New International VersionLet perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
New Living TranslationSo let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
English Standard VersionAnd let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Berean Standard BibleAllow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Berean Literal BibleAnd let endurance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
King James BibleBut let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
New King James VersionBut let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
New American Standard BibleAnd let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
NASB 1995And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
NASB 1977And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd let perseverance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Amplified BibleAnd let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.
Christian Standard BibleAnd let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
American Standard VersionAnd let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.
Contemporary English VersionBut you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.
English Revised VersionAnd let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationEndure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won't need anything.
Good News TranslationMake sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
International Standard VersionBut you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
NET BibleAnd let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.
New Heart English BibleLet endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Weymouth New TestamentOnly let endurance have perfect results so that you may become perfect and complete, deficient in nothing. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAllow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
World English BibleLet endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand let the endurance have a perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Berean Literal BibleAnd let endurance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Young's Literal Translation and let the endurance have a perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire -- in nothing lacking;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd let patience have a perfect work, that ye be perfect and entire, being left behind in nothing. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd patience hath a perfect work; that you may be perfect and entire, failing in nothing.
Catholic Public Domain Versionand patience brings a work to perfection, so that you may be perfect and whole, deficient in nothing.
New American BibleAnd let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
New Revised Standard Versionand let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd let patience be a perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut patience will have a complete work for itself that you would be perfected and complete, and that you would be lacking nothing. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut let patience have its work perfected, that you may be perfect and faultless, wanting in nothing.
Godbey New Testament But let endurance have its perfect work, in order that you may be perfect and whole in every part, lacking in nothing.
Haweis New Testament But let patience have its work perfected, that ye may be perfect and complete, deficient in nothing.
Mace New Testament but constancy should be brought to its perfection, that you may be entirely accomplished, without any defect.
Weymouth New Testament Only let endurance have perfect results so that you may become perfect and complete, deficient in nothing.
Worrell New Testament And let patience have a perfect work; that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.
Worsley New Testament but let patience haveit's perfect work, that ye may be entirely perfect, failing in nothing.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Rejoicing in Trials… 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Allowperseveranceto finishits work,so thatyou may bematureandcomplete,not lackinganything.5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.…
Cross References Romans 5:3-4Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Philippians 1:6being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 10:36You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
1 Peter 1:6-7In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; / and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; / and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ...
Colossians 1:11being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully
1 Thessalonians 5:23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.
Matthew 5:48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
2 Corinthians 12:9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
1 Corinthians 13:10but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away.
2 Timothy 3:17so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 12:1-2Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 John 4:18There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.
Job 23:10Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Treasury of Scripture But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. let. James 5:7-11 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… Job 17:9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. Psalm 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. perfect and. James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the sameis a perfect man,and able also to bridle the whole body. Proverbs 4:8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. wanting. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to allmen liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Jump to Previous CompleteDeficientEffectEnduranceEntireFinishFullLackingMatureNeedingPatiencePerfectPerseverancePowerResultResultsSteadfastnessWantingWorkJump to Next CompleteDeficientEffectEnduranceEntireFinishFullLackingMatureNeedingPatiencePerfectPerseverancePowerResultResultsSteadfastnessWantingWorkJames 1 1.James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;2.exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;5.to ask patience of God;13.and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,19.but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.26.Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.Allow perseverance to finish its workPerseverance, or steadfastness, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with enduring trials and maintaining faith. In the context of James, perseverance is seen as a necessary process for spiritual growth. The Greek word for perseverance, "hypomonē," implies a patient endurance under trials. This concept is echoed in Romans 5:3-4, where suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. The idea is that perseverance is not passive but active, requiring believers to remain faithful and obedient despite challenges. Historically, the early Christian community faced persecution, making perseverance a vital trait for maintaining their faith. so that you may be mature and complete The goal of perseverance is spiritual maturity and completeness. The Greek word for mature, "teleios," suggests reaching an intended end or purpose. This maturity is not just about age or experience but about becoming fully developed in character and faith. Completeness, or "holoklēros," implies wholeness, lacking nothing necessary for spiritual life. This reflects the biblical principle of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). The process of becoming mature and complete is a lifelong journey, emphasizing the importance of continual growth in faith and understanding. not lacking anything This phrase underscores the sufficiency found in spiritual maturity. When believers allow perseverance to complete its work, they find themselves equipped with everything needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). The idea of lacking nothing is reminiscent ofPsalm 23:1, where the Lord as Shepherd ensures that His followers have all they need. In a cultural context, this would have been a powerful assurance to early Christians who often faced material and social deprivation. Spiritually, it points to the fullness found in Christ, who provides for every need according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Persons / Places / Events 1. JamesThe author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations. 2. Jewish ChristiansThe primary audience of the letter, who were experiencing trials and persecution, prompting James to address issues of faith, perseverance, and practical Christian living. 3. Early ChurchThe context in which James writes, characterized by growth, persecution, and the need for strong teaching on living out the Christian faith. Teaching Points The Role of PerseverancePerseverance is not just enduring trials but allowing them to shape and refine our character. It is an active process that requires our cooperation with God's work in us. Spiritual MaturityThe goal of perseverance is to bring us to maturity in Christ. This maturity is characterized by completeness and lacking nothing, indicating a well-rounded and robust faith. Trusting God's ProcessTrust that God uses trials to develop our faith. This trust is rooted in the understanding that God is sovereign and works all things for our good. Practical FaithJames emphasizes a faith that is lived out in practical ways. Perseverance in trials is a demonstration of genuine faith that impacts how we live daily. Community SupportEncourage one another in the faith journey. The early church context reminds us of the importance of community in persevering through trials. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from James 1
What are the key teachings in the Book of James?
What are the key themes in the Book of James?
How can your joy be made complete?
How can endurance strengthen your faith and character?(4) Let patience have her perfect work.--Do not think the grace will come to its full beauty in an hour. Emotion and sentiment may have their place in the beginning of a Christian career, but the end thereof is not yet. Until the soul be quite unmoved by any attack of Satan, the work cannot be deemed "perfect." The doctrine is not mere quietism, much less one of apathy, but rather this, that the conscious strength of patient trust in God is able to say at all times (comp. Psalm 63:8)-- "My soul hath followed hard on Thee; Thy right hand hath upholden me." And if in this patience we can learn to possess our souls (Luke 21:19) the perfect work of God will be wrought within us. That ye may be perfect and entire (or,complete).--A special proof herein for religious people may be taken with regard to temper. Few trials are harder; and sweetness of disposition often melts away from physical causes, such as ill-health or fatigue. But the great test remains; and it is one which the world will ever apply with scorn to the nominally Christian, refusing to admit the claims of saintliness on the part of any whose religion is not of the household as well as the Church. The entirety and completeness of the life hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3) are manifested most by self-restraint. Wanting nothing.--The older version, "lacking," found in Tyndale, Cranmer, and the Genevan Bible seems decidedly better. Here is no wish that the faithful should be free from care, heeding nothing; but rather that their whole lives might be without fault or flaw: a perfect sacrifice, as it were, offered up to God. And this idea is confirmed by reflecting on the original meaning of the word translated "entire" above in the Authorised version=complete,i.e.,as an offering, with no blemish. . . . Verse 4. - Patience alone is not sufficient. It must have scope given it for its exercise that it may have its "perfect work." That ye may be perfect ( ἵνα ῆτε τέλειοι); cf. Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect." Both τέλειος and ὁλόκληρος were applied to the initiated, the fully instructed, as opposed to novices in the ancient mysteries; and as early as 1 Corinthians 2:6, 7 we find τέλειος used for the Christian who is no longer in need of rudimentary teaching, and possibly this is the thought here. The figure, however, is probably rather that of the full-grown man. Τέλειοι, equivalent to "grown men" as opposed to children; ὁλόκληροι, sound in every part and limb (cf. ὁλοκληρίαν in Acts 3:16). From this τέλειος assumes a moral-complexion, that which has attained its aim. Compare its use in Genesis 6:9 and Deuteronomy 18:13, where it is equivalent to the Latin integer vitae, and the following passage from Stobaeus, which exactly serves to illustrate St. James's thought in vers. 4 and 5, Τὸν ἀγαθὸν ἄνδρα τέλειον εϊναι λέγουσιν, διὰ τὸ μηδεμίας ἀπολείπεσθαι ἀρετῆς The "perfection" which is to be attained in this life may be further illustrated from Hebrews 12:23 - a passage which is often misunderstood, but which undoubtedly means that the men were made perfect ( πνεύμασιδικαίων τετελειωμένων), and that not in a future state, but here on earth, where alone they can be subject to those trials and conflicts by the patient endurance of which they are perfected for a higher state of being. The whole passage before us (vers. 2-6) affords a most remarkable instance of the figure called by grammarians anadiplosis, the repetition of a marked word at the close of one clause and beginning of another. "The trial of your faith worketh patience; but let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. But if any man lack wisdom, let him ask of the giving God... and it shall be given him; but let him ask in faith, nothing doubting, for he that doubteth," etc.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Allowἐχέτω(echetō)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.perseveranceὑπομονὴ(hypomonē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 5281:Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.to finishτέλειον(teleion)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 5046:From telos; complete; neuter completeness.[its] work,ἔργον(ergon)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 2041:From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.you may beἦτε(ēte)Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.matureτέλειοι(teleioi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 5046:From telos; complete; neuter completeness.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.complete,ὁλόκληροι(holoklēroi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3648:Complete in every part, sound, perfect, entire. From holos and kleros; complete in every part, i.e. Perfectly sound.[not] lackingλειπόμενοι(leipomenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3007:A primary verb; to leave, i.e. to fail or be absent.[anything].μηδενὶ(mēdeni)Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 3367:No one, none, nothing.
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NT Letters: James 1:4 Let endurance have its perfect work that (Ja Jas. Jam) |