James 5:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 5:7 issues a profound call to steadfast endurance for believers, grounding this spiritual discipline in the certain hope of the Lord's return. Through the vivid analogy of a farmer patiently awaiting the harvest, the verse encourages a long-suffering perseverance in the face of trials and injustice, reminding the faithful that God's timing is perfect and His ultimate vindication is assured, much like the essential sequence of early and latter rains preceding the earth's precious fruit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 5:7 serves as a pivotal transition in the apostle's final exhortations. Immediately preceding this verse, James delivers a scathing indictment against the wealthy oppressors who have exploited the poor and lived in self-indulgent luxury ([James 5:1-6](/james/5-1-6 "James 5:1-6 - Woes to the Rich Oppressors")). Their condemnation is pronounced, and their judgment is declared imminent. Following this strong warning, James turns his attention to the suffering believers, urging them to exercise patience and endurance rather than despair or retaliate. The call to "Be patient therefore" directly connects to the injustices just described, implying that believers should not take matters into their own hands but trust in the Lord's ultimate intervention. This patience is further emphasized in the subsequent verses, which speak of the nearness of the Lord's coming ([James 5:8](/james/5-8 "James 5:8 - The Lord's Coming is Near")) and the example of the prophets' endurance ([James 5:10](/james/5-10 "James 5:10 - Example of the Prophets")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural metaphor employed in James 5:7 would have resonated deeply with its original audience, many of whom lived in an agrarian society. The success of their crops, and thus their very livelihood, depended entirely on the timely arrival of the "early" and "latter rain." The "early rain" (Hebrew: *yoreh*), typically falling in October-November, softened the ground for plowing and planting winter crops like wheat and barley. The "latter rain" (Hebrew: *malqosh*), occurring in March-April, was crucial for the final maturation of these crops before the harvest in May-June. Without both, the harvest would be meager or non-existent. This cycle instilled a deep sense of patient dependence on God's provision and timing, as farmers could prepare the soil and plant the seeds, but they could not control the rain. This cultural reality provided a powerful, relatable illustration of the kind of patient waiting and hopeful expectation that James encouraged among believers facing social and economic hardship.
* **Key Themes:** James 5:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of James and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Patience and Timing**, asserting that God operates on a sovereign timetable that often requires human perseverance rather than immediate gratification. Believers are called to align their expectations with God's perfect plan, trusting His wisdom even when circumstances are difficult. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Lord's Coming (Parousia)** as the ultimate motivation and anchor for this patience. The Greek term *parousia* (παρουσία), frequently used in the New Testament, refers to the glorious return of Jesus Christ, an event that promises ultimate vindication for the righteous and final judgment for the wicked ([1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Return")). This eschatological hope provides a compelling reason for steadfastness amidst present suffering. Lastly, the **Agricultural Metaphor** of the husbandman and the rain serves as a profound illustration of active, hopeful waiting, emphasizing that just as a farmer's labor and patience are prerequisites for a bountiful harvest, so too are a believer's faith and endurance essential for spiritual fruitfulness and the ultimate realization of God's promises ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **patient (Greek, _makrothyméō_):** From G3114, meaning "to be long-spirited, i.e. (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient." This term signifies more than passive waiting; it denotes a steadfast endurance that does not give up under pressure, provocation, or delay. It implies a willingness to suffer long, to bear wrongs patiently, and to remain hopeful despite extended periods of trial or unfulfilled desires. James uses this word to describe the active, resilient quality of faith required to navigate injustice and await God's intervention.
* **husbandman (Greek, _geōrgós_):** From G1092, meaning "a land-worker, i.e. farmer." This word identifies the central figure in James's analogy. The farmer is a relatable figure whose livelihood depends on a deep understanding of natural cycles and a profound reliance on external factors (like rain) beyond their control. Their work is characterized by diligent labor followed by a necessary period of patient waiting, illustrating the disciplined hope that believers are called to embody.
* **coming (Greek, _parousía_):** From G3952, meaning "a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ...)." In the New Testament, *parousía* specifically refers to the personal, visible, and glorious return of Jesus Christ. It is a term loaded with eschatological significance, pointing to the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan and the final establishment of His kingdom. This "coming" is the ultimate anchor for the believer's patience, providing the certainty of future vindication and justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord."**: This opening clause is a direct, pastoral exhortation to the Christian community. The imperative "Be patient" (μακροθυμήσατε) is a command for active, long-suffering endurance. The term "brethren" (ἀδελφοί) emphasizes the familial bond and shared experience of the community. The motivation for this patience is explicitly stated: "unto the coming of the Lord" (ἕως τῆς παρουσίας τοῦ Κυρίου), establishing an eschatological framework for their present trials. Their endurance is not aimless but fixed on a definite, future event—Christ's return.
* **"Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth,"**: James introduces a vivid analogy to illustrate the nature of this patience. "Behold" (ἰδοὺ) draws the reader's attention to this illustrative example. The "husbandman" (γεωργός), or farmer, is a figure universally understood to embody patience. He invests labor and time, then actively "waiteth" (ἐκδέχεται), or expects, the "precious fruit of the earth" (τὸν τίμιον καρπὸν τῆς γῆς). This "precious fruit" represents the valuable outcome of his efforts, which requires a season of growth and maturation.
* **"and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain."**: This final clause elaborates on the farmer's patience, emphasizing its duration and its dependence on natural processes. The farmer "hath long patience" (μακροθυμῶν) for the fruit, a reiteration of the same Greek word used for the believers' patience. This patience is maintained "until he receive the early and latter rain" (ἕως λάβῃ τὸν πρόϊμον καὶ ὄψιμον). These rains, vital for the crop's development, are beyond the farmer's control, yet he waits for them with confident expectation. This illustrates that the believer's patience is not passive resignation but an active, hopeful waiting for God's sovereign timing and provision, which will ultimately bring forth the desired spiritual harvest.

#### Literary Devices
James 5:7 skillfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Analogy/Simile**, where the spiritual discipline of patience for believers is directly compared to the practical patience of a farmer. This comparison makes the abstract concept of spiritual endurance tangible and relatable, drawing on a common experience of the audience. The farmer's waiting for the "precious fruit of the earth" and the "early and latter rain" serves as a vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of diligent labor followed by a necessary period of hopeful expectation. The phrase "Be patient therefore, brethren" functions as a direct **Exhortation**, a strong command from the apostle to his readers, underscoring the urgency and importance of this virtue. Furthermore, the repeated use of the Greek word *makrothyméō* (translated as "patient" and "long patience") demonstrates **Repetition**, reinforcing the central theme and emphasizing the quality of endurance required.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 5:7 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and eschatological hope. The call to patience is not merely a moral virtue but a theological posture that acknowledges God's ultimate control over time and events. Just as the farmer cannot hasten the rains or the harvest, believers cannot force God's hand or dictate His timing for justice and redemption. This verse underscores the Christian understanding that suffering and delay are not indicators of God's absence or indifference, but rather part of His unfolding plan, leading to a glorious culmination. It reminds us that our hope is not in immediate gratification or earthly vindication, but in the certain return of Christ, who will set all things right and bring forth the ultimate harvest of righteousness. This patient waiting cultivates trust, strengthens faith, and aligns the believer's perspective with God's eternal purposes.

* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Running with Endurance")
* [1 Peter 1:7](/1_peter/1-7 "1 Peter 1:7 - The Testing of Faith")
* [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Return and Reward")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that increasingly prizes instant gratification and immediate results, James 5:7 stands as a timeless challenge and comfort. It calls us to cultivate a deep, abiding patience that is rooted in our unwavering trust in God's perfect timing and His ultimate faithfulness. Whether we are enduring personal trials, waiting for prayers to be answered, or witnessing societal injustices, the farmer's example reminds us that true spiritual fruitfulness often requires a season of patient waiting and active perseverance. This is not a passive resignation to fate, but a hopeful endurance that continues to labor, pray, and trust, knowing that the Lord's coming is certain and His justice will prevail. Our patience becomes a testament to our faith, demonstrating that our hope is fixed not on fleeting circumstances, but on the unshakeable promise of Christ's return, when every tear will be wiped away and every wrong made right. This perspective empowers us to live with confident expectation, even when the harvest seems far off.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently being called to exercise patient endurance?**
* **How does the analogy of the farmer waiting for the early and latter rain speak to your understanding of God's timing versus your own?**
* **What specific actions can you take to cultivate a more active and hopeful patience in your daily walk with God?**
* **How does the certainty of the Lord's coming motivate and strengthen your resolve to be patient amidst present difficulties?**

### FAQ

**What does "the early and latter rain" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The "early and latter rain" refers to the two crucial rainy seasons in ancient Palestine that were essential for agriculture. The "early rain" (Hebrew: *yoreh*), typically falling in autumn (October-November), softened the ground for plowing and planting winter crops. The "latter rain" (Hebrew: *malqosh*), occurring in spring (March-April), was vital for the final maturation of these crops before the harvest. In James 5:7, these rains serve as a powerful metaphor for God's sovereign timing and provision. Just as the farmer patiently waits for these necessary rains, which are beyond his control, believers are called to patiently wait for God to act in His perfect time, especially in the context of the Lord's return and the ultimate harvest of justice and redemption. This agricultural cycle illustrates that certain outcomes depend on a divinely orchestrated sequence of events, requiring patient trust.

**Is the "coming of the Lord" in James 5:7 referring to the Second Coming of Christ?**

Answer: Yes, the "coming of the Lord" (Greek: *parousía tou Kyriou*) in James 5:7 overwhelmingly refers to the glorious Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The term *parousía* (G3952) in the New Testament is consistently used to describe Christ's personal, visible, and triumphant return to earth ([1 Thessalonians 4:15](/1_thessalonians/4-15 "1 Thessalonians 4:15 - The Lord's Parousia")). This event is the ultimate hope for believers, signifying the culmination of God's redemptive plan, the final judgment of the wicked, and the vindication of the righteous. James uses this eschatological certainty as the primary motivation for believers to endure patiently through trials and injustices, knowing that their ultimate reward and deliverance are tied to Christ's return ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Coming and Reward")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 5:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the promise of His glorious return but also in His very person and work. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of the patient "husbandman" who labored, sowed the seeds of the kingdom, and patiently awaited the "precious fruit" of human redemption. His first coming, marked by humility and suffering, was a patient waiting for the appointed time of His sacrifice on the cross, the ultimate act of bringing forth spiritual fruit for humanity ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - The Grain of Wheat")). Furthermore, Christ's patient endurance through His own trials, rejection, and crucifixion serves as the supreme example for believers, calling us to fix our eyes on "Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Our Example of Endurance")). Our ability to "be patient therefore" is not self-generated but flows from our union with Him, who empowers us by His Spirit to bear the "fruit of the Spirit," which includes "patience" ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, the "coming of the Lord" is not merely an external event to await, but the return of the One who has already demonstrated perfect patience and enables us to live patiently in anticipation of His full and final reign.

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

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.