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ERIN KING
&
WHITNEY ELDRIDGE
We believe correct Biblical interpretation is vital to Biblical literacy. We feel it is our calling and
responsibility to share the truth we have learned from our personal experiences, the wisdom of
Godly teachers, and most importantly, from God’s Word. We want this to be a safe place to
learn, ask questions, and delve deep into the love of God that He wants to show us through the
Bible.
Before beginning, we want to challenge you to think about your own experiences with the Bible.
● What is your background with the Church? Were you brought up around other believers?
Have you only recently come to hear about Jesus, God or the Holy Spirit?
● Do you have negative experiences related to Bible study, such as guilt or shame? What
programs, classes or devotions have you participated in in the past? How did you feel
about them?
● What have you had difficulty understanding in the past? What do you hope to gain from
this study?
We want you to enjoy this study, but also grow in your relationship and understanding of God
along the way. It will take intent, and you may get discouraged, but scripture calls us to
encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13), bear each other's’ burdens (Galatians 6:2), and build
one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
God’s Word is always relevant. We don’t have all the answers, but we want to provide a place
where you can seek truth with others and really start to grasp God’s Word. You are an
intentional part of His plan, and we hope through this study you will gain better confidence in
understanding God’s Word and find a community of believers who have the same desire.
Erin & Whitney
Quick References
Apocrypha – Religious literature written during Biblical times but excluded from the Old or New
Testament canon. (e.g. parts of the Catholic Bible)
Commentary – A set of explanation and interpretations of a Biblical text; usually a book, and usually
discussing one book of the Bible.
Technical Commentary – A commentary based on Biblical research with a focus on the text in the
original language.
Concordance – A study tool detailing all English words in the Bible, where each is found in scripture, and
containing an entry with information on the Greek or Hebrew word from which they were translated.
Dictionary of Old/New Testament Theology – A study tool that works in conjunction with a
concordance to further discuss the semantic range and the historical and literary context of Biblical words.
Dynamic Equivalence – A method of translation that focuses primarily on preserving the readability and
impact of the original text than grammatical and literary structure. Also known as thought for thought
translation.
Eisegesis – the interpretation of a text (as of the Bible) by reading into it one's own ideas.
Formal Equivalence – A method of translation that focuses primarily on the grammatical structure of the
original text than the readability and impact for modern readers. Also known as word for word translation.
Hermeneutics – the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible).
Interlinear translation – A word for word translation of a Biblical text printed on the same page as the
text in the original language on alternating lines.
Paraphrase – A version of the Bible that is reworded from an English translation instead of translated
from the original Hebrew or Greek.
Pseudepigrapha – Religious literature written by an anonymous author, using the name of a famous
Biblical character or author to gain credibility. Pseudepigraphal books are not included in the Biblical
canon. (e.g. the Gospel of Thomas)
Septuagint (LXX) – A second century B.C. translation of the Old Testament into Greek. This translation
was familiar to New Testament authors and is quoted several times in the New Testament.
Word Study – A study of the semantic range, historical context, and theological implications of a Greek
or Hebrew word.
Resources
General
Grasping God’s Word – J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays
A basic overview of Biblical interpretation principles.
Study Tools
The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance – Edward W. Goodrick and John R. Kohlenberger III
A study tool detailing all English words in the Bible, where each is found in scripture, and
containing an entry with information on the Greek or Hebrew word from which they were
translated.
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology – Verlyn D. Verbrugge, editor
A study tool that works in conjunction with a concordance to further discuss the semantic range
and the historical and literary context of Biblical words.
Zondervan Dictionary of Bible and Theology Words - Matthew S. DeMoss and J. Edward Miller
A quick reference containing concise definitions for more than 1,700 common Biblical and
Theological terms.
Commentaries
Teach the Text Commentary Series - Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton, general editors
An easy to understand and user friendly commentary series based on Biblical research and
study, particularly helpful with providing teaching points and illustrations.
Tyndale Commentary Series - D.J. Wiseman, OT editor; Canon Leon Morris, NT editor
Concise commentaries based on research, providing much insight into historical, cultural
and literary context.
Week 1
Why do we need to interpret the Bible?
We all view the Bible through our own lens, or perspective. This perspective makes a huge
difference in the way we relate to and interpret what we are reading in the Bible. Here are some
common examples:
● Jonah in the Fish – We picture him as standing up, walking around, but we get that
image from Pinnochio, or illustrations we have seen as children.
● Ethiopian Christmas Story – We often picture Mary and Joseph alone in the barn or
stable. Other cultures picture a large group of family members accompanying them
to Bethlehem.
● List examples you have experienced:
Organizations like Biblical Families, (which promotes polygamy), and other organizations with
unbiblical beliefs, prove this lens perspective to be true. They believe they are interpreting
rightly the Word of God. Humanly, we like to make the Bible support what we want it to say ...
and we like to ignore the things that don’t.
Example: A.J. Jacobs in, "The Year of Living Biblically," followed all of the Bible's
commands literally for one year. His experiment proves that while we may say we don't
"cherry pick" scripture, we do.
So, are we interpreting scripture based on sound Biblical interpretation, or based on tradition
and our own preferences (our lens)?
Whether we want to admit it or not, we all "pick and choose" what we are going to pay attention
to in the Bible. Examples:
● “Do not wear clothes made of both wool and linen.” Deut. 22:11
● “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.”
Eph. 5:25
● “Every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head dishonors his head.
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her
head.” 1 Cor. 11:4-5
● “Do not murder.” Ex. 20:13
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● “Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and
your frequent illnesses.” 1 Tim. 5:23
● “You are not to sleep with a man as with a woman; it is detestable.” Lev. 18:22
● “I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to be
silent.” 1 Tim. 2:12
● “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matt. 5:43
Which of these do we follow literally today? Are each of those equally inspired? Yes. Do we
follow them all literally today? No. So how do we determine what to follow literally? What we
need to learn is how to study the Bible. What to take literally, what to see as general instruction,
and what to see clearly as a specific command for a specific time.
Inspiration
Have you ever thought about those who penned the Bible? We know the Bible wasn’t dropped
from the sky, but have you ever wondered how God communicated His Word to its writers? Or
how their interpretation differs from ours today? We can only truly understand the original
meaning when we know to whom the Bible was written, who wrote it, when it was written, etc.
That doesn't mean we have to have the most knowledge, or that we have to use outside
sources, it just necessitates that we truly study the Bible, and be open to what it has to say.
We often make the mistake of reading the Bible as if it were about us. But the Bible is actually
all about Jesus. He is present in creation, the fall, the ark, the exodus, the tabernacle, Levitical
laws, Israel's rebellion, the prophets, the cross and the new creation. This is why we study
Scripture, to see Jesus, and to see God's redemptive plan. Then we can understand what it has
to say about us in light of Jesus.
Synopsis
In the coming weeks we'll learn more about:
● How to consistently interpret the Bible
● Interpretive principles
● How to use commentaries, concordances, dictionaries of NT/OT theology
● How to do a word study
● The differences in Bible translations
● How to teach the Bible
The most important thing we want to emphasize throughout this study is to stay open to
studying the Bible for what it truly says, not for what we want it to say. We will never truly be
neutral in how we read the Bible, but we can ask God to help us see the Bible through the lens
in which it was written.
2
"To simply impose my theology on every new text without sincerely letting that text have an
impact on that theology is the epitome of eisegesis and a recipe for stagnation. Because we
must be open to new truth that God may reveal to us through His word, our theological
conclusions must always be tentative and subject to change." — Doug Moo
As a final note:
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Week 1 — Examples from James
Read James 5:1-6
● What are your immediate impressions after reading this passage?
Most people, while reading this text, either assume that James is urging rich Christians in this
congregation to make a change, or they assume he is prophesying that rich and oppressive
non-Christians will pay the penalty for their actions. While scholars generally hold the second
option, the fact that we already have an assumption when we read this text proves we always
come to the Bible with opinions and ideas already in our minds.
● What are the implications from this passage if James is addressing rich Christians?
This is another instance where we can see we come to the Bible with preconceived notions.
Many assume this stricter judgement is from God, but some point out it could refer to teachers
being judged and criticized by those they teach.
● What are the implications from this verse if James is referring to God?
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Week 2
Basic Principles and the Interpretive Journey
Definitions:
Exegesis — an explanation or critical interpretation of a text through study and research.
Eisegesis — the interpretation of a text (as of the Bible) by reading into it one's own ideas.
Hermeneutics — the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible).
Basic Principles:
● The Bible does not contradict itself.
● If the Bible seems to contradict itself, the clearer passage should interpret the less clear.
● The Bible cannot mean now what it never meant.
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The Interpretive Journey
(From, Grasping God's Word by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays)
Step 1
What did it mean to the original audience? (Their Town)
● Look at the context of the book as a whole.
○ Who wrote it?
○ To whom was it written?
● Research the culture and history of the time.
○ What general message was the writer communicating?
Step 2
What are the differences between the Biblical audience and us? (River of Differences)
● Old Testament or New Testament (OT, take it to the cross)
● Cultural differences
● Demographic differences
● Language
● Situation, circumstance
Step 3
What is the general principle of this passage? (Principlizing Bridge)
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● With the original audience and the differences in mind, what can we safely say is the
timeless message of this passage? Remember, the Bible cannot mean now what it
never meant.
Step 4
What does it mean to the contemporary Audience? (Our Town)
● How can we apply this principle in our circumstances today?
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Week 2 — Examples from James
Read James 1:2-4
Walk through the Interpretive Journey
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
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Week 3
● Law – The law was given to the theocratic community of Israel. It was not written to
everyone, everywhere. We can see Jesus allegorically in the Levitical sacrifices and
the blood that had to be shed for the Israelites’ sin.
● History/Narrative – In the OT, Israel was constantly in the
rebellion>punishment>repentance cycle. History books are a reminder that the law
leaves us rebellious and hopeless. Symbols of Jesus in these books include
Rahab's scarlet cord, the relationship between Boaz and Ruth, and King David. In
the NT, Acts is the history of the early church. The Holy Spirit working through
people to continue Jesus’ ministry of restoration.
● Poetry – This genre includes songs and poems such as Psalms.
● Proverbs/Wisdom – Proverbs are general truths and statements about life. These
should not be read as commandments.
● Prophecy – In the OT, prophets were sent to address Israel's sin and foretell a new
covenant through Jesus’ coming. In the NT, Revelation is a prophetic book
foretelling Jesus’ second coming.
● Gospels – The gospels are individual accounts of Jesus' life, ministry, death and
resurrection.
● Epistles – Epistles, or letters, are from a specific writer to a specific audience,
whether one person or a group. Epistles are reminders of Jesus' life, explanations of
His profound work, and practical guidance for the audience.
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"I do not call the Law an 'Old Testament' if I understand it in the Spirit. The Law becomes an
'Old Testament' only for those who wish to understand it carnally, but for those who understand
it and apply it in the Spirit and in the Gospel sense, the Law is ever new and the two
Testaments are a new Testament for us, not because of their date in time but because of the
newness of the meaning. For those who do not respect the covenant of love, even the Gospels
are 'old.'"
— Origen of Alexandria
General Pitfalls
There are many common pitfalls that can easily skew our understanding of scripture. If we read
the Bible letting these trap us, we can become easily frustrated, misunderstand the text,
become discouraged or read without letting God’s Word change our hearts.
● Allegorizing: searching for too much hidden meaning or “secrets” in the Bible
● Humanity: forgetting we are reading a translation, and that the theology of
translators must be considered
● Context: not paying attention to cultural, historical and literary context
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Week 3 — Examples from James
Read James 1:22-25; 2:8-9, 14-26; 4:4-6; 5:12
In many ways, James serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. James is
written to a Jewish audience, and addresses Jewish law, which they live by. However, he also
presents the Gospel and Jesus’ teaching, and the importance of a working Faith. He
successfully measures out both, and presents them as functioning together. The main point of
the epistle of James is that faith works.
“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
— James 2:26
James is an interesting book when it comes to the question of genre. While it is an epistle, it has
elements of other Biblical genres sprinkled throughout. Read the following passages and
identify what other Biblical genres the book of James incorporates.
● What other Biblical genre are the following verses similar to? How can you tell?
○ 1:9-11
○ 5:1-6
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● What other Biblical genre are the following verses similar to? How can you tell?
○ 2:8-11
○ 4:4-6
● What other Biblical genre are the following verses similar to? How can you tell?
○ 3:13-18
● What other Biblical genre are the following verses similar to? How can you tell?
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Week 4
There is value in studying the Biblical languages — Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic — but anyone
who says that is the only way to really study Scripture, is incorrect.
English Translations
There are many translations of the English Bible. Commonly, the translations are abbreviated
such as ESV (English Standard Version), NLT (New Living Translation), and KJV (King James
Version).
The two broad categories of biblical translations are Dynamic Equivalence (thought for thought)
and Formal Equivalence (word for word). You can think of these categories as two ends of a
spectrum that all translations fall between.
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● Formal Examples: NASB, ESV, NRSV
● Middle Examples: HCSB, NIV
● Dynamic Examples: NLT, MSG
Which translation to choose will depend on what you're looking to accomplish. If you are looking
to get the best idea of the original impact, it's good to read and study a variety of translations.
General things to look for in English:
● Read surrounding chapters and verses, know the theme of the book as a whole
● Look for correlating themes in the passage you are studying
● Repeated words
● Rhetorical questions
● Conjunctions
● Chiastic structure
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Week 4 — Examples from James
Read James 1:12 and the translations below. Mark the biggest differences you seen between
these five translations of James 1:12. Where would you put each of these translations on the
spectrum of formal vs. dynamic equivalence? Why?
Greek (literal translation): No one being tempted let him say, "by God I am being tempted."
Indeed God not able to be tempted is by evils; tempts moreover He himself no one.
ESV: Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be
tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
NIV: When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by
evil, nor does he tempt anyone.
NLT: And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is
never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.
MSG: Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is
impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way.
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Week 5
Commentaries
There are many excellent resources we have access to, to aid in the study of the Bible.
Commentaries are scholarly explanations and interpretations of Biblical text. These scholars
have spent years painstakingly digging through histories, ancient texts and cultural information
to provide the best possible contexts so we may better understand the scriptures.
Technical Commentaries:
● focus heavily on questions of authorship, date written, etc.
● focus heavily on Biblical languages, grammar and book structure
● provide information for scholarly research of the Bible as a work of literature
● provide the author's own translation of the text
Pastoral Commentaries:
● provide some background information on authorship, date, etc.
● sometimes include a study on the Biblical languages
● provide thoughts on how to teach the text to congregations and different audiences
● provide insights into personal, practical application
● are devotional over academic
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Commentary Examples:
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Week 5 — Examples from James
Pick a Scripture passage of about five verses from the book of James. Pick two or three
commentaries of varying types (e.g. NIV Application Commentary, Tyndale New Testament
Commentary, Word Biblical Commentary), then list things you learned about the literary, cultural
and historical context from each of the different commentaries.
Literary Content
● What is the genre?
Cultural
● What was the time/place?
Historical
● What was the time period?
● What was going on it history that would help the passage make sense?
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Week 6
Other helpful resources we can use to better understand scripture are concordances and the
Dictionary of Old and New Testament Theology. Have you ever heard a pastor or teacher
comment on “the original Greek or Hebrew” of a word in the Bible? The way they came to know
this is by using these resources. This week, we will explain what these resources are and how
to use them.
Definitions:
Concordance – A study tool detailing all English words in the Bible, where each is found in
Scripture, and containing an entry with information on the Greek or Hebrew word from which
they were translated.
Dictionary of Old/New Testament Theology – A study tool that works in conjunction with
a concordance to further discuss the semantic range and the historical and literary
context of Biblical words.
19
Steps to use a Concordance
Step 1
Identify a word (in English) you would like to study. Keep in mind the word will need to match
the translation of the concordance you are using (e.g. NIV for an NIV concordance, etc.)
Step 2
Find this English word occurrence in the first section of your concordance. Words are listed in
alphabetical order.
Step 3
Look through the list of the occurrence of this word in scripture until you find the corresponding
reference (book/chapter/verse). Keep in mind, there may be several different Greek words for
the same English word (or vice versa).
Step 4
Find the number that corresponds to that word and reference.
Step 5
Look up this number in the back of your concordance. IMPORTANT: There are two sections in
the back of the concordance, a Hebrew section and a Greek section. Look up words from the
Old Testament in the Hebrew section and words from the New Testament in the Greek section.
A mix up on this step will severely throw off your word study!
Step 6 - The words listed in the entry are ways this Hebrew or Greek word is translated into
English elsewhere in the Bible. Looking over these will give you the word's semantic range.
Optional Step: To see where this word is used elsewhere in the Bible, choose one of the English
words listed in the entry in the index of the concordance. Look up this word in the front section of
your concordance. Look through the list of word occurrences until you find one or more matching the
number of the original word you looked up. Look up the scripture reference(s) in the Bible.
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How to use a Dictionary of Old/New Testament Theology
Use the number for the word from your concordance. Look up the number in the Dictionary (which is
in numerical order). The entry will describe the Greek or Hebrew word's history and formation, its
context in Biblical times, and its occurrences elsewhere in the Bible.
Note: Only certain words can be found in the abridged versions of the Dictionary of Old or New
Testament Theology. If you can't find the particular word you are looking for, look for another form or
tense of the word (e.g. a noun form instead of a verb form, a present tense verb form instead of a
past tense verb form).
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Week 6 — Examples from James
From the passage that you chose last week, pick two to three words and practice finding them
in both the concordance and the Dictionary of NT Theology.
● _________________
● _________________
● _________________
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Week 7
Fallacies
● allowing too much room in the semantic range (e.g. English word "sack")
● compound words (e.g. butterfly is not the same as butter + fly)
● anachronism (applying modern day ideas to ancient text, e.g. "dynamite")
● English only (we are not trying to find the meaning of the English word, but the word in
the original language)
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Week 7 – Examples from James
Choose two to three words from your passage that would be good for a word study based on
the criteria we learned. Practice a word study by asking yourself:
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Week 8
● Look through commentaries, especially introductions, to find the situation of the original
audience.
● Look at word studies and determine if some words would have a different meaning to
them than they do to you.
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What are the differences?
● List the differences between you and the Biblical audience (personal, situational,
relational, etc.):
● List the major differences between you, your church and the Biblical audience:
● Look through commentaries, especially the part that deals with the body of the text, to
find timeless truths:
● Think through how the church throughout history has lived out its faith. Are there any
truths that have been observed globally?
● In one sentence, summarize the general principle of this passage (this should be true for
all people, in all cultures, at all times):
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What is the practical application?
● Look through the application portion of the commentaries. What are the commentators
practical applications?
● Think about the specific situation of you or your audience. How could the timeless
principle be lived out in your particular situation?
● What are a few takeaways — practical ways to apply the general principle of this
passage?
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Week 9
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Week 9 – Examples from James
Using the passage from James you have been studying, work on how to teach this passage.
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Week 10
● size
● age
● general temperament
● preferences
● kinesthetic
● visual
● conversational
● aural
● Don't assume how you learn is how everyone else learns.
● Try to mix up different ways of learning.
● jealousy
● humility
● God's grace
● friendship & allegiances
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Where to find these:
● Bible storying
● games
● crafts
● discussion
● pictures/videos/songs that relate
● pictures or objects that show an object from the Biblical text
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Week 10 - Examples from James
It can be very easy to slip into a works mentality when academically studying the Bible. It should
be emphasized (even over-emphasized) that practical application is only possible through what
Jesus has done and the Holy Spirit working in us.
No one should leave with the feeling that they now have a Spiritual to-do list.
Work through the interpretive process. Think about the specific situations that your audience
may find themselves in, and how the general principle from this passage can relate to their
situation. It is crucial to know your audience and be willing to meet them where they are.
Think of a group to which you might find yourself teaching the Bible. This could be a class in the
children's ministry, your Gospel Community, or your own family. Using the passage from James
you have been studying, think through these questions and respond with how you might teach
your passage to that specific group.
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JAMES
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the
Dispersion: Greetings.
2
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that
the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full
5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without
reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one
who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that
person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a
9
and the rich in his humiliation,
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10
scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also
will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the
test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be
16
Every good gift and every perfect gift is
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17
from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that
shadow due to change. 18
19
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak,
for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21
slow to anger; 20
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness
22
For if
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23
anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and
what he was like. 25
perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his
doing.
26
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his
God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep
Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your
assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention
to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you
say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not
then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5
Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be
rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6
But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and
the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the
8
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, i “You shall love your
neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing
but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11
For he who said, “Do not
commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do
For judgment
who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 is without mercy to one
and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without
daily food, 16
18
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart
faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23
and the
Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as
prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from
another way? 26
works is dead.
3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who
teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if
anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his
whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide
their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are
driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the
pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a
world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole
body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of
beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by
mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly
poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are
grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
13
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his
from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good
And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those
fruits, impartial and sincere. 18
4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your
passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet
and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with
God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of
God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns
jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace.
Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to
God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your
hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be
11
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a
brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you
neighbor?
13
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town
tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time
Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this
and then vanishes. 15
As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17
or that.” 16 So whoever
knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2
Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have
corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like
fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who
mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the
cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on
the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of
slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not
resist you.
7
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. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the
Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be
Behold, we
patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11
consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness
of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and
merciful.
12
But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any
other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under
condemnation.
13
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let
praise. 14
faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has
pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has
fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the
Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
earth. 18
19
My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him
let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his
back, 20