James 5:11-13
English Standard Version
11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of (A)the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen (B)the purpose of the Lord, how (C)the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
12 But above all, my brothers, (D)do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
The Prayer of Faith
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him (E)sing praise.
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James 5:11-13
New King James Version
11 Indeed (A)we count them blessed who (B)endure. You have heard of (C)the perseverance of Job and seen (D)the end intended by the Lord—that (E)the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
12 But above all, my brethren, (F)do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into [a]judgment.
Meeting Specific Needs(G)
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him (H)pray. Is anyone cheerful? (I)Let him sing psalms.
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- James 5:12 M hypocrisy
James 5:11-13
New American Standard Bible
11 We count those (A)blessed who endured. You have heard of (B)the [a]endurance of Job and have seen (C)the [b]outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that (D)the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
12 But above all, (E)my brothers and sisters, (F)do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but [c]your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you do not fall under judgment.
13 Is anyone among you (G)suffering? (H)Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to (I)sing praises.
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- James 5:11 Or steadfastness
- James 5:11 Lit end of the Lord
- James 5:12 Lit yours is to be yes, yes, and no, no
James 5:11-13
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
11 Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because “the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”(A)
12 (B)But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No,” that you may not incur condemnation.[a]
IV. The Power of Prayer
Anointing of the Sick. 13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise.
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- 5:12 This is the threat of condemnation for the abuse of swearing oaths (cf. Mt 5:33–37). By heaven or by earth: these words were substitutes for the original form of an oath, to circumvent its binding force and to avoid pronouncing the holy name of God (see Ex 22:10).
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Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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