James 5:11

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Behold {G2400}, we count them happy {G3106} which endure {G5278}. Ye have heard {G191} of the patience {G5281} of Job {G2492}, and {G2532} have seen {G1492} the end {G5056} of the Lord {G2962}; that {G3754} the Lord {G2962} is {G2076} very pitiful {G4184}, and {G2532} of tender mercy {G3629}.

Look, we regard those who persevered as blessed. You have heard of the perseverance of Iyov, and you know what the purpose of Adonai was, that Adonai is very compassionate and merciful.

See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful.

Commentary

James 5:11 (KJV) offers profound encouragement to believers facing adversity, drawing a powerful lesson from the Old Testament figure Job. This verse highlights the blessed outcome of perseverance and reveals the compassionate nature of God.

Context

This verse is part of James's broader exhortation to believers regarding practical Christian living, particularly in the face of trials and suffering. Chapters 4 and 5 deal with issues like pride, wealth, patience, prayer, and healing. James specifically addresses those who are suffering (James 5:10), urging them to exercise patience, much like a farmer waits for his harvest (James 5:7). The example of Job serves as a historical and spiritual anchor for this teaching on endurance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Blessing of Endurance: James declares that those who "endure" (Greek: hypomenō, meaning to remain under, to persevere, to bear up under trials) are counted "happy" or blessed. This isn't a superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual well-being that comes from trusting God through difficulty. It emphasizes that true spiritual strength is forged in the crucible of tribulation.
  • The Patience of Job: The patriarch Job is presented as the quintessential example of perseverance. Despite immense personal loss, physical agony, and the misguided counsel of his friends, Job maintained his integrity and trust in God, even when he didn't understand why he was suffering. His story, detailed in the Book of Job, is a testament to unwavering faith.
  • The "End of the Lord": This phrase refers to the ultimate outcome or purpose God brought about in Job's life, not the end of time. It speaks to God's intervention and restoration after Job's period of suffering. It reassures believers that God is actively involved and brings about a redemptive conclusion to their trials.
  • God's Compassion and Mercy: The ultimate takeaway from Job's experience, according to James, is a profound revelation of God's character. The Lord is described as "very pitiful" (Greek: polysplanchnos, meaning having much compassion, literally 'many bowels', referring to the seat of emotions) and "of tender mercy" (Greek: oiktirmōn, meaning merciful, compassionate). This emphasizes God's deep empathy and His willingness to show grace and kindness, especially to those who suffer. This echoes the Old Testament declarations of God's character, such as in Psalm 103:8.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "patience" concerning Job is hypomonē, which signifies not merely passive waiting but active, steadfast endurance under pressure. It implies remaining firm and constant, rather than succumbing or fleeing. The terms "pitiful" (polysplanchnos) and "tender mercy" (oiktirmōn) powerfully convey God's deep emotional connection and benevolent disposition towards humanity, especially in affliction. It highlights a God who is not distant or indifferent but intimately concerned with His children's well-being.

Practical Application

James 5:11 serves as a powerful reminder that enduring trials is not in vain. It encourages believers to look beyond immediate suffering to the ultimate purpose and compassionate character of God. When facing difficulties, we are called to:

  • Embrace Perseverance: Understand that spiritual maturity and blessing often come through patiently enduring hardship, knowing that endurance produces character and hope.
  • Trust God's Outcome: Just as God had a redemptive "end" for Job, we can trust that God is working all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
  • Rest in God's Character: Take comfort in the knowledge that our Lord is deeply compassionate and merciful, not harsh or punitive. He understands our pain and provides grace to overcome.
This verse offers hope and a solid foundation for faith, assuring us that God's love and mercy are constant, even in the midst of life's greatest storms.

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Cross-References

  • James 1:12 (18 votes)

    Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

  • Job 1:21 (17 votes)

    And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

  • Job 1:22 (17 votes)

    In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

  • Exodus 34:6 (17 votes)

    And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

  • Isaiah 55:6 (14 votes)

    ¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

  • Isaiah 55:7 (14 votes)

    Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

  • Matthew 5:10 (13 votes)

    Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.