Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
What does James 1:12 mean?
It is not every man who suffers, that is blessed; but he who with patience and constancy goes through all difficulties in the way of duty. Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if it be not our own fault.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside James 1:9-12 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation - The apostle seems here to use the word "temptation" in the most general sense, as denoting anything that will try the reality of religion, whether affliction, or persecution, or a direct inducement to sin placed before the mind. The word temptation appears in this chapter to be used in two senses; and the question may arise, why the apostle so employs it. Compare James 1:2 , James 1:13 . But, in fact, the word "temptation" is in itself of so general a character as to cover the whole usage, and to justify the manner in which it is employed.
Key words
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Blessed is the man that endureth temptation,.
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Blessed is the man that endureth temptation,.
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Blessed is the man that endureth temptation,.
Context in James 1
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James 1 belongs to the opening movement of the book, especially the section often described as testing and wisdom. James is a wisdom-shaped epistle about testing, speech, wealth, impartiality, works, prayer, and practical holiness. Read this chapter with the wider themes of works, wisdom, and speech in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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