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Patience in Suffering

So be patient, brothers and sisters,[a] until the Lord’s return.[b] Think of how the farmer waits[c] for the precious fruit of the ground and is patient[d] for it until it receives the early and late rains. You also be patient and strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s return is near. Do not grumble against one another, brothers and sisters,[e] so that you may not be judged. See, the judge stands before the gates![f] 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers and sisters,[g] take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name. 11 Think of how we regard[h] as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and you have seen the Lord’s purpose, that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.[i]

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Footnotes

  1. James 5:7 tn Grk “brothers”; this phrase occurs again three times in the paragraph. See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:2.
  2. James 5:7 tn Or “advent”; or “coming” (also in v. 8).
  3. James 5:7 tn Grk “Behold! The farmer waits.”
  4. James 5:7 tn Grk “being patient.”
  5. James 5:9 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:2.
  6. James 5:9 sn The term gates is used metaphorically here. The physical referent would be the entrances to the city, but the author uses the term to emphasize the imminence of the judge’s approach.
  7. James 5:10 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:2.
  8. James 5:11 tn Grk “Behold! We regard…”
  9. James 5:11 sn An allusion to Exod 34:6; Neh 9:17; Pss 86:15; 102:13; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2.

Courageous patience

Therefore, brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the coming of the Lord. Consider the farmer who waits patiently for the coming of rain in the fall and spring, looking forward to the precious fruit of the earth. You also must wait patiently, strengthening your resolve, because the coming of the Lord is near. Don’t complain about each other, brothers and sisters, so that you won’t be judged. Look! The judge is standing at the door!

10 Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of patient resolve and steadfastness. 11 Look at how we honor those who have practiced endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job. And you have seen what the Lord has accomplished, for the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

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