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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 5:5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/5-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/59_Jas_05_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 5:5 - Warning to the Rich" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/5-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/5-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.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/5-4.htm" title="James 5:4">◄</a> James 5:5 <a href="/james/5-6.htm" title="James 5:6">►</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/5.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/5.htm">New International Version</a> You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. <a href="/nlt/james/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. <a href="/esv/james/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/bsb/james/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. <a href="/blb/james/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You lived in luxury and lived in self-indulgence upon the earth. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. <a href="/kjv/james/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. <a href="/nkjv/james/5.htm">New King James Version</a> You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. <a href="/nasb_/james/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You have lived for pleasure on the earth and lived luxuriously; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/nasb/james/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/nasb77/james/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/lsb/james/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You have lived luxuriously on the earth and lived in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a DAY OF SLAUGHTER. <a href="/amp/james/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> On the earth you have lived luxuriously and abandoned yourselves to soft living and led a life of wanton pleasure [self-indulgence, self-gratification]; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/csb/james/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You have lived luxuriously on the earth and have indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/hcsb/james/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You have lived luxuriously on the land and have indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. <a href="/asv/james/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Ye have lived delicately on the earth, and taken your pleasure; ye have nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/cev/james/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> While here on earth, you have thought only of filling your own stomachs and having a good time. But now you are like fat cattle on their way to be butchered. <a href="/erv/james/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Ye have lived delicately on the earth, and taken your pleasure; ye have nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/gwt/james/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You have lived in luxury and pleasure here on earth. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. <a href="/gnt/james/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Your life here on earth has been full of luxury and pleasure. You have made yourselves fat for the day of slaughter. <a href="/isv/james/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> You have lived in luxury and pleasure on earth. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. <a href="/msb/james/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts as in the day of slaughter. <a href="/net/james/5.htm">NET Bible</a> You have lived indulgently and luxuriously on the earth. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/nheb/james/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You have lived delicately on the earth, and taken your pleasure. You have nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/wbt/james/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. <a href="/wey/james/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Here on earth you have lived self-indulgent and profligate lives. You have stupefied yourselves with gross feeding; but a day of slaughter has come. <a href="/web/james/5.htm">World English Bible</a> You have lived in luxury on the earth, and taken your pleasure. You have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> you lived in luxury on the earth, and were wanton; you nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter; <a href="/blb/james/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> You lived in luxury and lived in self-indulgence upon the earth. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. <a href="/ylt/james/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> ye did live in luxury upon the earth, and were wanton; ye did nourish your hearts, as in a day of slaughter; <a href="/slt/james/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Ye have led a luxurious life upon the earth, and have rioted in luxury; ye have nourished your hearts, as in the day of slaughter.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> You have feasted upon earth: and in riotousness you have nourished your hearts, in the day of slaughter. <a href="/cpdv/james/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You have feasted upon the earth, and you have nourished your hearts with luxuries, unto the day of slaughter. <a href="/nabre/james/5.htm">New American Bible</a> You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. <a href="/nrsvce/james/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For you have had your luxuries on earth and have been greedy; you have fed your bodies as for the day of slaughter. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For you have made merry upon The Earth, and you have been gluttons. You have nourished your bodies as for a day of slaughter.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> You have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; you have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. <a href="/godbey/james/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Ye flourished upon the earth, and were wanton; you nourished your hearts in the day of slaughter. <a href="/haweis/james/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Ye have gormandized upon the earth, and lived in every luxury: ye have pampered your hearts, as in a day of feasting on the victim slain. <a href="/mace/james/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> you have liv'd on the earth in voluptuousness and luxury: you have indulg'd your selves as in a day of sacrifice: <a href="/wey/james/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Here on earth you have lived self-indulgent and profligate lives. You have stupefied yourselves with gross feeding; but a day of slaughter has come. <a href="/worrell/james/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Ye lived luxuriously on the earth, and rioted in pleasure; ye nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter. <a href="/worsley/james/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Ye have lived upon earth delicately and luxuriously; ye fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. <a href="/parallel/james/5-5.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=844" 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/5.htm">Warning to the Rich</a> …4Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. 5<a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">You have lived on</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1093.htm" title="1093: gēs (N-GFS) -- Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.">earth</a> <a href="/greek/5171.htm" title="5171: Etryphēsate (V-AIA-2P) -- To live a luxurious life, live self-indulgently. From truphe; to indulge in luxury.">in luxury</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4684.htm" title="4684: espatalēsate (V-AIA-2P) -- To live extravagantly, luxuriously; To be wanton. From spatale; to be voluptuous.">self-indulgence.</a> <a href="/greek/5142.htm" title="5142: ethrepsate (V-AIA-2P) -- A primary verb; properly, to stiffen, i.e. Fatten (with food, etc.), pamper, rear).">You have fattened</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardias (N-AFP) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts</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.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmera (N-DFS) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">the day</a> <a href="/greek/4967.htm" title="4967: sphagēs (N-GFS) -- Slaughter, sacrifice. From sphazo; butchery (figuratively) of men (destruction).">of slaughter.</a> 6You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you.…<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="/luke/6-24.htm">Luke 6:24</a> But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a> Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. <a href="/ezekiel/16-49.htm">Ezekiel 16:49</a> Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed, and complacent; they did not help the poor and needy. <a href="/amos/6-1.htm">Amos 6:1-7</a> Woe to those at ease in Zion and those secure on Mount Samaria, the distinguished ones of the foremost nation, to whom the house of Israel comes. / Cross over to Calneh and see; go from there to the great Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their territory larger than yours? / You dismiss the day of calamity and bring near a reign of violence. ... <a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17</a> He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich. <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a> If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a> Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. <a href="/revelation/18-7.htm">Revelation 18:7</a> As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’ <a href="/isaiah/3-16.htm">Isaiah 3:16-26</a> The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty—walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— / the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.” / In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; ... <a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Jeremiah 5:28</a> They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. <a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19-20</a> Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ <a href="/job/21-13.htm">Job 21:13-15</a> They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace. / Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. / Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ <a href="/psalms/73-7.htm">Psalm 73:7</a> From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">1 Timothy 5:6</a> But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive. <a href="/ezekiel/34-18.htm">Ezekiel 34:18-19</a> Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink the clear waters? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? / Why must My flock feed on what your feet have trampled, and drink what your feet have muddied?’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; you have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.have lived.<a href="/1_samuel/25-6.htm">1 Samuel 25:6,36</a> And thus shall ye say to him that liveth in prosperity, Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast… <a href="/job/21-11.htm">Job 21:11-15</a> They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance… <a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Psalm 17:14</a> From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.been.<a href="/isaiah/3-16.htm">Isaiah 3:16</a> Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:<a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13</a> Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.as in.<a href="/proverbs/7-14.htm">Proverbs 7:14</a> I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.<a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1</a> Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.<a href="/isaiah/22-13.htm">Isaiah 22:13</a> And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/7-25.htm">Delicately</a> <a href="/james/3-15.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/luke/15-30.htm">Fattened</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-6.htm">Feeding</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">Gross</a> <a href="/james/4-8.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">Indulged</a> <a href="/matthew/11-8.htm">Luxuriously</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">Luxury</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-29.htm">Nourish</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-6.htm">Nourished</a> <a href="/james/4-15.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Profligate</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">Self-Indulgence</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-5.htm">Self-Indulgent</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-1.htm">Slaughter</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">Wanton</a> <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-54.htm">Delicately</a> <a href="/james/5-7.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-14.htm">Fattened</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Feeding</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-7.htm">Gross</a> <a href="/james/5-8.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">Indulged</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-13.htm">Luxuriously</a> <a href="/revelation/18-3.htm">Luxury</a> <a href="/revelation/12-6.htm">Nourish</a> <a href="/revelation/12-6.htm">Nourished</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-15.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-20.htm">Profligate</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Self-Indulgence</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">Self-Indulgent</a> <a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Slaughter</a> <a href="/revelation/18-7.htm">Wanton</a> <a href="/james/5-9.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">James 5</div>1. <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Rich oppressors are to fear God's vengeance.</a> 7. <a href="/james/5-7.htm">We ought to be patient in afflictions, after the example of the prophets, and Job;</a> 12. <a href="/james/5-12.htm">to forbear swearing;</a> 13. <a href="/james/5-13.htm">to pray in adversity, to sing in prosperity;</a> 14. <a href="/james/5-14.htm">to acknowledge mutually our several faults, to pray one for another;</a> 19. <a href="/james/5-19.htm">and to correct a straying brother.</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'; 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This phrase addresses the moral and spiritual dangers of wealth and excess. In biblical context, luxury and self-indulgence are often associated with a lack of concern for others and a focus on earthly pleasures rather than spiritual growth. The Bible frequently warns against the deceitfulness of riches (<a href="/matthew/13-22.htm">Matthew 13:22</a>) and the love of money (<a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>). Historically, the early Christian community faced challenges from wealthy individuals who prioritized their own comfort over the needs of the poor. This echoes the prophetic warnings found in the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/amos/6.htm">Amos 6:1-6</a>, where the prophet condemns those who are at ease in Zion and indulge in excess while neglecting justice and righteousness. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly wealth, contrasting it with the eternal treasures in heaven (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>).You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. This imagery draws from agricultural practices where animals are fattened before being slaughtered, symbolizing impending judgment. The "day of slaughter" suggests a time of reckoning or divine judgment, reminiscent of prophetic literature where nations or individuals face consequences for their actions (<a href="/isaiah/34-6.htm">Isaiah 34:6</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/12-3.htm">Jeremiah 12:3</a>). The heart, in biblical terms, represents the center of one's being, including thoughts, emotions, and will. By "fattening" their hearts, the individuals are depicted as becoming spiritually insensitive and morally complacent, indulging in sin without regard for the consequences. This phrase can be connected to the parable of the rich fool in <a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a>, where a man stores up earthly wealth without realizing his life will be demanded of him. It serves as a warning to prioritize spiritual readiness and righteousness over temporal indulgence, aligning with the teachings of Jesus on vigilance and preparedness for the coming of the Lord (<a href="/matthew/24-42.htm">Matthew 24:42-44</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 with authority and pastoral concern for the moral and spiritual well-being of believers. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rich_oppressors.htm">Rich Oppressors</a> The primary audience of this verse, likely wealthy landowners or merchants who have exploited others for personal gain. James addresses their moral failures and warns of impending judgment. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_day_of_slaughter.htm">The Day of Slaughter</a> A metaphorical event symbolizing divine judgment. It evokes imagery of a time when God will hold people accountable for their actions, particularly those who have lived in selfish luxury.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_self-indulgence.htm">The Dangers of Self-Indulgence</a> Living in luxury and self-indulgence can lead to spiritual complacency and moral decay. Believers are called to examine their lifestyles and ensure they align with God's values. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_divine_judgment.htm">The Reality of Divine Judgment</a> The "day of slaughter" serves as a sobering reminder that God will judge those who exploit others for personal gain. Christians should live with an awareness of accountability before God. <a href="/topical/s/stewardship_and_generosity.htm">Stewardship and Generosity</a> Instead of hoarding wealth, believers are encouraged to use their resources to bless others and advance God's kingdom. Generosity reflects God's heart and counters the self-indulgent lifestyle condemned by James. <a href="/topical/h/heart_condition_over_material_wealth.htm">Heart Condition Over Material Wealth</a> The focus should be on the condition of one's heart rather than the accumulation of wealth. A heart "fattened" by luxury is spiritually unhealthy, whereas a heart aligned with God's purposes is life-giving.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 5</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_james_5_9_with_lament_psalms.htm">In James 5:9, how can believers reconcile the warning against grumbling with other biblical passages that encourage honest lament or complaint (e.g., in the Psalms)?</a> <a href="/q/why_aren't_james_5_1-3_warnings_on_the_rich_supported_by_history.htm">In James 5:1-3, why are the warnings against the rich not corroborated by historical evidence showing that many wealthy individuals also contributed positively to society?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_create_me.htm">What is the meaning of James 5:16?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_prayer_and_oil_heal_physically.htm">In James 5:14-15, how can prayer and anointing with oil physically heal a person when modern medicine relies on scientific treatments?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Ye have lived in pleasure.--And what an indictment is this brought against them by the Apostle:--Ye revelled upon earth, and wantoned; ye nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter. The pleasure and wantonness wherein the rich had lived, the selfishness with which they had cared for their own hearts, in a time of death for others--nay, preparation of like for themselves: this is the aggravated wrong, and the inexpiable shame. In the Received text above they are accused of having "nourished their hearts as in a day of slaughter," the cries of the victims thus seeming an addition to their own delights; but the charge against them is heavy enough without this insertion.As they had dealt to others, so the vengeance of God dealt with them. The Passover called together the richest Jews from all parts of the earth, and they themselves were the victims in their last sacrifice. No words can overdraw the fury of the Roman onset, under Titus, when the Temple floors ran with blood, and the roofs raged in fire till all was utter desolation.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Further description of their sin. Ye have lived in pleasure (ἐτρυφήσατε, here only) on the earth, and been wanton (ἐσπαλατήσατε, only here and <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">1 Timothy 5:6</a>); ye have nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter. The ὡς of the Received Text ("as in a day," etc., A.V.) is quite wrong; it is wanting in א, A, B, Latt., Memphitic. The clause seems to imply that they were like brute beasts, feeding securely on the very day of their slaughter. Vulgate (Clem.), in die occisionis; but Codex Amiat., in diem occisionis. The actual expression, ἐν ἡμέρᾳ σφαγῆς, may have been suggested by <a href="/jeremiah/12-3.htm">Jeremiah 12:3</a>, "Prepare them for the day of slaughter (LXX., εἰς ἡμέραν σφαγῆς αὐτῶν)." <a href="/commentaries/james/5-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>{You have lived} on ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. earth γῆς (gēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1093.htm">Strong's 1093: </a> Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. in luxury Ἐτρυφήσατε (Etryphēsate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5171.htm">Strong's 5171: </a> To live a luxurious life, live self-indulgently. From truphe; to indulge in luxury. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. self-indulgence. ἐσπαταλήσατε (espatalēsate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4684.htm">Strong's 4684: </a> To live extravagantly, luxuriously; To be wanton. From spatale; to be voluptuous. You have fattened ἐθρέψατε (ethrepsate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5142.htm">Strong's 5142: </a> A primary verb; properly, to stiffen, i.e. Fatten (with food, etc.), pamper, rear). your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. hearts καρδίας (kardias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] day ἡμέρᾳ (hēmera) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. of slaughter. σφαγῆς (sphagēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4967.htm">Strong's 4967: </a> Slaughter, sacrifice. From sphazo; butchery (figuratively) of men (destruction). <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/5-5.htm">NT Letters: James 5:5 You have lived delicately on the earth (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/5-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 5:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 5:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/5-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 5:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 5:6" /></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>