pray {G4336}. Is {G2114} any {G5100} merry {G2114}? let him sing psalms {G5567}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Is someone among you in trouble? He should pray. Is someone feeling good? He should sing songs of praise.

Berean Standard Bible

Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.

American Standard Version

Is any among you suffering? let him pray. Is any cheerful? let him sing praise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 5:13 offers concise yet profound pastoral guidance on the believer's appropriate spiritual responses to life's varying circumstances. It instructs those experiencing hardship or affliction to turn to God in prayer, seeking His comfort, strength, and intervention. Conversely, it directs those in a state of joy or cheerfulness to express their gratitude and worship through singing psalms, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all blessings. This verse underscores the importance of consistent communion with God, whether in times of sorrow or celebration, presenting prayer and praise as fundamental pillars of a vibrant Christian life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 5:13 is strategically placed within the concluding exhortations of James's epistle, which consistently emphasizes practical faith and righteous living. Preceding this verse, James addresses the judgment awaiting the rich oppressors and calls for patience among believers enduring suffering, particularly in light of the Lord's imminent return ([James 5:7-12](/james/5-7-12 "James 5:7-12 - Patience in Suffering")). Verse 13 serves as a direct, actionable response to the themes of suffering and endurance, providing specific spiritual disciplines for both adversity and prosperity. It then seamlessly transitions into a more detailed discussion of prayer for the sick within the community ([James 5:14-16](/james/5-14-16 "James 5:14-16 - Prayer for the Sick")), highlighting the power and efficacy of communal prayer and confession. Thus, James 5:13 acts as a foundational principle, setting the stage for the subsequent instructions on the practical outworking of faith through prayer in the Christian community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle of James was likely written to Jewish Christians dispersed throughout the Roman Empire, facing various forms of hardship, persecution, and social injustice. These early believers would have been familiar with the Old Testament emphasis on prayer in distress (e.g., the Psalms of lament) and praise in prosperity (e.g., Psalms of thanksgiving). The cultural context of the synagogue and early church gatherings would have included communal singing, often drawing from the Psalms, which served as both prayer and praise. In a world where suffering was common and joy often fleeting, James provides a robust theological framework for how believers should engage with God in every season of life, drawing on established Jewish spiritual practices and reinterpreting them for the nascent Christian community. The instruction to "sing psalms" would have resonated deeply, as psalms were the hymnal and prayer book of both Jewish and early Christian worship.

* **Key Themes:** James 5:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **practical faith**, demonstrating that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but is expressed through concrete actions—prayer in affliction and praise in joy. This aligns with James's famous assertion that "faith without works is dead" ([James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead")). Secondly, it highlights the **power and importance of prayer**, a recurring motif throughout the letter, culminating in the example of Elijah's fervent prayer ([James 5:17-18](/james/5-17-18 "James 5:17-18 - Elijah's Prayer")). The verse teaches that prayer is the believer's primary recourse in difficulty, reflecting a deep dependence on God. Thirdly, it emphasizes **holistic spiritual living**, suggesting that all aspects of life, whether trials or triumphs, are opportunities for communion with God. This balanced approach to spirituality encourages believers to acknowledge God's sovereignty and goodness in every circumstance, fostering an attitude of worship that transcends mere emotional responses to external events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Afflicted (Greek, _kakopathéō'_):** Derived from words meaning "evil" and "to suffer," this term signifies undergoing hardship, enduring affliction, or suffering trouble. It denotes a state of experiencing difficult, burdensome circumstances, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. James uses it to encompass any form of distress or adversity a believer might face.
* **Merry (Greek, _euthyméō'_):** This word means "to cheer up" or "to be cheerful" and implies a state of good spirits, happiness, or well-being. It contrasts directly with "afflicted," representing times of prosperity, joy, or contentment. It suggests a lightheartedness and gladness of heart.
* **Sing psalms (Greek, _psállō'_):** Originally meaning "to twitch or twang" a stringed instrument, this term evolved to mean "to play on a stringed instrument" and, by extension, "to celebrate divine worship with music and accompanying odes." In the New Testament, it specifically refers to singing praises to God, often drawing from the book of Psalms. It implies a joyful, musical expression of worship and thanksgiving.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is any among you afflicted?":** This rhetorical question sets up the first scenario, addressing believers who are experiencing any form of hardship, suffering, or distress. The language is inclusive ("any among you"), indicating that affliction is a common human experience, even for those within the Christian community.
* **"let him pray.":** This is James's direct and immediate command for those in affliction. Prayer is presented as the primary, God-ordained response to suffering. It implies a turning to God in supplication, seeking His comfort, strength, wisdom, or intervention, rather than succumbing to despair or seeking worldly solutions alone.
* **"Is any merry?":** This second rhetorical question introduces the contrasting scenario: times of joy, cheerfulness, or prosperity. James acknowledges that life is not solely characterized by hardship but also by seasons of gladness and blessing.
* **"let him sing psalms.":** For those experiencing joy, the prescribed response is to express that gladness through worship. "Singing psalms" refers to making melody and offering praise to God, often using the inspired songs of the Old Testament. This command emphasizes that joy should lead to thanksgiving and adoration of God, recognizing Him as the source of all good things.

#### Literary Devices
James 5:13 employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where two contrasting ideas are presented in parallel to highlight their opposition and the appropriate responses to each (affliction vs. merriment; prayer vs. singing psalms). This creates a clear, memorable structure for the instruction. The verse also uses **Rhetorical Questions** ("Is any among you afflicted?" "Is any merry?"), which engage the reader directly and prompt self-reflection before providing the immediate, prescriptive answers. This technique makes the teaching feel personal and universally applicable. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Didacticism**, as the verse functions as a direct instruction or teaching on proper Christian conduct and spiritual discipline. The concise, imperative nature of the commands ("let him pray," "let him sing psalms") underscores the authoritative and practical nature of James's counsel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 5:13 powerfully encapsulates the biblical principle that all of life's circumstances, whether difficult or delightful, are opportunities for communion with God. It teaches that our spiritual posture should always be God-ward, recognizing His sovereignty over both hardship and blessing. In affliction, prayer is not merely a coping mechanism but an an act of faith, acknowledging God's power to sustain, heal, or deliver. In joy, singing psalms is an act of worship, attributing all good gifts to Him and preventing self-congratulation or forgetfulness of His grace. This balanced approach to spiritual life ensures that believers remain dependent on God in all seasons, fostering a deep and abiding relationship with their Creator and Sustainer.

* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious")
* [Psalm 34:1-3](/psalm/34-1-3 "Psalm 34:1-3 - Magnify the Lord with Me")
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word Dwell Richly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 5:13 provides a timeless and profoundly practical guide for navigating the complexities of human experience. It challenges believers to cultivate a consistent habit of turning to God, regardless of their emotional or circumstantial state. When life brings trials, whether physical illness, emotional distress, financial hardship, or relational conflict, the immediate and primary response should be prayer. This is not a last resort but a first and faithful act of dependence on God's power and wisdom. Conversely, when life is abundant with joy, success, or peace, the response should be one of grateful praise and worship. This prevents joy from becoming self-serving or leading to spiritual complacency, instead channeling it into adoration for the Giver of all good things. The verse encourages a spiritual discipline that integrates every facet of life into our walk with God, fostering a continuous dialogue of supplication and thanksgiving. It reminds us that our circumstances do not dictate our spiritual access to God; rather, they serve as unique invitations to deepen our reliance on Him through prayer and to exalt Him through praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I instinctively turn to prayer when I am afflicted or facing a difficult situation, rather than seeking other solutions first?**
* **In times of joy and blessing, do I intentionally express my gratitude to God through praise and worship, or do I tend to attribute my happiness solely to my own efforts or circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more consistent habit of both prayer in affliction and praise in joy?**
* **How might a balanced practice of prayer and praise in all circumstances deepen my relationship with God and impact my overall spiritual well-being?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to be "afflicted" in this context, and why is prayer the prescribed response?**

Answer: To be "afflicted" (Greek: _kakopathéō_) in James 5:13 refers to experiencing any form of hardship, suffering, or trouble, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It's a broad term encompassing distress or adversity. Prayer is the prescribed response because it acknowledges God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him. It is an act of faith that brings our burdens before the One who has the power to comfort, strengthen, heal, or deliver. It aligns with the broader biblical teaching to cast our anxieties on Him, because [He cares for us](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Anxieties on Him"). Prayer is not just a plea for intervention but a means of drawing near to God in our weakness, finding solace and strength in His presence.

**Why is "singing psalms" the specific instruction for those who are "merry" or joyful?**

Answer: "Singing psalms" (Greek: _psállō_) is the instruction for those who are "merry" (Greek: _euthyméō_) because it is a divinely inspired means of expressing praise and thanksgiving to God. The Psalms, as the ancient hymnal of Israel, cover a vast range of human emotions and experiences, including profound joy and celebration. When we are joyful, the natural and spiritual response is to acknowledge the source of that joy. Singing psalms channels our happiness into worship, preventing us from becoming self-congratulatory or forgetting God's goodness. It's a communal and personal act that elevates our spirits and directs our gratitude toward the Creator, as encouraged in passages like [Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking to One Another in Psalms"). It ensures that our joy leads to glorifying God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 5:13, though a practical exhortation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself perfectly modeled both responses: fervent prayer in the deepest affliction and joyful praise in anticipation of God's glory. In His agony in Gethsemane, facing the cross, Jesus "prayed more earnestly" ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")), demonstrating that even the Son of God turned to the Father in His hour of greatest suffering. His life was a testament to prayer as the primary recourse in all circumstances. Conversely, Jesus also experienced profound joy, particularly in the Spirit, rejoicing that the Father had revealed truths to the humble ([Luke 10:21](/luke/10-21 "Luke 10:21 - Jesus Rejoices in the Spirit")). His ultimate act of praise was His willing obedience to the Father's will, which brought about salvation and eternal joy for humanity. Through His atoning work, Christ enables believers to truly pray in their affliction, knowing that He intercedes for them ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")), and to genuinely sing psalms in their merriment, for He is the source of all true and lasting joy ([John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Jesus' Joy Made Full")). In Christ, our prayers are heard, and our praises are accepted, making Him the perfect example and the ultimate enabler of the spiritual disciplines outlined in James 5:13.

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

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Jonah 2:2

And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, [and] thou heardest my voice.

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Acts 16:24

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

Acts 16:25

¶ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:6

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.