Comparisons

 

James is a master at using specific and often unique words. A careful study of his epistle will reveal that he uses many Greek words that are unique to him and his writing. Verse 19 begins with the word “Wherefore” which translates the Greek word hoste. Hoste means “therefore” or “so then.” This word connects the previous thoughts concerning the variableness of the human thinking with the stability of relying upon God’s Word.

Here the word which translates “Wherefore” is dio, a conjunction, suggesting an action being caused by some other action. In other words, it indicates something done on account of some previous action or because of something previously explained.

In this case, the one who has learned the error of duplicity has moved from being tossed about theologically and philosophically by various teachings to a life of constancy based upon the sure Word of God. Being steadfast guards against error that ultimately leads to wrath (orge – “anger, indignation”), which is based upon human opinion rather than truth. Whenever truth is sullied, confusion results and anger ensues.

Wherefore, we are exhorted to “lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.” Lay apart (apotithemi – “to put off or aside or away”) in the Greek indicates a onetime action never needing to be repeated because it has been abandoned. There are some actions which should be put away from us once and for all. One such action is “filthiness.” The word “filthiness” (rhuparia – “to defile, dishonor”) is unique to James and indicates a dirty garment. This indicates the possibility of removing moral corruption from our lives once and for all as we choose to embed God’s Word into our lives. This by no means suggests sinless perfection, but rather an opportunity to make righteous decisions as we yield to what is right.

We are also to set aside once and for all “superfluity of naughtiness.” (perisseia – “superabundance; a greater quantity than is wanted”; kakía – “wickedness as an evil habit of the mind”) This concept suggests a way of life – a manner of living. The person who rejects and resists God’s Word is bound to live apart from His blessing. Furthermore, a life apart from God is not consistent, but it grows and progresses toward an unrighteous conclusion. What seems to be a simple act of disobedience becomes a habit and the habit becomes a way of thinking and results in a perverted life style. The one who seeks to follow God must put away every evil thought, act, and intention. (II Corinthians 6.17)

The answer to being overtaken with an abundance of wickedness is to receive (déchomai – “to accept an offer deliberately and readily”) the Word of God. The verb “receive” is a middle deponent indicating that the reception of this Word brings about an internal change within a person that is a once-for-all transformation. This change is permanent because it is based upon the Word which is forever settled and sure.

By engrafting (émphutos – “to implant and germinate”) James indicates something that becomes a part of us. It is not through or about pride, but a meek (praǘtēs – “spirit of humility”) acceptance of what God is showing us. The word “engrafted” is another word which is unique to James’ writing. It is used only here in New Testament and literally means to be implanted. It marks a characteristic of the Word of Truth. It is implanted; divinely given, in contrast with something acquired by study.

This Word is efficient to the point of being able to save (dúnamai – “has the power to accomplish”). It is “the power of God unto salvation.” (Romans 1.16) “Able” is also a middle deponent suggesting the personal, inner application of this concept. Salvation is something that is accomplished within a person, not by his own merit, but by the merit of the One who is able to accomplish the act.

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7.25) The word “uttermost” (panteles – “complete, perfect” {not perpetually, but perfectly}) means completely.

This is a strong incentive to correct our dullness in hearing the Word: the word which we hear so carelessly is able (instrumentally) to save us. (Calvin). The soul indicates your true self, for the “body” is now liable to sickness and death: but the soul being now saved, both soul and body at last shall also be saved. (James 5.15, 20)