Bible Strands
James 5:8
You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — James addresses Jewish believers in the dispersion who are enduring trial, likely economic or social pressure from the wealthy (5:1–6). The immediate frame is 5:7–9: patience toward the Lord's return, and restraint in judgment toward one another.
The words — μακροθυμείσατε (makrothumēsate) is an aorist imperative built on makro- (long) + thumos (heat/anger): "show long-tempered endurance." στηριξάτε (stērixate), "prop up," carries a physical image of bracing a structure against collapse.
The thread — Galatians 5:22 lists makrothymia (patience) as a fruit of the Spirit; Psalms 37:7 calls for waiting before the LORD without fretting. James 5:9 sharpens the same demand: the Judge is already at the door.
Why it lands — The verse asks a reader under pressure to stop complaining and hold steady, on the stated ground that the Lord's coming is near. It is not general optimism but a specific posture: endurance now, because the timeline is short.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Cross-references
- Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
- James 5:9 Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!
- Psalms 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.
- 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.
- Psalms 27:14 Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!
- Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:13 so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.
- Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
- Micah 7:7 But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.
- Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!