Devine Scripture

James 1:9

What does James 1:9 mean?

A plain-English look at James 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 1:9 means

James tells the brother of low degree to glory in his high estate. The poor believer, disregarded by society, should boast in the true dignity God has given him in Christ—adoption, inheritance, and honor in God’s kingdom. Trials may press him down, but faith lifts his eyes to his exalted standing before God. This boasting is not arrogance; it is grateful recognition of grace. The gospel upends worldly measures of worth. In the church, the lowly are not second-class, but beloved. Their poverty becomes an arena where God’s riches are displayed, teaching contentment and dependence that are precious in his sight.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But let the brother of low position be glad that he is lifted up;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And let the brother who is low rejoice in his exaltation,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But let the brother of low condition glory in his exaltation:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But let the brother of low degree glory in his elevation,

Context

After exposing the instability of doublemindedness, James applies a God-centered lens to social standing. Verse 9 addresses the lowly brother; verse 10 turns to the rich. Both are to boast, but in opposite ways, revealing the great reversal in God’s economy. This continues the theme of trials—poverty and wealth both test faith. Verse 11 will reinforce the warning to the rich with imagery from nature, underlining the transience of earthly prosperity and the necessity of single-minded trust.

v.8a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways.

v.9This passage

v.10and the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 113:7

    He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, And lifteth up the needy from the dunghill;

  • Luke 9:48

    and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.

  • 1 Samuel 2:8

    He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, He lifteth up the needy from the dunghill, To make them sit with princes, And inherit the throne of glory: For the pillars of the earth are Jehovah’s, And he hath set the world upon them.

  • Philippians 3:14

    I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

  • Romans 5:2

    through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

  • Romans 8:17

    and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.

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