James 1:4

4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Images for James 1:4

James 1:4 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
New Living Translation (NLT)
4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
The Message Bible (MSG)
4 So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
American Standard Version (ASV)
4 And let patience have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
4 Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won't need anything.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
4 The strength to keep going must be allowed to finish its work. Then you will be all you should be. You will have everything you need.

James 1:4 Meaning and Commentary

James 1:4

But let patience have her perfect work
Or effect; or be brought unto perfection; which may denote both the sincerity and continuance of it unto the end, with constancy: patience may be said to be perfect, when it appears to be real and sincere, and not dissembled; for as there may be a feigned faith, a dissembled love, and an hypocritical hope, so likewise a mere show of patience: and certain it is, that as there is a patience which is commendable, there is one that is not, ( 1 Peter 2:20 ) . And this phrase may also design the constant exercise of this grace to the end; for he that endures, or is patient, and continues so unto the end, shall be saved, and enjoy that perfection of glory and happiness expressed in the next clause:

that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing; which cannot be understood of the saints in this present life; only as they are in Christ, and in a comparative sense; or as perfection may denote sincerity, and uprightness; or of a perfection of parts, but not of degrees; for the saints are very imperfect in themselves, and are very far from being complete in soul, body, and spirit; and want many things, and are wanting in many things, both in the exercise of grace, and in the discharge of duty; but when patience has had its perfect work, and has been tried to the uttermost, and is found right, and has held out to the end; then shall the saints be perfect in holiness and happiness, and be entire, whole, and complete; as they will be in the resurrection morn, both in soul and body, and will want no good thing, and will be free from every sorrow, nor will they be deficient in any service; and to this sense agrees ( James 1:12 ) .

James 1:4 In-Context

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S 1 Corinthians 2:6
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.