Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

JAMES 5:10KJV
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James 5:10 (KJV)

What does James 5:10 mean?

James 5:10 encourages believers to look at the prophets who spoke for God as examples of how to endure suffering and show patience. The verse points to these prophets as models for handling hardship while staying faithful to God’s calling.

James, the brother of Jesus, is writing to Christians who are facing difficulties and urging them not to lose heart. He reminds his readers that the prophets—well-known figures in Jewish history—often suffered because they spoke in God’s name, yet they remained patient and steadfast. By mentioning these prophets, James gives his audience a concrete picture of what it means to endure trouble with faith and perseverance.

The Greek behind James 5:10

  • ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma, "example"): This word means more than just a casual illustration; it refers to a pattern or model meant to be followed closely. James is not just suggesting the prophets as good stories, but as real-life templates for how to face suffering.
  • κακοπάθεια (kakopathia, "affliction"): This term often refers to enduring hardship or suffering, especially for doing what is right. It highlights that the prophets’ troubles were not random but connected to their faithfulness.
  • μακροθυμία (makrothymia, "patience"): This word carries the sense of long-suffering or steadfastness, not just waiting but enduring difficult circumstances without giving up or becoming bitter.

Why James 5:10 matters

  • James 5:10 clarifies that suffering for doing what is right is not a sign of failure or abandonment by God; it is something even God’s chosen messengers experienced.
  • By pointing to the prophets, James connects his readers’ struggles to a larger story, helping them see their hardships as part of a long tradition of faithful endurance.
  • This verse helps readers understand that patience in suffering is not passive; it is an active, courageous choice modeled by respected figures in their faith.

Where else these words appear

“example” Greek G5262 · used in 6 verses

  • John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
  • Hebrews 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
  • Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

“patience” Greek G3115 · used in 14 verses

  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
  • Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
  • 2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

“prophets” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.