Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - James 1:4 - 1:4
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Jam 1:4. Ἔργον τέλειον, perfect work) This is followed by τέλειος, “a perfect man.” The man himself is characterised (as τέλειος, perfect) from his actions, and the work in which he is engaged. For the attainment of this character, there is need of joy. Τέλειος is equivalent to δόκιμος in Jam 1:12. Compare the note on 2Ti 2:15.-ἐχέτω, let it have) He uses exhortation as in Jam 1:2, “COUNT it all joy.” The patience which rejoices is perfect.-τέλειοι καὶ ὁλόκληροι, perfect and entire) This expression denotes something absolute: ἐν μηδενὶ λειπομενοι, “wanting nothing,” is a relative expression; for the word λείπεσθαι, “to be in want,” is opposed to πλεονεκτεῖν, “to abound.”[5]
[5] Men of the world, or even men of letters, if at any time they desire to honour any one with the greatest praise, adorn him with the praise of a perfect (omnibus numeris absoluti) or accomplished man. We may see from the passage itself with what sort of characters this description truly corresponds: probation is required, and perfect work. That which is complete in the eyes of the world is nothing in the sight of God, in the absence of faith.-German Version.