Vincent Word Studies - James 1:21 - 1:21

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com

Vincent Word Studies - James 1:21 - 1:21


(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)

This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Filthiness (ῥυπαρίαν)

Only here in New Testament, but James uses the kindred adjective (Jam 2:2), “vile raiment.” Ῥύπος, filth, occurs in 1Pe 3:21 - on which see notes; and the verb ῥυπόω, to be filthy, is found in Rev 22:11.

Superfluity of naughtiness (περισσείαν κακίας)

A translation which may be commended to the attention of indiscriminate panegyrists of the A. V. Περισσεία is an unclassical word, and occurs in three other New-Testament passages - Rom 5:17; 2Co 8:2; 2Co 10:15. In all these it is rendered abundance, both by A. V. and Rev. There seems to be no need of departing from this meaning here, as Rev., overjoying. The sense is abounding or abundant wickedness. For haughtiness Rev. gives wickedness, as in 1Pe 2:1, 1Pe 2:16, where it changes malice to wickedness. It is mostly rendered malice in both A. V. and Rev. In this passage, as in the two from Peter, Rev. gives malice, in margin. Malice is an adequate translation, the word denoting a malevolent disposition toward one's neighbor. Hence it is not a general term for moral evil, but a special form of vice. Compare the wrath of man, Jam 1:20. Naughtiness has acquired a petty sense in popular usage, as of the mischievous pranks of children, which renders it out of the question here.

With meekness (ἐν πραΰ́τητι)

Lit., “in meekness;” opposed to malice.

Engrafted (ἔμφυτον)

Only here in New Testament. Better, and more literally, as Rev., implanted. It marks a characteristic of the word of truth (Jam 1:18). It is implanted; divinely given, in contrast with something acquired by study. Compare Mat 13:19, “the word of the kingdom - sown in his heart.” Grafted or graffed is expressed by a peculiar word, employed by Paul only, ἐγκεντρίζω, from κέντρον, a sharp point, thus emphasizing the fact of the incision required in grafting. See Rom 11:17, Rom 11:19, Rom 11:23, Rom 11:24.

Which is able to save (τὸν δυνάμενον σῶσαι)

Compare Rom 1:16, “the power of God unto salvation.”