James 5:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

James 5:13 provides straightforward guidance on how believers should respond to varying circumstances in life, focusing on prayer and praise as appropriate responses.

Context

This verse appears towards the end of the Epistle of James, a letter emphasizing practical Christian living and faith demonstrated through actions. Chapter 5 specifically addresses issues like the judgment of the rich, the importance of patience during suffering, and the power of prayer within the community of believers. Verse 13 serves as a concise summary of appropriate spiritual responses to both hardship and joy, linking directly to the subsequent discussion on prayer for the sick and confession of faults.

Key Themes

  • Prayer in Affliction: The verse instructs those who are suffering or facing difficulties to turn to prayer. This highlights prayer as the primary and immediate recourse for the believer in times of trouble, seeking God's comfort, strength, and intervention.
  • Praise in Joy: When experiencing periods of happiness or well-being ("merry"), the instruction is to sing psalms. This emphasizes that joy and good times should lead to worship and praise of God, acknowledging Him as the source of blessings.
  • Balanced Spiritual Life: The verse implicitly teaches that a healthy spiritual life involves communicating with God in all circumstances – calling on Him in distress and praising Him in prosperity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "afflicted" is kakopatheō (κακοπαθέω), which means to suffer hardship, endure affliction, or be in trouble. It speaks to experiencing difficult circumstances. The word translated "merry" is euthymeō (εὐθυμέω), meaning to be cheerful, in good spirits, or happy. The contrast is clear between experiencing hardship and experiencing joy, with distinct but equally spiritual responses prescribed.

Reflection and Application

James 5:13 offers a simple yet profound principle for the Christian walk: let your circumstances drive you to God. When facing hardships, the instruction is clear: let him pray. This isn't just a suggestion, but a directive to cast our cares upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). Likewise, in times of joy and gladness, the response is to sing psalms, offering praise and thanksgiving to God. This verse reminds us that every part of life is an opportunity for communion with God – through supplication in difficulty and through worship in happiness. It encourages a consistent habit of turning to God in all things.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 50:15 (30 votes)

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

  • Jonah 2:2 (15 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

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

  • Acts 16:24 (13 votes)

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

  • Acts 16:25 (13 votes)

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

  • Revelation 19:1 (11 votes)

    ¶ 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 (11 votes)

    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.