James 5 Study Notes

5:1-6 Oppressive landowners and people who put their trust in riches were commonly addressed in prophetic and apocalyptic speech, including by Jesus himself (e.g., Lk 6:24). People who use their wealth to oppress others may seem to go unpunished in this lifetime, but James warns that miseries are coming in the future judgment.

5:2-3 Wealth is often measured in terms of quality foods, clothes, and silver and gold. Besides referring to moth-eaten clothing, the phrase wealth has rotted could indicate that food is perishable and thus not a measure of lasting wealth. Technically speaking, gold and silver do not corrode; James’s statement about them corroding is paradoxical, emphasizing that even incorruptible commodities are destined to perish. Last days emphasizes the eschatological nature of the pronouncement against greed. Stored up (or hoarded) wealth will become the undoing of greedy persons.

5:4 In ancient times payment for work performed was due at the end of the workday. Greed motivated some landowners to withhold these wages. Withheld could be translated “defrauded.” Lord of Hosts is an OT reference to God as a warrior (1Ch 11:4-9; Is 2:12ff). The plight of the poor and oppressed worker is known to God.

5:5 The day of the Lord is described in the OT as a time of slaughter of God’s enemies. Indulging one’s passions is described here as fattening the heart.

5:6 Condemned is a legal term suggesting that the wealthy took land and wages through decisions rendered in dishonest courts. Who does not resist you (see 4:6) indicates the helplessness of the poor.

5:7-8 In light of the certainty of God’s coming judgment on their oppressors, James encouraged his audience to be patient and to await the Lord’s coming. The phrase strengthen your hearts is an expansion on “be patient,” signifying firm resolve in light of the coming of the Lord and in spite of trying circumstances.

5:9 To complain about one another constitutes being judgmental, already prohibited in 4:11-12. The immediacy of the Lord’s return brings judgment to the person who judges, just as it does for the oppressors.

5:10-11 By suffering and patience, James means suffering with patience or patience in hardship.

5:12 Do not swear is an exhortation to truthfulness, not a universal prohibition against oath-making (see Rm 1:9; 2Co 1:23; Gl 1:20: Php 1:8; 1Th 2:5,10, where Paul used oaths; cp. Mt 5:33-37).

5:13-14 James used a series of questions followed by commands as an effective way of exhorting the congregation to prayer and worship. Suffering in v. 13 is not a reference to physical illness; it is instead a spiritual burden caused by misfortune or poor choices. Elders, who functioned in various capacities in the early church, should anoint any sick person with oil and pray over him. Olive oil was considered a cure-all ointment in the ancient world, but for James the real healing power is in prayer.

5:15 The prayer of faith echoes 1:5-8. Save refers to physical healing. The Lord will raise him up does not indicate that death is at hand (v. 14), but that once healed by the power of God, the sick person could get up and walk (Mt 9:5-7; Mk 1:31; 2:9-12; 9:27; Ac 3:7). He will be forgiven indicates that perhaps the illness was connected with sin, and the prayers of the elders could bring spiritual healing as well.

5:16 Pray for one another echoes the prayers of the elders, and these should lead to both physical and spiritual healing (i.e., forgiveness). Prayer is not a magical incantation or a guarantee of healing, but when offered fervently by a righteous person, God will respond in a way that best fits his good purposes.

5:17-18 James cited a biblical personality, Elijah, who prayed effectively (see 1Kg 17:1; 18:41-46). The illustration is intended to encourage his audience that their prayers could lead to similar results.

5:19-20 James turned to the priority of reclaiming those who had strayed from the faith. Someone turns and whoever turns both reflect an effort to bring a straying believer back to an authentic Christian faith and lifestyle. Cover a multitude of sins probably refers to God’s forgiveness (see Ps 32:1; 85:2).