Jam 1:9-10 | RWP | e4.org | But ( δε ). Return to the point of view in verse . Of low degree ( ο ταπεινος ). "The lowly" brother, in outward condition ( ), humble and poor as in ; , not the spiritually humble as in ; . In the LXX ταπεινος was used for either the poor in goods or the poor in spirit. Christianity has glorified this word in both senses. Already the rich and the poor in the churches had their occasion for jealousies. Glory in his high estate ( καυχασθω εν τω υψε αυτου ). Paradox, but true. In his low estate he is "in his height" ( υψος , old word, in N.T., also in ; ; etc.).

‏ James 1:9-10

But ( δε ). Return to the point of view in verse 2.

Of low degree ( ο ταπεινος ). "The lowly" brother, in outward condition (Lu 1:52), humble and poor as in Ps 9:39; Pr 30:14, not the spiritually humble as in Mt 11:29; Jas 4:6. In the LXX ταπεινος was used for either the poor in goods or the poor in spirit. Christianity has glorified this word in both senses. Already the rich and the poor in the churches had their occasion for jealousies.

Glory in his high estate ( καυχασθω εν τω υψε αυτου ). Paradox, but true. In his low estate he is "in his height" ( υψος, old word, in N.T., also in Lu 1:78; Eph 3:1; etc.).

In that he is made low ( εν τη ταπεινωσε αυτου ). "In his low estate." Play on ταπεινωσις (from ταπεινοω, Php 3:7), like ταπεινος of verse 9, old word in various senses, in N.T. only here, Lu 1:48; Ac 8:33; Php 3:21. The Cross of Christ lifts up the poor and brings down the high. It is the great leveller of men.

As the flower of the grass ( ως ανθος χορτου ). From the LXX (Isa 40:6). Χορτος means pasture, then grass (Mr 6:39) or fodder. Ανθος is old word, in N.T. only here, verse 11; 1Pe 1:24 (same quotation). This warning is here applied to "the rich brother," but it is true of all.

He shall pass away ( παρελευσετα ). Future middle indicative (effective aoristic future, shall pass completely away from earth).