Meaning of Divers Temptations in James 1:2
James 1:2 instructs believers to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations" (King James Version [1]). This verse introduces a central theme in the Epistle of James: the proper Christian response to trials and difficulties [10]. The passage immediately follows James's opening salutation to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (James 1:1, KJV), indicating that his audience was likely Jewish Christians dispersed due to persecution or other circumstances [4, 5].
The phrase "divers temptations" (ποικίλαις πειρασμοῖς, poikilais peirasmois) is crucial for understanding the verse. The Greek word peirasmos (translated "temptations") can carry a dual meaning in biblical contexts. It can refer to an enticement to sin, as when Satan is called "the tempter" (Matthew 4:3) [2]. However, it also frequently denotes a "trial" or "test" that puts one's faith and patience to the test [2]. In James 1:2, the context strongly suggests the latter meaning: trials or distresses of various kinds that test and purify Christian character [5]. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, specifies that these are "not the temptations of Satan, or temptations to sin; for these cannot be matter of joy, but grief," but rather "afflictions and persecutions for the sake of the Gospel" [4]. Similarly, Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist/Puritan commentator, notes that "troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians" [6].
The adjective "divers" (ποικίλαις, poikilais) means "various" or "manifold," indicating that these trials come in many forms [5]. The phrase "fall into" (περιπέσητε, peripesēte) suggests encountering these trials unexpectedly, becoming encompassed by them [5]. This implies that believers do not seek out these difficulties but rather find themselves in their midst [5].
The command to "count it all joy" (πᾶσαν χαρὰν ἡγήσασθε, pasan charan hēgēsasthe) is a striking exhortation. It means to consider every single one of these "divers temptations" as a cause for the highest joy [5]. This is not a call to be joyful for the suffering itself, but to find joy in the midst of it, understanding its purpose [5, 10]. The Tyndale House commentary notes a wordplay here, as chara (joy) is related to the greeting chairein (greetings) in James 1:1 [10].
The literary context of James 1:2-4 further clarifies this perspective. James immediately explains why believers should count trials as joy: "knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:3-4, KJV). The trials are presented as a means to an end: the development of endurance or patience (hypomonē), which in turn leads to spiritual maturity and completeness [7, 9]. This theme of enduring temptation is a recurring one in James, appearing again in 1:12-15 and 5:7-12 [10]. The blessedness is not in the "falling into divers temptations" itself, but in "enduring temptation" to the end, becoming "tested" or "approved" [7].
The historical setting of the Epistle of James is generally understood to be the early Christian church, likely before the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. James, identified as the brother of Jesus and a leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15), addresses Jewish Christians who are experiencing various forms of hardship [4, 5]. These hardships could include social ostracism, economic difficulties, or even persecution for their faith [4, 6]. The cross-references provided by the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge for James 1:2 include passages like Deuteronomy 4:32 and Job 8:8, which speak to ancient experiences of trial and the wisdom gained from past generations [3].
The interpretation of "temptations" as trials rather than solicitations to sin is crucial for understanding the passage's theological implications. If James were commanding joy in being tempted to sin, it would contradict other biblical teachings. However, understanding peirasmos as a test aligns with other scriptures, such as Genesis 22:1, where God "tempted [Abraham]" (R.V., "did prove") [2, 5]. This distinction is vital because while God does not tempt anyone to evil (James 1:13), He does allow and use trials to refine His people [2].
The concept of enduring trials for spiritual growth has been a consistent theme in Christian tradition. John Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, discusses how God uses various means to shape believers, though not directly on this verse [8]. The emphasis on patience and perseverance in the face of adversity is a hallmark of Christian discipleship, reflecting the understanding that suffering can be a crucible for faith. The beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake" (Matthew 5:10), offer a parallel perspective on finding blessing in hardship [7].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] James 1:2 — My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Temptation — (1.) Trial; a being put to the test. Thus God "tempted [Gen. 22: 1; R.V., did prove'] Abraham;" and afflictions are said to tempt, i.e., to try, men (James 1:2, 12; comp. Deut. 8:2), putting their faith and patience to the test. (2.) Ordinarily, however, the word means solicitation to that which is evil, and hence Satan is called "the tempter" (Matt. 4:3). Our Lord was in this way tempted in the wilderness. That temptation was not internal, but by a real, active, subtle being. It was not self-sought. It was submitted to as an act of obedience on his part”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Joel 1:2 cross-references: Deuteronomy 4:32, Job 8:8, Job 12:12, Job 15:10, Job 21:7, Psalms 49:1, Isaiah 7:17, Isaiah 34:1, Jeremiah 5:21, Jeremiah 30:7, Daniel 12:1, Hosea 4:1, Hosea 5:1, Joel 1:14, Joel 2:2, Amos 3:1, Amos 4:1, Amos 5:1, Micah 1:2, Micah 3:1, Micah 3:9, Matthew 13:9, Matthew 24:21, Revelation 2:7”
- James (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on James 1:2: My brethren,.... Not only according to the flesh, he being a Jew as they were; but in a spiritual sense, they being born again of the same grace, belonging to the same family and household of faith, and having the same Father, and being all the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus: count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; not the temptations of Satan, or temptations to sin; for these cannot be matter of joy, but grief; these are fiery darts, and give a great deal of uneasiness and trouble; but afflictions and persecutions for the sake of the Gospel,”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 1:2: My brethren--a phrase often found in James, marking community of nation and of faith. all joy--cause for the highest joy [GROTIUS]. Nothing but joy [PISCATOR]. Count all "divers temptations" to be each matter of joy [BENGEL]. fall into--unexpectedly, so as to be encompassed by them (so the original Greek). temptations--not in the limited sense of allurements to sin, but trials or distresses of any kind which test and purify the Christian character. Compare "tempt," that is, try, Gen 22:1. Some of those to whom James writes were "sick," or otherwise”
- James (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on James 1:2: We now come to consider the matter of this epistle. In this paragraph we have the following things to be observed: - I. The suffering state of Christians in this world is represented, and that in a very instructive manner, if we attend to what is plainly and necessarily implied, together with what is fully expressed. 1. It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians, even of those who have the most reason to think and hope well of themselves. Such as have a title to the greatest joy may yet endure very grievous afflictions. As goo”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 1:12: Blessed--Compare the beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5:4, Mat 5:10-11). endureth temptation--not the "falling into divers temptations" (Jam 1:2) is the matter for "joy," but the enduring of temptation "unto the end." Compare Job 5:17. when he is tried--literally, "when he has become tested" or "approved," when he has passed through the "trying" (Jam 1:3), his "faith" having finally gained the victory. the crown--not in allusion to the crown or garland given to winners in the games; for this, though a natural allusion for Paul in writing”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 75: and malice; and partly using as a badge by which he excludes from the number of his children all who, prone to revenge and reluctant to forgive, obstinately keep up their enmity, cherishing against others that indignation which they deprecate from themselves; so that they should not venture to invoke him as a Father. In the Gospel of Luke, we have this distinctly stated in the words of Christ. 46. The sixth petition corresponds (as we have observed) to the promise 491 491 The French adds, “que Dieu nous a donnee et faite;”—which Go”
- James (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on James 1:12: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation,.... Or affliction, which is designed by temptation, as in Jam 1:2 and the man that endures it is he that so bears it, and bears up under it, as not to be offended at it, and stumble in the ways of Christ, and fall away from the truth, and a profession of it, as temporary believers in a time of temptation do; but manfully and bravely stands up under it, and does not sink under the weight of it, or faint on account of it; and endures afflictions in such manner as not to murmur and repine at them, but is quiet and still, and be”
- James (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on James 1:2: 1:2-4 Enduring troubles and temptations is a recurring theme (1:12-15; 5:7-12). Failure to endure is “wandering from the truth” that requires being “saved from death” (5:19-20). 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters: See study note on 2:1. • James uses a wordplay: joy (Greek chara) here is related to greetings in 1:1.”