Ministry of Grace Church

that it bursts forth in unashamed wailing and sobbing. This word is distinctly different from the Greek word dakruō, which means “to weep silently and shed tears,” Klaiō is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command from James.

The word “howl” is translated from a form of ololudzō. This is an onomatopoetic word representing the shrieking or loud mournful wailing of someone crying out from the depths of sorrow. It is probably the source of the English word ululate, which is a long, wavering, high-pitched vocal sound resembling a howl with a trilling quality. Ololudzō is used here as a participle, so the opening of this verse could be translated as:

Come now rich ones, wail, crying out mournfully …

The Greek word translated “miseries” is talaiporia, which refers to “hardship and distress” or “calamity.”

The expression “coming upon you” is a translation of eperchomai, which is a compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon” or “over” and erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” Thus, it is translated “coming upon.” It is expressed here as a participle, indicating that it is something which is currently in the process of happening.

 

Meaning Explained

We must be very careful that we don’t assume that James is condemning all who are rich in this verse. There is nothing inherently wrong with having earthly wealth. The real issues are how that wealth has been acquired and how it is used. We also have to recognize that wealth is relative. We who live in the United States of America with only modest possessions of a home, a car (or two), furniture, clothing, etc., are far more wealthy than many people in this world who have little more than the sparse clothing on their backs and a little food to eat.

One commonality among the wealthy is that they tend to place their security in such wealth. James will be showing the tenuousness of wealth and, in this verse, admonishes such people to weep and mourn because of the uncertain nature of such wealth. As we shall see from verses 4 and 5, these particular rich people have obtained their wealth by fraud and they have used that wealth selfishly.

James appears to be addressing the unsaved Jews of his day who have great possessions but are lacking eternal life through Jesus the Messiah. Notice that James has written this letter to: “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1), which includes all Jews. The scene portrayed in this and the following verses seems to be that of the Great White Throne Judgment, where riches will have no value at all.

 

Application

Lest you think that this verse does not apply to you, let me remind you that the amount of wealth and possessions that you have right now is more than many people have. Have you received your wealth by fraud and trickery, of did you come by it honestly? Have you thanked God for what you have? Are you using what you have to bring glory to Him?