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

JAMES 1:10KJV
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James 1:10 (KJV)

What does James 1:10 mean?

James 1:10 says that a rich person should take pride when he is brought low, because just like a flower in the grass, he will fade away. The verse points out the temporary nature of wealth and status, reminding readers that these things do not last.

James, the brother of Jesus, is writing to early Christians scattered outside their homeland. He contrasts the humble situation of the poor with the fleeting nature of riches, using the image of a flower that quickly withers. This verse encourages both rich and poor to see their lives from a bigger perspective, focusing on what truly endures.

The Greek behind James 1:10

  • "rich" (πλούσιος, plousios): This word refers to someone who has an abundance of material possessions. James singles out the rich to remind them that their high position in society is not permanent.
  • "made low" (ταπεινός, tapeinos): The Greek word means being humbled or brought down. Here, it suggests a reversal of fortune or a reminder of human frailty, especially for those who might otherwise feel secure because of their wealth.
  • "as the flower" (ἄνθος, anthos) "of the grass" (χόρτος, chortos): These words paint a vivid picture of something beautiful but short-lived. The comparison emphasizes how quickly wealth and status can disappear.
  • "shall pass away" (παρέρχομαι, parerchomai): This verb means to go away, disappear, or perish. It highlights the certainty that earthly riches will not last.

Why James 1:10 matters

  • James 1:10 challenges the common idea that wealth is a sign of lasting success or security, showing that riches are as temporary as a flower in a field.
  • The verse balances the message to both rich and poor in the surrounding verses, reminding everyone that their true worth is not found in their social or economic status.
  • By using vivid natural imagery, James connects his teaching to everyday life, making the lesson memorable and relatable for his readers.

Where else these words appear

“flower” Greek G438 · used in 3 verses

  • James 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it 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 ways.
  • 1 Peter 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

“low” Greek G5014 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
  • Acts 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
  • Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

“grass” Greek G5528 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
  • James 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it 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 ways.

“away” Greek G3928 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
  • Luke 21:32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.