James study section
James word studies
A handful of Greek words carry the theology of James. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.
Key words
πειρασμός (peirasmos): “Trial, Testing, Temptation”
Usage: James 1:2, 12-13
Meaning: A trial, test, or temptation, an outward hardship that tests faith, or an inward enticement to sin.
Theological Significance: The same word covers both the trials God allows to strengthen faith and the temptations that arise from our own desire. God tests to mature us but tempts no one; steadfastness under peirasmos leads to “the crown of life” (James 1:2-4, 12-14; 1 Peter 1:6-7).
ὑπομονή (hypomonē): “Steadfastness, Endurance”
Usage: James 1:3-4; 5:11
Meaning: Steadfastness, endurance, patient perseverance under pressure.
Theological Significance: The testing of faith produces hypomonē, which, allowed to have “its full effect,” makes believers “perfect and complete.” Endurance, seen in Job and the prophets, is the path to maturity and blessing (James 1:3-4; 5:11; Romans 5:3-4).
σοφία (sophia): “Wisdom”
Usage: James 1:5; 3:13, 17
Meaning: Wisdom: practical skill in godly living, the right application of truth to life.
Theological Significance: God gives sophia generously to those who ask in faith. True wisdom is “from above” (pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of good fruits) as opposed to the earthly wisdom that breeds disorder. It is shown “by his good conduct” (James 1:5; 3:13-17; Proverbs 2:6).
ἔργα (erga): “Works, Deeds”
Usage: James 2:14-26
Meaning: Works, deeds, actions, what one does.
Theological Significance: For James, erga are the necessary fruit and proof of living faith: “faith apart from works is dead.” He does not oppose Paul but complements him: true saving faith is a faith that works, as Abraham’s and Rahab’s did (James 2:17-26; Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 5:6).
γλῶσσα (glōssa): “Tongue”
Usage: James 1:26; 3:5-8
Meaning: Tongue: the physical organ, and by extension speech and its power.
Theological Significance: The glōssa, though small, is “a fire,” a “restless evil” that no one can fully tame, capable of great good or great destruction. Bridling the tongue is a central test of true religion and mature faith (James 1:26; 3:2-8; Matthew 12:36-37).
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