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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 1:4 Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/1-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/59_Jas_01_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 1:4 - Rejoicing in Trials" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/1-3.htm" title="James 1:3">◄</a> James 1:4 <a href="/james/1-5.htm" title="James 1:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/james/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/james/1.htm">New International Version</a> Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. <a href="/nlt/james/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. <a href="/esv/james/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And let endurance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <a href="/kjv/james/1.htm">King James Bible</a> But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. <a href="/nkjv/james/1.htm">New King James Version</a> But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. <a href="/nasb_/james/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <a href="/nasb/james/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <a href="/nasb77/james/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <a href="/lsb/james/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And let perseverance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <a href="/amp/james/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. <a href="/csb/james/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. <a href="/hcsb/james/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. <a href="/asv/james/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. <a href="/cev/james/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But you must learn to endure everything, so you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. <a href="/erv/james/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. <a href="/gwt/james/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won't need anything. <a href="/gnt/james/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. <a href="/isv/james/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. <a href="/msb/james/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. <a href="/net/james/1.htm">NET Bible</a> And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. <a href="/nheb/james/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <a href="/wbt/james/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Only let endurance have perfect results so that you may become perfect and complete, deficient in nothing. <a href="/web/james/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and let the endurance have a perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And let endurance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <a href="/ylt/james/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and let the endurance have a perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire -- in nothing lacking; <a href="/slt/james/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And let patience have a perfect work, that ye be perfect and entire, being left behind in nothing.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And patience hath a perfect work; that you may be perfect and entire, failing in nothing. <a href="/cpdv/james/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> and patience brings a work to perfection, so that you may be perfect and whole, deficient in nothing. <a href="/nabre/james/1.htm">New American Bible</a> And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. <a href="/nrsvce/james/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And let patience be a perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But patience will have a complete work for itself that you would be perfected and complete, and that you would be lacking nothing.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But let patience have its work perfected, that you may be perfect and faultless, wanting in nothing.<CM> <a href="/godbey/james/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But let endurance have its perfect work, in order that you may be perfect and whole in every part, lacking in nothing. <a href="/haweis/james/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But let patience have its work perfected, that ye may be perfect and complete, deficient in nothing. <a href="/mace/james/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but constancy should be brought to its perfection, that you may be entirely accomplished, without any defect. <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Only let endurance have perfect results so that you may become perfect and complete, deficient in nothing. <a href="/worrell/james/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And let patience have a perfect work; that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. <a href="/worsley/james/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but let patience have it's perfect work, that ye may be entirely perfect, failing in nothing. <a href="/parallel/james/1-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=20" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Rejoicing in Trials</a> …3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echetō (V-PMA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">Allow</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5281.htm" title="5281: hypomonē (N-NFS) -- Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.">perseverance</a> <a href="/greek/5046.htm" title="5046: teleion (Adj-ANS) -- From telos; complete; neuter completeness.">to finish</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergon (N-ANS) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">its work,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēte (V-PSA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">you may be</a> <a href="/greek/5046.htm" title="5046: teleioi (Adj-NMP) -- From telos; complete; neuter completeness.">mature</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3648.htm" title="3648: holoklēroi (Adj-NMP) -- Complete in every part, sound, perfect, entire. From holos and kleros; complete in every part, i.e. Perfectly sound.">complete,</a> <a href="/greek/3007.htm" title="3007: leipomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- A primary verb; to leave, i.e. to fail or be absent.">not lacking</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3367.htm" title="3367: mēdeni (Adj-DNS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">anything.</a> 5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Romans 5:3-4</a> Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. <a href="/philippians/1-6.htm">Philippians 1:6</a> being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Hebrews 10:36</a> You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">1 Peter 1:6-7</a> In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. <a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">2 Peter 1:5-8</a> For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; / and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; / and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ... <a href="/colossians/1-11.htm">Colossians 1:11</a> being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:23</a> Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Ephesians 4:13</a> until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a> Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9</a> But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-10.htm">1 Corinthians 13:10</a> but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away. <a href="/2_timothy/3-17.htm">2 Timothy 3:17</a> so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. <a href="/1_john/4-18.htm">1 John 4:18</a> There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. <a href="/job/23-10.htm">Job 23:10</a> Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.let.<a href="/james/5-7.htm">James 5:7-11</a> Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain… <a href="/job/17-9.htm">Job 17:9</a> The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.<a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Psalm 37:7</a> Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.perfect and.<a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a> For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.<a href="/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8</a> Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.<a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a> Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.wanting.<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.<a href="/matthew/19-20.htm">Matthew 19:20</a> The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?<a href="/mark/10-21.htm">Mark 10:21</a> Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Deficient</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-18.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Endurance</a> <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm">Finish</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Full</a> <a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Lacking</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm">Mature</a> <a href="/acts/17-25.htm">Needing</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Patience</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Perseverance</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Power</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Result</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Results</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Steadfastness</a> <a href="/titus/3-13.htm">Wanting</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/2-8.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/james/1-5.htm">Deficient</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/james/5-11.htm">Endurance</a> <a href="/james/3-3.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/revelation/11-7.htm">Finish</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Full</a> <a href="/genesis/8-5.htm">Lacking</a> <a href="/mark/4-28.htm">Mature</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-28.htm">Needing</a> <a href="/james/5-8.htm">Patience</a> <a href="/james/1-17.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/james/5-11.htm">Perseverance</a> <a href="/james/4-12.htm">Power</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Result</a> <a href="/2_john/1-8.htm">Results</a> <a href="/james/5-11.htm">Steadfastness</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">Wanting</a> <a href="/james/1-20.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">James 1</div>1. <a href="/james/1-1.htm">James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;</a> 2. <a href="/james/1-2.htm">exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;</a> 5. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">to ask patience of God;</a> 13. <a href="/james/1-13.htm">and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,</a> 19. <a href="/james/1-19.htm">but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.</a> 26. <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Allow perseverance to finish its work Perseverance, or steadfastness, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with enduring trials and maintaining faith. In the context of James, perseverance is seen as a necessary process for spiritual growth. The Greek word for perseverance, "hypomonē," implies a patient endurance under trials. This concept is echoed in <a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Romans 5:3-4</a>, where suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. The idea is that perseverance is not passive but active, requiring believers to remain faithful and obedient despite challenges. Historically, the early Christian community faced persecution, making perseverance a vital trait for maintaining their faith. so that you may be mature and complete The goal of perseverance is spiritual maturity and completeness. The Greek word for mature, "teleios," suggests reaching an intended end or purpose. This maturity is not just about age or experience but about becoming fully developed in character and faith. Completeness, or "holoklēros," implies wholeness, lacking nothing necessary for spiritual life. This reflects the biblical principle of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ (<a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29</a>). The process of becoming mature and complete is a lifelong journey, emphasizing the importance of continual growth in faith and understanding.not lacking anything This phrase underscores the sufficiency found in spiritual maturity. When believers allow perseverance to complete its work, they find themselves equipped with everything needed for life and godliness (<a href="/2_peter/1-3.htm">2 Peter 1:3</a>). The idea of lacking nothing is reminiscent of <a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>, where the Lord as Shepherd ensures that His followers have all they need. In a cultural context, this would have been a powerful assurance to early Christians who often faced material and social deprivation. Spiritually, it points to the fullness found in Christ, who provides for every need according to His riches in glory (<a href="/philippians/4-19.htm">Philippians 4:19</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jewish_christians.htm">Jewish Christians</a> The primary audience of the letter, who were experiencing trials and persecution, prompting James to address issues of faith, perseverance, and practical Christian living. 3. <a href="/topical/e/early_church.htm">Early Church</a> The context in which James writes, characterized by growth, persecution, and the need for strong teaching on living out the Christian faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_perseverance.htm">The Role of Perseverance</a> Perseverance is not just enduring trials but allowing them to shape and refine our character. It is an active process that requires our cooperation with God's work in us. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity.htm">Spiritual Maturity</a> The goal of perseverance is to bring us to maturity in Christ. This maturity is characterized by completeness and lacking nothing, indicating a well-rounded and robust faith. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_process.htm">Trusting God's Process</a> Trust that God uses trials to develop our faith. This trust is rooted in the understanding that God is sovereign and works all things for our good. <a href="/topical/p/practical_faith.htm">Practical Faith</a> James emphasizes a faith that is lived out in practical ways. Perseverance in trials is a demonstration of genuine faith that impacts how we live daily. <a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a> Encourage one another in the faith journey. The early church context reminds us of the importance of community in persevering through trials.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 1</a> <a href="/q/key_teachings_in_book_of_james.htm">What are the key teachings in the Book of James?</a> <a href="/q/key_themes_in_the_book_of_james.htm">What are the key themes in the Book of James?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'seeks_a_sign'.htm">How can your joy be made complete?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_endurance_build_faith.htm">How can endurance strengthen your faith and character?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Let patience have her perfect work.--Do not think the grace will come to its full beauty in an hour. Emotion and sentiment may have their place in the beginning of a Christian career, but the end thereof is not yet. Until the soul be quite unmoved by any attack of Satan, the work cannot be deemed "perfect." The doctrine is not mere quietism, much less one of apathy, but rather this, that the conscious strength of patient trust in God is able to say at all times (comp. <a href="/psalms/63-8.htm" title="My soul follows hard after you: your right hand upholds me.">Psalm 63:8</a>)--"My soul hath followed hard on Thee;Thy right hand hath upholden me."And if in this patience we can learn to possess our souls (<a href="/luke/21-19.htm" title="In your patience possess you your souls.">Luke 21:19</a>) the perfect work of God will be wrought within us.That ye may be perfect and entire (or, complete).--A special proof herein for religious people may be taken with regard to temper. Few trials are harder; and sweetness of disposition often melts away from physical causes, such as ill-health or fatigue. But the great test remains; and it is one which the world will ever apply with scorn to the nominally Christian, refusing to admit the claims of saintliness on the part of any whose religion is not of the household as well as the Church. The entirety and completeness of the life hidden with Christ in God (<a href="/colossians/3-3.htm" title=" For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.">Colossians 3:3</a>) are manifested most by self-restraint.Wanting nothing.--The older version, "lacking," found in Tyndale, Cranmer, and the Genevan Bible seems decidedly better. Here is no wish that the faithful should be free from care, heeding nothing; but rather that their whole lives might be without fault or flaw: a perfect sacrifice, as it were, offered up to God. And this idea is confirmed by reflecting on the original meaning of the word translated "entire" above in the Authorised version=complete, i.e., as an offering, with no blemish. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Patience alone is not sufficient. It must have scope given it for its exercise that it may have its "perfect work." That ye may be perfect (ἵνα ῆτε τέλειοι); cf. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a>, "Be ye therefore perfect." Both τέλειος and ὁλόκληρος were applied to the initiated, the fully instructed, as opposed to novices in the ancient mysteries; and as early as <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">1 Corinthians 2:6, 7</a> we find τέλειος used for the Christian who is no longer in need of rudimentary teaching, and possibly this is the thought here. The figure, however, is probably rather that of the full-grown man. Τέλειοι, equivalent to "grown men" as opposed to children; ὁλόκληροι, sound in every part and limb (cf. ὁλοκληρίαν in <a href="/acts/3-16.htm">Acts 3:16</a>). From this τέλειος assumes a moral-complexion, that which has attained its aim. Compare its use in <a href="/genesis/6-9.htm">Genesis 6:9</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/18-13.htm">Deuteronomy 18:13</a>, where it is equivalent to the Latin integer vitae, and the following passage from Stobaeus, which exactly serves to illustrate St. James's thought in vers. 4 and 5, Τὸν ἀγαθὸν ἄνδρα τέλειον εϊναι λέγουσιν, διὰ τὸ μηδεμίας ἀπολείπεσθαι ἀρετῆς The "perfection" which is to be attained in this life may be further illustrated from <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23</a> - a passage which is often misunderstood, but which undoubtedly means that the men were made perfect (πνεύμασι δικαίων τετελειωμένων), and that not in a future state, but here on earth, where alone they can be subject to those trials and conflicts by the patient endurance of which they are perfected for a higher state of being. The whole passage before us (vers. 2-6) affords a most remarkable instance of the figure called by grammarians anadiplosis, the repetition of a marked word at the close of one clause and beginning of another. "The trial of your faith worketh patience; but let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. But if any man lack wisdom, let him ask of the giving God... and it shall be given him; but let him ask in faith, nothing doubting, for he that doubteth," etc. <a href="/commentaries/james/1-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Allow ἐχέτω (echetō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. perseverance ὑπομονὴ (hypomonē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5281.htm">Strong's 5281: </a> Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy. to finish τέλειον (teleion) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> From telos; complete; neuter completeness. [its] work, ἔργον (ergon) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. you may be ἦτε (ēte) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. mature τέλειοι (teleioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> From telos; complete; neuter completeness. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. complete, ὁλόκληροι (holoklēroi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3648.htm">Strong's 3648: </a> Complete in every part, sound, perfect, entire. From holos and kleros; complete in every part, i.e. Perfectly sound. [not] lacking λειπόμενοι (leipomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3007.htm">Strong's 3007: </a> A primary verb; to leave, i.e. to fail or be absent. [anything]. μηδενὶ (mēdeni) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3367.htm">Strong's 3367: </a> No one, none, nothing. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/1-4.htm">NT Letters: James 1:4 Let endurance have its perfect work that (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/1-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 1:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 1:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/1-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 1:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 1:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>