Meaning, commentary and cross references
James 1:3
“for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
NIV · New International Version
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
WEB · World English Bible
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
What does James 1:3 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on James 1:3
Knowing this,.... By experience; as everyone that is trained up in the school of affliction does: the apostle appeals to the saints, to whom he writes, for the truth of what he was about to say; and which he gives as a reason why they should rejoice in afflictions, because it is a known fact, that the trying of your faith worketh patience: two things afflictions do when sanctified; one is, they try faith, the truth of it, and make it appear to be true, genuine, and precious, like gold tried in the fire; see 1 Peter 1:6 and the other is, that they produce patience: saints being inured to afflictions, become by degrees more patient under them; whence it is good for a man to bear the yoke in…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on James 1:1–4
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 3 Scientes quod probatio fidei vestrae, patientiam operatur 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 4 Patientia vero opus perfectum habeat, ut sitis perfecti et integri, in nullo deficientes. 1 To the twelve tribes. When the ten tribes were banished, the Assyrian king placed them in different parts. Afterwards, as it usually happens in the revolutions of kingdoms (such as then took place,) it is very probable that they moved here and there in all directions. And the Jews had been scattered almost unto all quarters of the world.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: James 1:1–6 (WEB)
1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: Greetings. 2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.
Cross references
- Romans 5:3–4
Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
- Hebrews 10:36
For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
- Colossians 1:11
strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy,
- 2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory,
- Romans 8:28
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
- 1 Peter 1:7
that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ—
- 2 Peter 1:6
and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control, perseverance; and in perseverance, godliness;
- Romans 15:4
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.