Jam 1:3-4 | RWP | e4.org | Knowing ( γινωσκοντες ). Present active participle of γινωσκω (experimental knowledge, the only way of getting this view of "trials" as "all joy"). The proof ( το δοκιμιον ). Now known (Deissmann, Bible Studies , pp. 259ff.) from the papyri examples of δοκιμιος as an adjective in the same sense (good gold, standard gold) as δοκιμος proved or tested ( ). The use of το δοκιμιον (neuter article with neuter single adjective) here and in , clearly means "the genuine element in your faith," not "crucible" nor "proving." Your faith like gold stands the test of fire and is approved as standard. James here, as in verse ; ; , regards faith ( πιστις ) like Paul "as the very foundation of religion" (Mayor). Worketh ( κατεργαζετα ). Present (durative) middle indicative of the compound verb with the perfective sense of κατα as in , which see. Patience ( υπομονην ). Old and common word for remaining under ( υπομενω ), "staying power" (Ropes), as in .

‏ James 1:3-4

Knowing ( γινωσκοντες ). Present active participle of γινωσκω (experimental knowledge, the only way of getting this view of "trials" as "all joy").

The proof ( το δοκιμιον ). Now known (Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 259ff.) from the papyri examples of δοκιμιος as an adjective in the same sense (good gold, standard gold) as δοκιμος proved or tested (Jas 1:12). The use of το δοκιμιον (neuter article with neuter single adjective) here and in 1Pe 1:7, clearly means "the genuine element in your faith," not "crucible" nor "proving." Your faith like gold stands the test of fire and is approved as standard. James here, as in verse 6; 2:1; 5:15, regards faith ( πιστις ) like Paul "as the very foundation of religion" (Mayor).

Worketh ( κατεργαζετα ). Present (durative) middle indicative of the compound verb with the perfective sense of κατα as in Php 2:12, which see.

Patience ( υπομονην ). Old and common word for remaining under ( υπομενω ), "staying power" (Ropes), as in Col 1:11.

Let have ( εχετω ). Present active imperative of εχω, let it keep on having.

Perfect ( τελειον ). See Ro 5:3f. for a like chain of blessings. Carry on the work to the end or completion (from τελος, end) as in Joh 17:4 ( το εργον τελειωσας, having finished the work).

That ye may be ( ινα ητε ). Purpose clause with ινα and present active subjunctive of ειμ. This is the goal of patience.

Perfect and entire ( τελειο κα ολοκληρο ). Perfected at the end of the task ( τελος ) and complete in all parts ( ολοκληρο, ολος whole and κληρος lot or part). "Perfected all over." These two adjectives often occur together in Philo, Plutarch, etc. See Ac 3:16 for ολοκληριαν (perfect soundness).

Lacking in nothing ( εν μηδεν λειπομενο ). Present passive participle of λειπω to leave. Negative statement of the preceding positive as often in James (cf. 1:6). There is now a digression (verses 5-8) from the discussion of πειρασμος, which is taken up again in verse 9. The word λειπομενο (lacking) suggests the digression.