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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - James 5:11 - 5:11
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
count them happy - (Mat 5:10).
which endure - The oldest authorities read, “which have endured,” which suits the sense better than English Version: “Those who in past days, like the prophets and Job, have endured trials.” Such, not those who “have lived in pleasure and been wanton on the earth” (Jam 5:5), are “happy.”
patience - rather, “endurance,” answering to “endure”: the Greek words similarly corresponding. Distinct from the Greek word for “patience” Jam 5:10. The same word ought to be translated, “endurance,” Jam 1:3. He here reverts to the subject which he began with.
Job - This passage shows the history of him is concerning a real, not an imaginary person; otherwise his case could not be quoted as an example at all. Though he showed much of impatience, yet he always returned to this, that he committed himself wholly to God, and at last showed a perfect spirit of enduring submission.
and have seen - (with the eyes of your mind). Alford translates from the old and genuine reading, “see also,” etc. The old reading is, however, capable of being translated as English Version.
the end of the Lord - the end which the Lord gave. If Job had much to “endure,” remember also Job’s happy “end.” Hence, learn, though much tried, to “endure to the end.”
that - Alford and others translate, “inasmuch as,” “for.”
pitiful ... of tender mercy - The former refers to the “feeling”; the latter, to the act. His pity is shown in not laying on the patient endurer more trials than he is able to bear; His mercy, in His giving a happy “end” to the trials [Bengel].