James 1:11

Rejoicing in Trials · James 1:2–12
Read James 1

Translations

Modern
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Traditional
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.
Literal
For the sun rose with its burning heat and withered the grass, and its flower fell, and the beauty of its appearance perished. Thus also the rich man will fade away in his pursuits.
Latin
…exortus est enim sol cum ardore, et arefecit fœnum, et flos ejus decidit, et decor vultus ejus deperiit: ita et dives in itineribus suis marcescet.

Original

Greek
English
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Notes

James writes often about poverty and wealth in his letter (compare chapter 2; 4:13–5:11). When James talks about poor believers, he does not promise that they will become rich in this life. Instead, he teaches that God will reverse their situation in heaven.

Theme notes and profiles

James, Brother of Jesus

Parallels

Philippians 1:12–20

Glossary

Letter of James

Topics

America Death: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Flowers: Rich Men Grass: Figurative Life: Brevity and Uncertainty of Riches: Cannot Secure Prosperity The Rich: General Scriptures Concerning The Sun: The Rays of Wither and Burn up the Herbs of the Field