Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Be patient {G3114} therefore {G3767}, brethren {G80}, unto {G2193} the coming {G3952} of the Lord {G2962}. Behold {G2400}, the husbandman {G1092} waiteth {G1551} for the precious {G5093} fruit {G2590} of the earth {G1093}, and hath long patience {G3114} for {G1909} it {G846}, until {G2193}{G302} he receive {G2983} the early {G4406} and {G2532} latter {G3797} rain {G5205}.
So, brothers, be patient until the Lord returns. See how the farmer waits for the precious “fruit of the earth” — he is patient over it until it receives the fall and spring rains.
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.
Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and latter rain.
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Hebrews 12:1
¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, -
Hebrews 12:3
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. -
James 5:8
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. -
James 5:9
Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. -
Joel 2:23
Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first [month]. -
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. -
Deuteronomy 11:14
That I will give [you] the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
Commentary on James 5:7
James 5:7 calls believers to a steadfast endurance, drawing a vivid parallel from the natural world to illustrate the spiritual discipline of waiting. This verse is a powerful exhortation to patience, particularly in the face of suffering and injustice, which James addresses throughout this chapter.
Context
In James chapter 5, the apostle James addresses several critical issues, including a stern warning to the wealthy who oppress the poor (James 5:1-6), and then transitions to encouraging suffering believers. He urges them not to complain against one another but to persevere, knowing that the Lord's coming is near. The immediate verses before James 5:7 detail the cries of the oppressed and the condemnation of those who live in luxury while exploiting others. Therefore, patience here is not passive waiting but active endurance in faith, trusting in God's ultimate justice and timing.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "patient" here is makrothymeō (μακροθυμέω), which means to be long-suffering, to bear wrongs patiently, or to endure. It implies a steadfastness that does not give up under pressure or provocation. This is not merely passive waiting but an active, hopeful endurance. The "coming of the Lord" is the Greek term parousia (παρουσία), which in the New Testament specifically refers to the glorious return of Christ.
Related Scriptures
The call to patience echoes throughout Scripture. Believers are encouraged to run the race with patience and endurance (Hebrews 12:1). The farmer's waiting for the harvest also reminds us of the necessity of abiding in Christ to bear spiritual fruit (John 15:5). Furthermore, the promise of the Lord's return is a consistent theme of hope for believers, providing a reason for steadfastness amidst trials, as seen in the testing of faith leading to praise and glory at Christ's appearing (1 Peter 1:7).
Practical Application
For believers today, James 5:7 offers profound encouragement. In a world that often demands instant gratification, this verse reminds us of the value of long-term perspective and trust in God's perfect timing. Whether facing personal trials, societal injustices, or simply waiting for prayers to be answered, we are called to exhibit the same patient endurance as the farmer. Our hope is not in immediate results but in the certain promise of Christ's return, when all things will be made right. This patience strengthens our faith and allows us to persevere with a confident expectation, knowing that God is at work, even when we cannot see the immediate outcome.