[But], by holding out steadfastly, you will gain your life. [Note: This means either “preserve your earthly life,” or “attain never ending life”].
James 5:8 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) [So], you people should be patient also; strengthen your hearts because the Lord’s coming is near [Note: This may refer to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, or to Christ’s final coming and judgment]. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition So you also must be patient. Establish your hearts [strengthen and confirm them in the final certainty], for the coming of the Lord is very near. American Standard Version (1901) Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Common English Bible You also must wait patiently, strengthening your resolve, because the coming of the Lord is near. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, you too should be patient and should strengthen your hearts. For the advent of the Lord draws near. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version Be you therefore also patient, and strengthen your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand. |
[But], by holding out steadfastly, you will gain your life. [Note: This means either “preserve your earthly life,” or “attain never ending life”].
Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain [alive] until I return, what [business] is that of yours? You be my follower.”
But if we hope for what we cannot see, then we [must] patiently wait for it [to be received].
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
You should let your gentleness be known to all people. The Lord is near. [Note: This “nearness” could refer to Christ’s second coming or to His nearness to His people in a spiritual sense].
And [they tell how you are] waiting for His Son [to come] from heaven, the One He raised up from the dead --- this Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath [of God].
For what is [the basis of] our hope, or joy, or crown of honor in the presence of the Lord Jesus when He comes back? [Note: By “crown” Paul alludes to the laurel wreath awarded to the victor in an athletic contest]. Will it not be you people?
May the Lord strengthen your hearts so you will be [found] without just blame and holy, in the presence of our God and Father, when our Lord Jesus Christ returns with all of His holy ones [i.e., angels. See Mark 8:38; II Thess. 1:7].
And may the Lord direct your hearts to love [people] as God does, and to be steadfast as Christ was.
Your gold and silver have tarnished and their tarnish will be a testimony against you [i.e., you have hoarded your wealth instead of using it to benefit others], and they will devour your flesh as fire [i.e., your riches will ultimately consume you]. You have hoarded up your riches in these last days.
Do not complain against one another, brothers, so that you will not [have to] be judged [and condemned for it]. Look, the Judge [i.e., Christ] is standing at the door! [See verse 8].
But the end of everything [as far as your lives are concerned] is near, so be sensible, and sober [so as to be] prayerful.
The One who testifies about these things [i.e., Jesus] says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” May this be so. Come [ahead] Lord Jesus!