James 5:7
New International Version
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

New Living Translation
Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.

English Standard Version
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

Berean Standard Bible
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the earth, being patient for it until it receives the early and latter rains.

King James Bible
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

New King James Version
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.

NASB 1995
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.

NASB 1977
Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains.

Amplified Bible
So wait patiently, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits [expectantly] for the precious harvest from the land, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains.

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, brothers, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.

American Standard Version
Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and latter rain.

Contemporary English Version
My friends, be patient until the Lord returns. Think of farmers who wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains to make their valuable crops grow.

English Revised Version
Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and latter rain.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. See how farmers wait for their precious crops to grow. They wait patiently for fall and spring rains.

Good News Translation
Be patient, then, my friends, until the Lord comes. See how patient farmers are as they wait for their land to produce precious crops. They wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains.

International Standard Version
So be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious crop from his land, being patient with it until it receives the fall and the spring rains.

Majority Standard Bible
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord?s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil?how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.

NET Bible
So be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's return. Think of how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the ground and is patient for it until it receives the early and late rains.

New Heart English Bible
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Look, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain.

Webster's Bible Translation
Be patient, therefore, brethren, to the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receiveth the early and the latter rain.

Weymouth New Testament
Be patient therefore, brethren, until the Coming of the Lord. Notice how eagerly a farmer waits for a valuable crop! He is patient over it till it has received the early and the later rain.

World English Bible
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Be patient, then, brothers, until the coming of the LORD; behold, the farmer expects the precious fruit of the earth, being patient for it, until he may receive rain—early and latter;

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the earth, being patient for it until it receives the early and latter rains.

Young's Literal Translation
Be patient, then, brethren, till the presence of the Lord; lo, the husbandman doth expect the precious fruit of the earth, being patient for it, till he may receive rain -- early and latter;

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore be longsuffering, brethren, even to the arrival of the Lord. Behold, the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the earth, being longsuffering for it, even till he should receive the early and late rain.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth: patiently bearing till he receive the early and latter rain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, be patient, brothers, until the advent of the Lord. Consider that the farmer anticipates the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently, until he receives the early and the late rains.

New American Bible
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.

New Revised Standard Version
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But you, my brethren, be patient, until the coming of the LORD, just as the husbandman waits for the precious crops of his field, and has long patience for it, until he receives the early and the latter rain.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But you, my brethren, be patient until the coming of THE LORD JEHOVAH, like a farmer who waits for the precious crops of the ground; he is patient over them until he receives the early and late rain.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Be patient, therefore, brethren, till the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer looks for the precious fruit of the earth, and waits patiently for it, till he receives the early and the latter rain.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore, O brethren, suffer long, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer receives the precious fruit of the earth, waiting for it, until he may receive the former and latter rain:

Haweis New Testament
Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, in patient expectation for it, till it receives the former and the latter rain.

Mace New Testament
As for you, my brethren, bear your sufferings with constancy, till the advent of the Lord, the farmer, from the prospect of a golden crop, patiently expects the showers of the spring and the autumn.

Weymouth New Testament
Be patient therefore, brethren, until the Coming of the Lord. Notice how eagerly a farmer waits for a valuable crop! He is patient over it till it has received the early and the later rain.

Worrell New Testament
Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth; being patient over it, until it receives the early and latter rain.

Worsley New Testament
Wait patiently therefore, my brethren, till the coming of the Lord: behold the husbandman expecteth the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it, till he receive the former and the latter rain.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Patience in Suffering
6You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you. 7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil— how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. 8You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.…

Cross References
Matthew 24:13
But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Romans 8:25
But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:8-9
Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. / The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Revelation 14:12
Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints, who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Luke 21:19
By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.

1 Corinthians 1:7
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Hebrews 6:12
Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Psalm 37:7
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.


Treasury of Scripture

Be patient therefore, brothers, to the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Be patient.

Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Romans 2:7
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

Romans 8:24,25
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? …

unto.

James 5:8,9
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh…

Matthew 24:27,44
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be…

Luke 18:8
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

until.

Deuteronomy 11:14
That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.

Jeremiah 5:24
Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

Hosea 6:3
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

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Autumn Crop Eagerly Early Earth Farmer Fruit Husbandman Late Notice Patient Precious Produce Rain Rains Receive Received Receives Receiveth Spring Valuable Waiteth Waits
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Autumn Crop Eagerly Early Earth Farmer Fruit Husbandman Late Notice Patient Precious Produce Rain Rains Receive Received Receives Receiveth Spring Valuable Waiteth Waits
James 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.














Be patient, then, brothers
The phrase "Be patient" is derived from the Greek word "makrothumeo," which means to be long-suffering or to endure with a sense of calmness. In the context of James' epistle, patience is a virtue that believers are encouraged to cultivate, especially in the face of trials and injustices. The term "brothers" (Greek: "adelphoi") indicates a familial bond among believers, emphasizing unity and shared faith. Historically, the early Christian community faced persecution and hardship, making this exhortation particularly relevant. Patience is not passive resignation but an active trust in God's timing and justice.

until the Lord’s coming
The "Lord’s coming" refers to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ, known as the Parousia. This eschatological event is a cornerstone of Christian hope, promising the fulfillment of God's kingdom and the ultimate vindication of the faithful. The early church lived with an expectation of Christ's imminent return, which provided both comfort and motivation for holy living. Theologically, this phrase underscores the transient nature of earthly struggles in light of eternal glory.

See how the farmer waits
The imagery of the "farmer" (Greek: "georgos") is a powerful metaphor for patience and perseverance. In the agrarian society of the first century, farming was a common occupation, and the audience would have been familiar with the patience required in agriculture. The farmer's waiting is not idle; it involves diligent work and trust in the natural processes established by God. This analogy encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's provision and timing.

for the precious fruit of the soil
The "precious fruit" symbolizes the valuable outcomes of patience and faithfulness. In a spiritual sense, it represents the fruits of righteousness and the rewards of enduring faith. The soil, or "land" (Greek: "ge"), is a metaphor for the world in which believers labor and sow seeds of faith. The historical context of this phrase highlights the dependence on agriculture for survival, making the fruit not only precious but essential for life.

being patient about it
The repetition of the call to patience emphasizes its importance. The Greek word "makrothumeo" is again used, reinforcing the need for endurance. This patience is not passive but involves active waiting and trust in God's promises. The historical context of James' audience, who faced persecution and economic hardship, makes this exhortation particularly poignant. Patience is portrayed as a virtue that sustains believers through trials.

until it receives the early and late rains
The "early and late rains" refer to the seasonal rains in Palestine, crucial for a successful harvest. The early rains (autumn) soften the soil for planting, while the late rains (spring) mature the crops for harvest. This agricultural cycle is a metaphor for God's faithfulness and provision. In a spiritual sense, it signifies the necessary conditions for spiritual growth and maturity. Theologically, it assures believers that God will provide what is needed in His perfect timing, encouraging them to trust in His divine plan.

(7) Be patient.--The third, and last, part of the Letter commences here with these exhortations towards endurance.

Therefore--i.e., because of this your deep and abiding misery, be sure God's help is nigh:--

"The darkest hour is on the verge of day."

"Out of your stony griefs" build, like Jacob of old, a house of God (Genesis 28:19), whereunto you may run and find refuge. If there be wrath laid up in store for the oppressor, great is the coming peace of the oppressed.

The husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it . . . Be ye also patient.--It becomes you, the just, to bear with the unjust till God work the end of your trial, and prove them at the same time. Again and again, through several verses (James 5:7-11), St. James repeats his advice, emphasising it with various reasons: the nearness of deliverance; the Judge standing at the gate; the example of the prophets--persecuted by men, and therefore blessed of God; the hope of those who endure--Job for example: the very faithfulness and tender mercy of the Lord, bringing all things to a perfect end. Few ideas are more startling (is a reflection of Dr. Evans) than those produced by the strange combinations in Scripture. Matters are joined there which we mostly put asunder here, speaking of them, at least, as apart. And thus we read in the Revelation (James 1:9) of the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. But all Christians are citizens of a patient kingdom; the King thereof is more patient, as He hath greater need of patience than His subjects, and He is patient, because He is strong. Impatience is a sign of weakness. God can afford to wait, for His time is eternity. And we can be strong in His strength, and wait also in patience. In so far as St. James's hearers were earthly minded, they could not learn this lesson; so often with ourselves we would have our wrong righted instantly, and to the full. Only one view of life can alter this, viz., the lifting of our gaze from earth to heaven, remembering that "the time is short" (1Corinthians 7:29). . . .

Verses 7-20. - CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS

(1) TO PATIENCE (vers. 7-11);

(2) AGAINST SWEARING (ver. 12);

(3) TO PRACTICAL CONDUCT IN HEALTH AND IN SICKNESS (ver. 13, etc.). Verses 7-11. - Exhortation to patience. Verse 7. - Be patient therefore. In his concluding remarks St. James reverts to the point from which he started (comp. James 1:3, 4). Μακροθυμεῖν is here given a wider meaning than that which generally attaches to it. As was pointed out in the notes on James 1:3, it ordinarily refers to patience in respect of persons. Here, however, it certainly includes endurance in respect of things, so that the husbandman is said μακροθυμεῖν where we should rather have expected ὑπομενεῖν (cf. Lightfoot on Colossians 1:11). Unto the coming of the Lord (ἕως τῆς παρουσίας τοῦ Κυρίου); Vulgate, usque ad adventure Domiai. The word παρουσία ηαδ been used by our Lord himself of his return to judge, in Matthew 24:3, 27, 37, 39. It is also found in St. Paul's writings, only, however (in this sense), in Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8) and 1 Corinthians 15:23. St. Peter uses it in his Second Epistle (2 Peter 1:16; 3:4, 12), as does St. John (1 John 2:28). Behold, the husbandman, etc. Consideration, exciting to patience, drawn from an example before the eyes of all. Until he receive; better, taking γή as the subject of the verb, until it receive. The early and the latter rain. Υετόν of the Received Text has the authority of A, K, L, and the Syriac Versions; א (with which agree the Coptic and Old Latin, if), καρπόν. B and the Vulgate omit the substantive altogether. In this they are followed by most critical editors (e.g. Lachmann, Tischendorf, Tregelles, Westcott and Hort), but not by the Revisers; and as the expression, πρώιμον καὶ ὄψιμον, without the substantive, is never found in the LXX., it is safer to follow A and the Syriac in retaining ὑετόν here. (For "the early and the latter rain," comp. Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24; Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1.) "The first showers of autumn which revived the parched and thirsty soil and prepared it for the seed; and the later showers of spring which continued to refresh and forward both the ripening crops and the vernal products of the field" (Robinson, quoted in 'Dictionary of the Bible,' 2:994).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Be patient,
Μακροθυμήσατε (Makrothymēsate)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3114: From the same as makrothumos; to be long-spirited, i.e. forbearing or patient.

then,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

brothers,
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

until
ἕως (heōs)
Preposition
Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord’s
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

coming.
παρουσίας (parousias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3952: From the present participle of pareimi; a being near, i.e. Advent; physically, aspect.

See how
ἰδοὺ (idou)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400: See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

farmer
γεωργὸς (geōrgos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1092: From ge and the base of ergon; a land-worker, i.e. Farmer.

awaits
ἐκδέχεται (ekdechetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1551: To wait for, expect. From ek and dechomai; to accept from some source, i.e. to await.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

precious
τίμιον (timion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5093: Of great price, precious, honored.

fruit
καρπὸν (karpon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2590: Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

soil—
γῆς (gēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

how patient he is
μακροθυμῶν (makrothymōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3114: From the same as makrothumos; to be long-spirited, i.e. forbearing or patient.

for
ἐπ’ (ep’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[the fall]
πρόϊμον (proimon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4406: Dawning, early. From proi; dawning, i.e. autumnal.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[spring rains].
ὄψιμον (opsimon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3797: Late, latter. From opse; later, i.e. Vernal.


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NT Letters: James 5:7 Be patient therefore brothers until the coming (Ja Jas. Jam)
James 5:6
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