My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
What does James 1:2 mean?
Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside James 1:2-4 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on James 1:2
Compare James 2:1 . Count it all joy - Regard it as a thing to rejoice in; a matter which should afford you happiness. You are not to consider it as a punishment, a curse, or a calamity, but as a fit subject of felicitation. Compare the notes at Matthew 5:12 . When ye fall into divers temptations - Oh the meaning of the word "temptations," see the notes at Matthew 4:1 . It is now commonly used in the sense of placing allurements before others to induce them to sin, and in this sense the word seems to be used in James 1:13-14 of this chapter.
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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