James 1:1

Berean Standard Bible
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings.
 
King James Bible
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
 
NET Bible
From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings!
 
Greek Text:
 Ἰάκωβος θεοῦ καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοῦλος ταῖς δώδεκα φυλαῖς ταῖς ἐν τῇ διασπορᾷ χαίρειν.
 
Transliteration:
Iakōbos theou kai kyriou Iēsou Christou doulos tais dōdeka phylai tais en tē diaspora chairein.
 
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Study Bible:
 
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ
The opening of the Epistle of James introduces us to its author, "James". In the Greek, the name is "Iakobos," which is equivalent to the Hebrew "Ya'akov," or Jacob. This name was common in Jewish culture, and it is widely accepted that this James is the half-brother of Jesus, a leader in the early Jerusalem church. His identification as a "servant" (Greek: "doulos") is significant, as it denotes a bondservant or slave, emphasizing humility and total devotion. This term reflects a deep commitment and submission to the will of God, a theme that resonates throughout the epistle. The phrase "of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" establishes the dual authority under which James writes. The conjunction "and" (Greek: "kai") links God and Jesus Christ, affirming the divinity of Christ and the unity of the Father and the Son. This is a profound theological statement, especially considering James's Jewish background, which underscores the early Christian belief in the deity of Christ. The title "Lord" (Greek: "Kyrios") is a term of respect and authority, often used in the Septuagint to translate the divine name YHWH, further affirming Jesus's divine status.
 
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion
James addresses his letter "to the twelve tribes", a phrase that evokes the entirety of Israel. This is a symbolic reference to the Jewish Christians scattered abroad, known as the "Dispersion" or "Diaspora" (Greek: "Diaspora"). Historically, the Diaspora refers to Jews living outside of Israel, a result of various exiles and migrations. By addressing the twelve tribes, James connects the Christian community to the historic people of God, emphasizing continuity and fulfillment of God's promises through Christ. This also reflects the early church's understanding of itself as the true Israel, a spiritual community transcending geographical and ethnic boundaries.
 
Greetings
The word "Greetings" (Greek: "Chairein") is a common Greek salutation, meaning "rejoice" or "be glad." It sets a tone of joy and encouragement, which is fitting given the trials and challenges the recipients face. This greeting is not merely a formality but an invitation to embrace the joy found in Christ, even amidst suffering. It reflects the overarching message of the epistle, which calls believers to live out their faith with perseverance and joy, grounded in the wisdom and grace of God.
 
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Commentary:
 
Author: The writer introduces himself as "James." Traditionally, this is understood to be James, the brother of Jesus, also known as James the Just, who was a leader in the early Christian church in Jerusalem.
 
Self-Description: He describes himself as "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ." This title, "servant" (or "slave" in some translations), underscores his humility and dedication to both God and Jesus, emphasizing the Christian principle of servanthood.
 
Audience: The letter is addressed "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad." This likely refers to Jewish Christians or the Jewish diaspora, suggesting that James is writing not just to a local congregation but to believers scattered throughout the Roman world due to persecution or migration.
 
Greeting: The greeting is simple, akin to a standard salutation in Greek letters of the time, indicating warmth, fellowship, and the beginning of a message intended for encouragement, teaching, or exhortation.
 
The context of this verse sets the tone for the rest of the Book of James, which focuses on practical Christian living, faith, wisdom, and the endurance of trials. It emphasizes living out one's faith through actions, particularly in how one treats others, especially the disadvantaged, and in maintaining personal integrity and moral behavior.