James 1:2
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations;
American King James Version (AKJV)
My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations;
American Standard Version (ASV)
Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Let it be all joy to you, my brothers, when you undergo tests of every sort;
Webster's Revision
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.
World English Bible
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations,
English Revised Version (ERV)
Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;
Definitions for James 1:2
Clarke's James 1:2 Bible Commentary
Count it all joy - The word πειρασμος, which we translate temptation, signifies affliction, persecution, or trial of any kind; and in this sense it is used here, not intending diabolic suggestion, or what is generally understood by the word temptation.
Barnes's James 1:2 Bible Commentary
My brethren - Not brethren as Jews, but as Christians. Compare James 2:1.
Count it all joy - Regard it as a thing to rejoice in; a matter which should afford you happiness. You are not to consider it as a punishment, a curse, or a calamity, but as a fit subject of felicitation. Compare the notes at Matthew 5:12.
When ye fall into divers temptations - Oh the meaning of the word "temptations," see the notes at Matthew 4:1. It is now commonly used in the sense of placing allurements before others to induce them to sin, and in this sense the word seems to be used in James 1:13-14 of this chapter. Here, however, the word is used in the sense of trials, to wit, by persecution, poverty, calamity of any kind. These cannot be said to be direct inducements or allurements to sin, but they try the faith, and they show whether he who is tried is disposed to adhere to his faith in God, or whether he will apostatize. They so far coincide with temptations, properly so called, as to test the religion of men. They differ from temptations, properly so called, in that they are not brought before the mind for the express purpose of inducing people to sin. In this sense it is true that God never tempts men, James 1:13-14. On the sentiment in the passage before us, see the notes at 1 Peter 1:6-7. The word "divers" here refers to the various kinds of trials which they might experience - sickness, poverty, bereavement, persecution, etc. They were to count it a matter of joy that their religion was subjected to anything that tried it. It is well for us to have the reality of our religion tested, in whatever way it may be done.
Wesley's James 1:2 Bible Commentary
1:2 My brethren, count it all joy - Which is the highest degree of patience, and contains all the rest. When ye fall into divers temptations - That is, trials.