James 1:12
What does James 1:12 mean?
A plain-English look at James 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 1:12 means
James pronounces a blessing on the one who endures temptation. To endure is to remain steadfast under pressure, loving God through trial. When such a person has been approved—his faith proved genuine—he will receive the crown of life. This crown is life itself, the reward God promised to those who love him. It is not earned by merit but granted to persevering lovers of the Lord. The promise turns endurance from grim duty into hopeful faithfulness. It also directs our gaze beyond present pain to future joy, secured by the Lord who rewards his own. Perseverance and love for God belong together.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949There is a blessing on the man who undergoes testing; because, if he has God's approval, he will be given the crown of life, which the Lord has said he will give to those who have love for him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Happy the man who doth endure temptation, because, becoming approved, he shall receive the crown of the life, which the Lord did promise to those loving Him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for, when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life which God hath promised to them that love him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Blessed [is the] man who endures temptation; for, having been proved, he shall receive the crown of life, which He has promised to them that love him.
Context
Coming after warnings about wealth’s transience, this beatitude centers the chapter again on steadfastness. It bridges external trials and internal temptations by assuring a God-given reward for endurance. Immediately, James will prevent a misunderstanding: though God tests to prove faith, he never tempts to evil (verses 13–15). The flow thus distinguishes the God who rewards endurance from any suggestion that he is the source of moral enticement.
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.
v.12This passage
v.13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 64:4
For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God besides thee, who worketh for him that waiteth for him.
- Exodus 20:6
and showing lovingkindness unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
- Revelation 3:19
As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
- 2 Timothy 4:8
henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.
- Psalms 5:11
But let all those that take refuge in thee rejoice, Let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: Let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
- 1 Peter 1:6
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Conflict Resolution
What does the Bible teach us about resolving conflicts and finding peace with others according to God's Word?
Topic
Bible Verses About Discipleship
Discipleship is an intentional journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in His likeness.
What the Bible says about…
Answer
What does the Bible say about anger?
Be slow to anger, quick to listen, and quick to forgive.
Answer
What does the Bible say about patience?
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming.
Answer
What does the Bible say about suffering?
Our light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory.
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Making a Big Decision
Six verses to pray before the meeting, the move, or the answer you have to give.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for a Sick Loved One
When someone you love is suffering — verses to pray over their healing.