Devine Scripture

James 1:10

What does James 1:10 mean?

A plain-English look at James 1:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 1:10 means

James directs the rich to glory in being made low. Wealth can create illusions of control and permanence, but God, in mercy, humbles the rich to free them from false security. Their true boasting is not in abundance but in learning humility before God. Like a flower of the field, the rich person’s life and splendor are brief and fragile. Recognizing this levels the heart, bringing the rich to stand alongside the poor as recipients of grace. Trials that lower status or reduce wealth can be gifts, teaching the rich to set hope on God rather than on perishing riches.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the man of wealth, that he is made low; because like the flower of the grass he will come to his end.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the rich in his becoming low, because as a flower of grass he shall pass away;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the rich, in his being low: because as the flower of the grass shall he pass away.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and the rich in his humiliation, because as [the] grass's flower he will pass away.

Context

Paired with verse 9, this verse forms a balanced exhortation to two groups in the congregation. James reframes identity and boasting in light of God’s values, not social metrics. Verse 11 will supply a vivid illustration from the withering grass and fallen flower to show the fleeting nature of wealth. The section prepares for the blessing pronounced on those who endure (verse 12), shifting the focus from status to steadfastness as the measure of true life.

v.9But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate:

v.10This passage

v.11For the sun ariseth with the scorching wind, and withereth the grass; and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his goings.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 102:11

    My days are like a shadow that declineth; And I am withered like grass.

  • 1 Timothy 6:17

    Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  • Isaiah 57:15

    For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

  • Psalms 90:5

    Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: In the morning they are like grass which groweth up.

  • 1 John 2:17

    And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

  • Matthew 5:3

    Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore James 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on James 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to James 1:10.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary