New International VersionNow listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.
New Living TranslationLook here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you.
English Standard VersionCome now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.
Berean Standard BibleCome now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.
Berean Literal BibleCome now, you rich, weep, wailing over the miseries that are coming upon you.
King James BibleGo to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
New King James VersionCome now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!
New American Standard BibleCome now, you rich people, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.
NASB 1995Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.
NASB 1977Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.
Legacy Standard BibleCome now, you rich, cry, howling over your miseries which are coming upon you.
Amplified BibleCome [quickly] now, you rich [who lack true faith and hoard and misuse your resources], weep and howl over the miseries [the woes, the judgments] that are coming upon you.
Christian Standard BibleCome now, you rich people, weep and wail over the miseries that are coming on you.
Holman Christian Standard BibleCome now, you rich people! Weep and wail over the miseries that are coming on you.
American Standard VersionCome now, ye rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you.
Contemporary English VersionYou rich people should cry and weep! Terrible things are going to happen to you.
English Revised VersionGo to now, ye rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationPay attention to this if you're rich. Cry and moan about the misery that is coming to you.
Good News TranslationAnd now, you rich people, listen to me! Weep and wail over the miseries that are coming upon you!
International Standard VersionNow listen, you rich people! Cry and moan over the miseries that are overtaking you.
NET BibleCome now, you rich! Weep and cry aloud over the miseries that are coming on you.
New Heart English BibleCome now, you rich, weep and cry aloud for your miseries that are coming on you.
Webster's Bible TranslationCome now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
Weymouth New TestamentCome, you rich men, weep aloud and howl for your sorrows which will soon be upon you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleCome now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.
World English BibleCome now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming on you. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionGo, now, you rich! Weep, howling over your miseries that are coming on [you];
Berean Literal BibleCome now, you rich, weep, wailing over the miseries that are coming upon you.
Young's Literal Translation Go, now, ye rich! weep, howling over your miseries that are coming upon you;
Smith's Literal TranslationCome on now, ye rich, weep, uttering loud cries of grief for the misfortunes coming upon you. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleGo to now, ye rich men, weep and howl in your miseries, which shall come upon you.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAct now, you who are wealthy! Weep and wail in your miseries, which will soon come upon you!
New American BibleCome now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries.
New Revised Standard VersionCome now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleO YOU rich men, weep and howl for the miseries which shall come upon you!
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishOh rich men, wail and weep over the miseries which are coming upon you! NT Translations Anderson New TestamentCome, now, you rich men, weep and lament for your miseries that are coming upon you.
Godbey New TestamentCome now, ye rich, weep mourning over your calamities which are coming on you.
Haweis New TestamentCOME now, ye rich men, let your tears run down, howling over your miseries which are coming upon you.
Mace New TestamentAs for you that are rich: weep, and lament the miserys that are falling upon you.
Weymouth New TestamentCome, you rich men, weep aloud and howl for your sorrows which will soon be upon you.
Worrell New TestamentCome now, ye rich, weep, howling over your miseries that are coming upon you!
Worsley New TestamentWeep now, ye rich men, and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Warning to the Rich1Comenow,you who arerich,weepand wailoverthemiseryto comeupon you.2Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes.…
Cross References Luke 6:24But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.
1 Timothy 6:9-10Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Matthew 19:23-24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. / Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Revelation 18:11-17And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— / cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; / of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves. ...
Proverbs 11:28He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.
Ezekiel 7:19They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will seem unclean. Their silver and gold cannot save them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetites or fill their stomachs with wealth, for it became the stumbling block that brought their iniquity.
Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
1 John 2:15-17Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.
Zephaniah 1:18Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the Day of the LORD’s wrath. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of His jealousy.” For indeed, He will make a sudden end of all who dwell on the earth.
Isaiah 2:20In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold—the idols they made to worship.
Luke 12:15-21And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...
Jeremiah 17:11Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10-14He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes? / The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep. ...
Mark 10:23-25Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” / And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! / It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Psalm 49:6-10They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. / For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice, ...
Treasury of Scripture Go to now, you rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come on you. Go. James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: ye. James 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. James 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Deuteronomy 8:12-14 Lestwhen thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelttherein; … weep. James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, andyour joy to heaviness. Isaiah 13:6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORDis at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Isaiah 22:12,13 And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: … Jump to Previous AloudBitterCryingHowlHowlingMiseriesMiseryRichSoonSorrowsTroublesWailWealthWeepWeepingYourselvesJump to Next AloudBitterCryingHowlHowlingMiseriesMiseryRichSoonSorrowsTroublesWailWealthWeepWeepingYourselvesJames 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.Come now,This phrase serves as a call to attention, urging the audience to listen carefully. It is a rhetorical device used to introduce a serious admonition. Similar language is found in prophetic literature, where prophets call people to heed God's message. you who are rich,
The term "rich" refers to those who possess material wealth and resources. In the biblical context, wealth is often associated with responsibility and potential spiritual danger. Jesus frequently warned about the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 19:23-24). The rich in this passage are likely those who have gained wealth unjustly or who prioritize it over spiritual matters. weep and wail
These expressions of lamentation are common in prophetic literature, symbolizing deep sorrow and repentance. The imagery is reminiscent of Old Testament prophets who called for mourning over sin and impending judgment (Joel 1:5,Isaiah 13:6). It suggests an urgent need for the rich to recognize their spiritual peril. over the misery to come upon you.
The "misery" indicates impending judgment or calamity. This could refer to both temporal consequences and eternal judgment. The Bible consistently warns that those who trust in riches rather than God will face dire outcomes (Luke 6:24-25,Revelation 18:17-19). The passage underscores the transient nature of wealth and the ultimate accountability before God. 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 with authority and pastoral concern. 2. The RichThe primary audience of this verse, representing those who have accumulated wealth, often at the expense of others. James addresses them directly, warning of impending judgment. 3. The Early ChurchThe broader context in which this letter was written, consisting of Jewish Christians facing various trials, including economic oppression by the wealthy. 4. JudgmentAn event implied in the text, where the rich will face consequences for their actions. This reflects a common biblical theme of divine justice. 5. MiseryThe condition that James warns will come upon the rich, indicating a future time of suffering and distress as a result of their actions. Teaching Points The Danger of WealthWealth in itself is not condemned, but the love of wealth and the unethical means of acquiring it are. Believers should examine their attitudes towards money and possessions. Call to RepentanceThe call to "weep and wail" is a call to repentance. Those who have wronged others in their pursuit of wealth should seek forgiveness and make restitution. Eternal PerspectiveChristians are encouraged to focus on eternal values rather than temporary wealth. This involves investing in relationships, acts of kindness, and spiritual growth. Social ResponsibilityWealth comes with responsibility. Believers are called to use their resources to help those in need and to promote justice and equity. Awareness of JudgmentThe reality of divine judgment should motivate believers to live righteously and to use their resources in ways that honor God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of James 5:1?
2.How does James 5:1 warn against placing trust in material wealth?
3.What consequences are described for the rich in James 5:1?
4.How can James 5:1 guide Christians in their financial decisions today?
5.Which other Scriptures warn against the dangers of wealth and greed?
6.How should believers prioritize spiritual over material wealth according to James 5:1?
7.What does James 5:1 mean by "weep and wail" for the rich?
8.How does James 5:1 challenge the pursuit of wealth?
9.What historical context influenced the message in James 5:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from James 5?
11.In James 5:1–3, why are the warnings against the rich not corroborated by historical evidence showing that many wealthy individuals also contributed positively to society?
12.Where should you store your true treasures?
13.What are the key teachings in the Book of James?
14.Why do many Christians ignore Jesus’ teachings about wealth and instead support prosperity gospel preachers?What Does James 5:1 Mean Come now- This opening summons is like a trumpet blast, demanding immediate attention. - James uses it elsewhere (James 4:13) to jolt readers out of complacency, much as the prophets did when declaring, “Hear this word” (Amos 3:1). - The direct address underscores that God’s Word speaks with absolute authority and expects a response today, not tomorrow (Hebrews 3:15).
You who are rich- James is not condemning wealth in itself—Abraham, Job, and Joseph of Arimathea were godly and wealthy—but the self-indulgent, hoarding rich whose treasure has replaced their trust in the Lord (1 Timothy 6:9-10). - Jesus gave the same warning: “Woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full” (Luke 6:24). - The verse targets those who gain riches by exploiting others (James 5:4) and refuse to regard themselves as stewards before God (Psalm 24:1).
Weep and wail- “Weep and wail” pictures loud, public lament typical of funeral mourning; James demands radical sorrow, not polite regret. - This echoes the prophets’ calls: “Howl, you who drink wine” (Joel 1:5) and “Weep and wail, shepherds” (Jeremiah 25:34). - Such grief signals genuine repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10) and recognizes that worldly riches cannot shield against divine judgment (Proverbs 11:4).
Over the misery to come upon you- The “misery” is certain, as sure as God’s promise that He “has fixed a day to judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31). - James points beyond temporary economic downturns to ultimate accountability when “each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). - Unbelieving rich face eternal ruin (Luke 12:20-21). Believing rich must heed the warning lest they drift into arrogance and be “saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:15). - The coming misery also foreshadows the Tribulation judgments where earthly wealth proves worthless (Revelation 6:15-17).
summaryJames 5:1 commands complacent, self-reliant rich people to wake up, grieve, and turn before God’s impending judgment falls. Wealth gained or kept without reference to God invites misery; eternal realities dwarf earthly fortunes. True wisdom is to hold riches loosely, steward them faithfully, and place ultimate trust in the Lord who will soon settle every account. (1) Go to now, ye rich.--As in James 4:3, it was "Woe to you, worldly," so now "Woe to ye rich: weep, bewailing"--literally, howling for your miseries coming upon you. Comp. Isaiah 13:6; Isaiah 14:31; Isaiah 15:3, where (in the LXX.) the same term is used;--a picture word, imitating the cry of anguish,--peculiar to this place in the New Testament. Observe the immediate future of the misery; it is already coming. Doubtless by this was meant primarily the pillage and destruction of Jerusalem, but under that first intention many others secondary and similar are included: for all "riches certainly make themselves wings" and fly away ( Proverbs 23:5). Calvin and others of his school fail to see in this passage an exhortation of the rich to penitence, but only a denunciation of woe upon them; in the sense, however, that all prophecy, whether evil or good, is conditional, there is sufficient room to believe that no irrevocable doom was pronounced by "a Christian Jeremiah." Verses 1-6. - DENUNCIATION OF THE RICH FOR (1) GRINDING DOWN THE POOR AND KEEPING BACK THEIR WAGES; (2) LUXURY; (3) MURDER. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek ComeἌγε(Age)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 71:A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.now,νῦν(nyn)Adverb
Strong's 3568:A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.[you who are]οἱ(hoi)Article - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.rich,πλούσιοι(plousioi)Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4145:Rich, abounding in, wealthy; subst: a rich man. From ploutos; wealthy; figuratively, abounding with.weepκλαύσατε(klausate)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2799:To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud.[and] wailὀλολύζοντες(ololyzontes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3649:To howl, lament loudly, cry aloud, bewail. A reduplicated primary verb; to 'howl' or 'halloo', i.e. Shriek.forἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theταῖς(tais)Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.miseryταλαιπωρίαις(talaipōriais)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5004:Hardship, misery, distress, toil. From talaiporos; wretchedness, i.e. Calamity.to comeἐπερχομέναις(eperchomenais)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1904:From epi and erchomai; to supervene, i.e. Arrive, occur, impend, attack, influence.upon you.ὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
Links James 5:1 NIVJames 5:1 NLTJames 5:1 ESVJames 5:1 NASBJames 5:1 KJV
James 5:1 BibleApps.comJames 5:1 Biblia ParalelaJames 5:1 Chinese BibleJames 5:1 French BibleJames 5:1 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: James 5:1 Come now you rich weep and howl (Ja Jas. Jam) |
