[But], by holding out steadfastly, you will gain your life. [Note: This means either “preserve your earthly life,” or “attain never ending life”].
James 1:3 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) because you [should] know that when your faith is tested, it produces perseverance. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. American Standard Version (1901) knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. Common English Bible After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Catholic Public Domain Version knowing that the proving of your faith exercises patience, Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version Knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience. |
[But], by holding out steadfastly, you will gain your life. [Note: This means either “preserve your earthly life,” or “attain never ending life”].
For whatever things were written previously [i.e., in the Old Testament], were intended for us to learn from, so that we could have hope [i.e., in the face of difficult times] through remaining steadfast, and through the encouragement [received] from reading the Scriptures.
To the ones who continue doing what is good and who look for glory, honor and immortal life [God will give] never ending life.
But if we hope for what we cannot see, then we [must] patiently wait for it [to be received].
And we know that God works out everything for the good of those who love Him and are called [to serve Him] in harmony with His purpose [for them].
For our insignificant troubles [here on earth], which last only a short time, are producing for us an immeasurable, never ending [counter-] weight of splendor [i.e., in heaven. See Rom. 8:18]
[We also pray that you will be] strengthened with great power, according to God’s glorious might, so that you will have great endurance and patience [coupled] with joy.
Therefore, we ourselves speak proudly about you among the churches of God because of your steadfastness and faith amid all the persecutions and afflictions that you are enduring.
And may the Lord direct your hearts to love [people] as God does, and to be steadfast as Christ was.
For you need to be steadfast so that, after you have done what God wants, you will receive the promise [of an inheritance. See 9:15].
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a large crowd of spectators [Note: Christians are pictured here as being in a crowded arena, performing in the games], we should lay aside every [excessive] weight and sin that so easily entangles us, and with perseverance, we should run the race [of life] that lies before us.
We do not want you people to be [spiritually] slack, but to imitate those who will inherit [God’s] promises because of their faith and patience.
But these will only test your faith, which is more valuable than gold which, though refined by fire, eventually perishes. Your faith, [however], will [endure and eventually] prove to be praiseworthy and honorable when Jesus returns.
and self-control along with your knowledge, and endurance along with your self-control, and godliness along with your endurance,