James 1:9 kjv

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

James 1:9 nkjv

Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,

James 1:9 niv

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.

James 1:9 esv

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,

James 1:9 nlt

Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them.

James 1 verses

James 1 9 Meaning

James 1:9 encapsulates a profound reversal of earthly values, exhorting believers to find their true joy and identity not in material status but in their spiritual standing before God. The believer who is poor or of "low degree" is to rejoice in their "exaltation"—their high spiritual standing, their inheritance in Christ, and their equal worth within the body of believers. Conversely, the rich believer is to find joy in their "humiliation"—the recognition that their worldly wealth is transient and counts for nothing in the eternal scheme, urging them towards humility and dependence on God rather than their fleeting riches. This divine perspective underscores that earthly prosperity or lack thereof does not determine one's spiritual value or standing in God's Kingdom.

James 1 9 Context

James chapter 1 begins with a powerful injunction to consider various trials as opportunities for joy, leading to steadfastness and completeness (vv. 2-4). It then transitions to wisdom in prayer during these trials (vv. 5-8). Verse 9 directly follows this discussion on trials, framing how one's socio-economic status fits within God's refining process. For the poor, trials solidify their spiritual exaltation; for the rich, trials bring humility, exposing the emptiness of earthly treasures. This verse also serves as a crucial theological foundation for James' subsequent and forceful rebuke against favoritism towards the rich in James 2:1-7 and his stern warning to the wealthy in James 5:1-6. It sets a perspective where spiritual standing transcends material conditions, which is central to James' message.

James 1 9 Word analysis

• But: (Greek: δὲ - de) - A common conjunction indicating a transition or mild contrast. Here, it shifts the focus from the general concept of wisdom and prayer in trials to specific application concerning social status, drawing a contrast between the poor and the rich within the body of believers.
• let the brother of low degree: (Greek: Ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὁ ταπεινὸς - Ho adelphos ho tapeinos) -
  • Brother (ἀδελφὸς - adelphos): Emphasizes membership in the Christian family, highlighting a shared identity in Christ that supersedes social distinctions. This kinship forms the basis for equality.
  • of low degree (ταπεινὸς - tapeinos): Pertains to one's social or economic status, denoting someone poor, humble, or lowly in worldly estimation. It can also imply a spiritual state of humility. In this context, it primarily refers to outward circumstance.
• rejoice: (Greek: καυχάσθω - kauchastho) - An imperative verb, meaning "let him boast," "let him glory," or "let him exult." This is the same root word used in James 1:2 ("count it all joy"), indicating a deliberate choice to find gladness and satisfaction. The joy here is a deep sense of honor or pride in one's spiritual condition.
• in his exaltation: (Greek: ἐν τῷ ὕψει αὐτοῦ - en tō hypsei autou) -
  • exaltation (ὕψει - hypsei): From hypsos, meaning "height," "high position," "eminence." For the poor believer, this refers to their elevated spiritual status in Christ—their heavenly inheritance, their adoption as children of God, their co-heirship with Christ, and their spiritual riches that surpass any earthly wealth. This is a profound reversal of societal norms.
• But the rich: (Greek: Ὁ δὲ πλούσιος - Ho de plousios) - Explicitly contrasts with the "brother of low degree," referring to one who possesses significant worldly wealth.
• in his humiliation: (Greek: ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει αὐτοῦ - en tē tapeinōsei autou) -
  • humiliation (ταπεινώσει - tapeinōsei): From tapeinosis, meaning "lowering," "abasement," or "bringing low." For the rich believer, this means recognizing the utter inadequacy and transient nature of their earthly possessions. It's a call to spiritual humility, acknowledging that their wealth holds no true spiritual value and will fade, prompting reliance on God instead of riches.
• because as a flower of the grass he will pass away: (Greek: διότι ὡς ἄνθος χόρτου παρελεύσεται - dioti hōs anthos chortou pareleusetai) -
  • flower of the grass (ἄνθος χόρτου - anthos chortou): A well-established Old Testament metaphor (e.g., Isa 40:6-8; Psa 103:15-16) illustrating the brevity and fragility of life, and especially the transient nature of worldly beauty, strength, and possessions. Just as a flower wilts, so too does earthly glory, and with it, the rich person's earthly identity and security.
  • he will pass away (παρελεύσεται - pareleusetai): Means "will vanish," "will perish," "will be no more." This directly underscores the impermanence of the rich person's earthly status and wealth. This fading is a reason for the rich believer's humility; their ultimate fate is shared with the poorest, their wealth cannot save them.

James 1 9 Bonus section

This verse subtly prefaces the severe condemnations of misplaced trust in wealth and the partiality shown towards the rich found later in James (chapters 2 and 5). It aligns with a core biblical theme of divine reversal, where God often elevates the lowly and brings low the proud or self-sufficient. This radical shift in perspective from worldly wisdom to divine wisdom is a recurring motif in the Sermon on the Mount and Pauline epistles, emphasizing that the values of God's Kingdom are fundamentally different from those of the world. James presents a wisdom from above (James 3:17) that embraces an eschatological reality where earthly distinctions hold no weight.

James 1 9 Commentary

James 1:9 is a striking declaration of Christian paradox, challenging conventional worldly perspectives on wealth and poverty. It asserts that true value and cause for boasting do not reside in material possessions or social standing, but in one's spiritual identity in Christ. The poor believer is genuinely "exalted" by virtue of being God's child and heir to an eternal kingdom, a status far exceeding any earthly achievement or fortune. Their poverty is not a barrier to divine favor but highlights their complete dependence on God, which is a blessing. Conversely, the rich believer must embrace a "humiliation"—a deep awareness that their wealth is fleeting, unable to purchase salvation, eternal life, or true significance. This recognition compels them to find their ultimate worth in Christ, just like the poor, and to humble themselves under God's mighty hand. The illustration of "the flower of the grass" powerfully communicates the utter transience of all earthly glory, rendering material distinctions ultimately meaningless in light of eternity. This verse pre-empts the sin of favoritism seen in the assembly and sets a spiritual foundation where all believers are equal in their true identity and hope, transcending worldly classifications.

Practical usage:

• A financially struggling believer can rejoice in their true identity and boundless spiritual inheritance in Christ, finding hope beyond current hardship.
• A wealthy believer can use this verse to check their heart, fostering humility and dependence on God rather than their resources, and to acknowledge the temporary nature of their possessions.