Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.

JAMES 5:1KJV
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James 5:1 (KJV)

What does James 5:1 mean?

James 5:1 warns wealthy people that they should mourn and cry out loudly because difficult troubles are coming their way. The verse is a direct call for rich individuals to recognize that their comfortable situation will soon be replaced by suffering.

James, the brother of Jesus, is addressing rich people in the early Christian communities or possibly wealthy landowners in general. He uses strong language to get their attention, telling them to “weep and howl” because of the hardships (“miseries”) that are about to come upon them. This sets the tone for the following verses, where James explains why this warning is given, focusing on issues like injustice and misuse of wealth.

The Greek behind James 5:1

  • “weep” (κλαίω, klaió): This word means to cry or wail in grief. James uses it to call for a deep, public expression of sorrow, not just quiet regret.
  • “howl” (ὀλολύζω, ololuzó): This is a rare Greek word for loud, almost uncontrollable wailing, often used for times of disaster. It adds intensity, showing that James is not talking about mild disappointment but overwhelming distress.
  • “miseries” (ταλαιπωρία, talaipōria): This word refers to severe hardship or distress. James is warning that the troubles coming are not minor inconveniences but real suffering.

Why James 5:1 matters

  • James 5:1 makes clear that wealth does not guarantee safety or happiness; in fact, it can bring future trouble if it is misused or hoarded.
  • The verse introduces a section where James addresses social injustice and the responsibility of the rich, helping readers see that the Bible takes issues of fairness and compassion seriously.
  • By using such strong language, James signals that what follows is not just advice but a serious warning, meant to shake listeners out of complacency.

Where else these words appear

“to” Greek G33 · used in 2 verses

  • James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

“miseries” Greek G5004 · used in 2 verses

“upon” Greek G1904 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • Acts 13:40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

“men” Greek G4145 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
  • 1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;