The Meaning of James 5:10 Explained

James 5:10

KJV: Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

YLT: An example take ye of the suffering of evil, my brethren, and of the patience, the prophets who did speak in the name of the Lord;

Darby: Take as an example, brethren, of suffering and having patience, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord.

ASV: Take, brethren, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spake in the name of the Lord.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Take,  my  brethren,  the prophets,  who  have spoken  in the name  of the Lord,  for an example  of suffering affliction,  and  of patience. 

What does James 5:10 Mean?

Verse Meaning

One could use just about any one of the Hebrew prophets as an example of patient endurance in suffering (cf. James 1:4).

Context Summary

James 5:1-11 - Patiently Await The Lord's Coming
There are many among the rich who are using money as a sacred trust. Not against these does the Apostle utter his terrible anathemas, but against those who make money by oppression and hoard it for their selfish ends. Riches, which have not been gotten righteously, ever bring a curse with them; and the rust of unused or misused wealth eats not only into the metal but into the miser's flesh. In the light of this passage, it is as great a wrong to hoard up for selfish ends money entrusted as a stewardship, as it is to obtain it unrighteously.
There is a sense in which the Lord is ever at hand and present. But He shall come again at the end of this age. Then all wrongs shall be righted and the oppressed avenged. Everything comes to him who can wait for it; do not judge the Lord by His unfinished work. Be patient till He unveils the perfected pattern in glory. Await the end of the Lord! [source]

Chapter Summary: James 5

1  Rich oppressors are to fear God's vengeance
7  We ought to be patient in afflictions, after the example of the prophets, and Job;
12  to forbear swearing;
13  to pray in adversity, to sing in prosperity;
14  to acknowledge mutually our several faults, to pray one for another;
19  and to correct a straying brother

Greek Commentary for James 5:10

For an example [υποδειγμα]
Late word for the old παραδειγμα — paradeigma from υποδεικνυμι — hupodeiknumi to copy under, to teach (Luke 6:47), here for copy to be imitated as in John 13:15, as a warning (Hebrews 4:11). Here predicate accusative with τους προπητας — tous prophētas (the prophets) as the direct object of λαβετε — labete (second aorist active imperative of λαμβανω — lambanō). [source]
Of suffering [της κακοπατιας]
Old word from κακοπατης — kakopathēs (suffering evil, κακοπατεω — kakopatheō in James 5:13; 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Timothy 2:9), here only in N.T.Of patience (μακροτυμιας — makrothumias). Like μακροτυμεω — makrothumeō in James 5:7. See both μακροτυμια — makrothumia and υπομονη — hupomonē in 2 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 1:11 (the one restraint from retaliating, the other not easily succumbing).In the name of As in Jeremiah 20:9. With the authority of the Lord (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 198). [source]
Of patience [μακροτυμιας]
Like μακροτυμεω — makrothumeō in James 5:7. See both μακροτυμια — makrothumia and υπομονη — hupomonē in 2 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 1:11 (the one restraint from retaliating, the other not easily succumbing). [source]
In the name of [εν τωι ονοματι]
As in Jeremiah 20:9. With the authority of the Lord (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 198). [source]
Example [ὑπόδειγμα]
See on 2 Peter 2:6. [source]
Of suffering affliction [κακοπαθείας]
Only here in New Testament. The word does not mean the endurance of affliction, but affliction itself. Hence, Rev., rightly, suffering. [source]
The prophets []
Compare Matthew 5:12. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for James 5:10

John 13:15 An example [υποδειγμα]
For the old παραδειγμα — paradeigma (not in N.T.), from υποδεικνυμι — hupodeiknumi to show under the eyes as an illustration or warning (Matthew 3:7), common in the papyri for illustration, example, warning, here only in John, but in James 5:10; 2 Peter 2:6; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:26. Peter uses τυποι — tupoi (1 Peter 5:3) with this incident in mind. In Judges 1:7 δειγμα — deigma (without υπο — hupo) occurs in the sense of example. That ye also should do Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the present active subjunctive of ποιεω — poieō (keep on doing). Doing what? Does Jesus here institute a new church ordinance as some good people today hold? If so, it is curious that there is no record of it in the N.T. Jesus has given the disciples an object lesson in humility to rebuke their jealousy, pride, and strife exhibited at this very meal. The lesson of the “example” applies to all the relations of believers with each other. It is one that is continually needed. [source]
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things [πάντα ὑπέδειξα ὑμῖν]
The verb means to shew by example. Thus, Luke 6:47, “I will shew you to whom he is like,” is followed by the illustration of the man who built upon the rock. So Acts 9:16. God will shew Paul by practical experience how great things he must suffer. The kindred noun ὑπόδειγμα is always rendered example or pattern. See John 13:15; James 5:10, etc.; and note on 2 Peter 2:6. Rev., correctly, In all things I gave you an example. [source]
Acts 20:35 I gave you an example [υπεδειχα]
First aorist active indicative of υποδεικνυμι — hupodeiknumi old verb to show under one‘s eyes, to give object lesson, by deed as well as by word (Luke 6:47). υποδειγμα — Hupodeigma means example (John 13:15; James 5:10). So Paul appeals to his example in 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philemon 3:17. Παντα — Panta is accusative plural of general reference (in all things). [source]
Colossians 1:11 According to the might of his glory [κατα το κρατος της δοχης αυτου]
Κρατος — Kratos is old word for perfect strength (cf. κρατεω κρατιλος — krateōεις πασαν υπομονην και μακροτυμιαν — kratilos). In N.T. it is applied only to God. Here his might is accompanied by glory (Shekinah). Unto all patience and longsuffering (υπομονη — eis pāsan hupomonēn kai makrothumian). See both together also in James 5:10.; 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 6:6; 2 Timothy 3:10. υπομενω — Hupomonē is remaining under (μακροτυμια — hupomenō) difficulties without succumbing, while makrothumia is the long endurance that does not retaliate (Trench). [source]
Colossians 1:11 Unto all patience and longsuffering [υπομονη]
See both together also in James 5:10.; 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 6:6; 2 Timothy 3:10. υπομενω — Hupomonē is remaining under (μακροτυμια — hupomenō) difficulties without succumbing, while makrothumia is the long endurance that does not retaliate (Trench). [source]
Colossians 3:12 As God‘s elect [ως εκλεκτοι του τεου]
Same phrase in Romans 8:33; Titus 1:1. In the Gospels a distinction exists between κλητος — klētos and εκλεκτος — eklektos (Matthew 24:22, Matthew 24:24, Matthew 24:31), but no distinction appears in Paul‘s writings. Here further described as “holy and beloved” The items in the new clothing for the new man in Christ Paul now gives in contrast with what was put off (Colossians 3:8). The garments include a heart of compassion (σπλαγχνα οικτιρμου — splagchna oiktirmou the nobler viscera as the seat of emotion as in Luke 1:78; Philemon 1:8), kindness (χρηστοτητα — chrēstotēta as in Galatians 5:22), humility (ταπεινοπροσυνην — tapeinophrosunēn in the good sense as in Philemon 2:3), meekness (πραυτητα — prautēta in Galatians 5:23 and in Ephesians 4:2 also with ταπεινοπροσυνη — tapeinophrosunē), long-suffering (μακροτυμιαν — makrothumian in Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:11; James 5:10). [source]
Hebrews 4:11 Let us therefore give diligence [σπουδασωμεν ουν]
Volitive subjunctive aorist of σπουδαζω — spoudazō old verb to hasten (2 Timothy 4:9), to be eager and alert (1 Thessalonians 2:17). The exhortation has a warning like that in Hebrews 4:1. That no man fall Negative purpose with ινα μη — hina mē and the second aorist active subjunctive of πιπτω — piptō to fall. After the same example of disobedience The unbelief is like that seen in the Israelites (Hebrews 3:12, Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 4:2). υποδειγμα — Hupodeigma is a late word from υποδεικνυμι — hupodeiknumi (Matthew 3:7) and means a copy (John 13:15; James 5:10). The Israelites set a terrible example and it is so easy to copy the bad examples. [source]
James 5:13 Is afflicted [κακοπαθεῖ]
See on the kindred word κακοπάθεια ,suffering, James 5:10. Only here and 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Timothy 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:5. [source]
James 5:7 Be patient therefore [μακροτυμησατε ουν]
A direct corollary First aorist (constative) active imperative of μακροτυμεω — makrothumeō late compound (Plutarch, lxx) from μακροτυμος — makrothumos On the exhortation to patience (υπομενω — hupomonē) see James 1:3., James 1:12 and repeated in James 5:11. They will need both submission (μακροτυμια — hupomenō James 5:11) and steadfastness (εως της παρουσιας — makrothumia James 5:10). [source]
James 5:13 Is any suffering? [κακοπατει τισ]
See James 5:10 for κακοπατια — kakopathia The verb in N.T. occurs only here and in 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Timothy 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:5. The lively interrogative is common in the diatribe and suits the style of James. [source]
2 Peter 2:6 The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah [πολεις Σοδομων και Γομορρας]
Genitive of apposition after πολεις — poleis (cities), though it makes sense as possessive genitive, for Judges 1:7 speaks of the cities around these two. The third example, the cities of the plain. See Genesis 19:24.Condemned them (κατεκρινεν — katekrinen). First aorist active indicative of κατακρινω — katakrinō still part of the protasis with ει — ei an overthrow (καταστροπηι — katastrophēi). Instrumental case or even dative like τανατωι — thanatōi with κατακρινω — katakrinō in Matthew 20:18. But Westcott and Hort reject the word here because not in B C Coptic.Having made them Perfect active participle of τιτημι — tithēmi example For which see James 5:10; John 13:15. Cf. 1 Peter 2:21.Unto those that should live ungodly (μελλοντων ασεβεσιν — mellontōn asebesin). Rather, “unto ungodly men of things about to be” (see Hebrews 11:20 for this use of μελλοντων — mellontōn). But Aleph A C K L read ασεβειν — asebein (present active infinitive) with μελλοντων — mellontōn = ασεβησοντων — asebēsontōn (future active participle of ασεβεω — asebeō), from which we have our translation. [source]
2 Peter 2:6 Having made them [τετεικως]
Perfect active participle of τιτημι — tithēmi example For which see James 5:10; John 13:15. Cf. 1 Peter 2:21.Unto those that should live ungodly (μελλοντων ασεβεσιν — mellontōn asebesin). Rather, “unto ungodly men of things about to be” (see Hebrews 11:20 for this use of μελλοντων — mellontōn). But Aleph A C K L read ασεβειν — asebein (present active infinitive) with μελλοντων — mellontōn = ασεβησοντων — asebēsontōn (future active participle of ασεβεω — asebeō), from which we have our translation. [source]

What do the individual words in James 5:10 mean?

[As] an example take brothers - of suffering evils and of patience the prophets who spoke in the name of [the] Lord
Ὑπόδειγμα λάβετε ἀδελφοί τῆς κακοπαθίας καὶ μακροθυμίας τοὺς προφήτας οἳ ἐλάλησαν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Κυρίου

Ὑπόδειγμα  [As]  an  example 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: ὑπόδειγμα  
Sense: a sign suggestive of anything, delineation of a thing, representation, figure, copy.
λάβετε  take 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: λαμβάνω  
Sense: to take.
ἀδελφοί  brothers 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀδελφός  
Sense: a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother.
τῆς  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
κακοπαθίας  of  suffering  evils 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: κακοπάθεια 
Sense: the suffering of evil, i.
μακροθυμίας  of  patience 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: μακροθυμία  
Sense: patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance.
προφήτας  prophets 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: προφήτης  
Sense: in Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things.
ἐλάλησαν  spoke 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἀπολαλέω 
Sense: to utter a voice or emit a sound.
ὀνόματι  name 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: ὄνομα  
Sense: name: univ.
Κυρίου  of  [the]  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.