KJV: Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
YLT: your gold and silver have rotted, and the rust of them for a testimony shall be to you, and shall eat your flesh as fire. Ye made treasure in the last days!
Darby: Your gold and silver is eaten away, and their canker shall be for a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as fire. Ye have heaped up treasure in the last days.
ASV: Your gold and your silver are rusted; and their rust shall be for a testimony against you, and shall eat your flesh as fire. Ye have laid up your treasure in the last days.
χρυσὸς | gold |
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: χρυσός Sense: precious things made of gold, golden ornaments. |
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ὑμῶν | of you |
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 2nd Person Plural Root: σύ Sense: you. |
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ἄργυρος | silver |
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: ἄργυρος Sense: silver. |
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κατίωται | have corroded |
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular Root: κατιόω Sense: to rust over, cover with rust. |
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ἰὸς | rust |
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: ἰός Sense: poison (of animals). |
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αὐτῶν | of them |
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Root: αὐτός Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself. |
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μαρτύριον | a testimony |
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular Root: μαρτύριον Sense: testimony. |
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ὑμῖν | against you |
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 2nd Person Plural Root: σύ Sense: you. |
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ἔσται | will be |
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular Root: εἰμί Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present. |
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φάγεται | will eat |
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular Root: ἐσθίω Sense: to eat. |
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σάρκας | flesh |
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural Root: σάρξ Sense: flesh (the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood) of both man and beasts. |
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ὡς | like |
Parse: Adverb Root: ὡς Sense: as, like, even as, etc. |
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πῦρ | fire |
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular Root: πῦρ Sense: fire. |
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Ἐθησαυρίσατε | You have treasured up |
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 2nd Person Plural Root: θησαυρίζω Sense: to gather and lay up, to heap up, store up. |
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ἐσχάταις | [the] last |
Parse: Adjective, Dative Feminine Plural Root: ἔσχατος Sense: extreme. |
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ἡμέραις | days |
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Plural Root: ἡμέρα Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night. |
Greek Commentary for James 5:3
Perfect passive indicative (singular for χρυσος chrusos and αργυρος arguros are grouped as one) of κατιοω katioō late verb (from ιος ios rust) with perfective sense of κατα kata to rust through (down to the bottom), found only here, Sir. 12:11, Epictetus (Diss. 4, 6, 14). [source]
Poison in James 3:8; Romans 3:13 (only N.T. examples of old word). Silver does corrode and gold will tarnish. Dioscorides (V.91) tells about gold being rusted by chemicals. Modern chemists can even transmute metals as the alchemists claimed.For a testimony (εις μαρτυριον eis marturion). Common idiom as in Matthew 8:4 (use of εις eis with accusative in predicate).Against you Dative of disadvantage as in Mark 6:11 Future middle (late form from επαγον ephagon) of defective verb εστιω esthiō to eat.Your flesh The plural is used for the fleshy parts of the body like pieces of flesh (Revelation 17:16; Revelation 19:18, Revelation 19:21). Rust eats like a canker, like cancer in the body.As fire (ως πυρ hōs pur). Editors differ here whether to connect this phrase with παγεται phagetai just before (as Mayor), for fire eats up more rapidly than rust, or with the following, as Westcott and Hort and Ropes, that is the eternal fire of Gehenna which awaits them (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:44). This interpretation makes a more vivid picture for ετησαυρισατε ethēsaurisate (ye have laid up, first aorist active indicative of τησαυριζω thēsaurizō Matthew 6:19 and see Proverbs 16:27), but it is more natural to take it with παγεται phagetai f0). [source]
Common idiom as in Matthew 8:4 (use of εις eis with accusative in predicate). [source]
Dative of disadvantage as in Mark 6:11 Future middle (late form from επαγον ephagon) of defective verb εστιω esthiō to eat.Your flesh The plural is used for the fleshy parts of the body like pieces of flesh (Revelation 17:16; Revelation 19:18, Revelation 19:21). Rust eats like a canker, like cancer in the body.As fire (ως πυρ hōs pur). Editors differ here whether to connect this phrase with παγεται phagetai just before (as Mayor), for fire eats up more rapidly than rust, or with the following, as Westcott and Hort and Ropes, that is the eternal fire of Gehenna which awaits them (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:44). This interpretation makes a more vivid picture for ετησαυρισατε ethēsaurisate (ye have laid up, first aorist active indicative of τησαυριζω thēsaurizō Matthew 6:19 and see Proverbs 16:27), but it is more natural to take it with παγεται phagetai f0). [source]
Future middle (late form from επαγον ephagon) of defective verb εστιω esthiō to eat. [source]
The plural is used for the fleshy parts of the body like pieces of flesh (Revelation 17:16; Revelation 19:18, Revelation 19:21). Rust eats like a canker, like cancer in the body.As fire (ως πυρ hōs pur). Editors differ here whether to connect this phrase with παγεται phagetai just before (as Mayor), for fire eats up more rapidly than rust, or with the following, as Westcott and Hort and Ropes, that is the eternal fire of Gehenna which awaits them (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:44). This interpretation makes a more vivid picture for ετησαυρισατε ethēsaurisate (ye have laid up, first aorist active indicative of τησαυριζω thēsaurizō Matthew 6:19 and see Proverbs 16:27), but it is more natural to take it with παγεται phagetai f0). [source]
Editors differ here whether to connect this phrase with παγεται phagetai just before (as Mayor), for fire eats up more rapidly than rust, or with the following, as Westcott and Hort and Ropes, that is the eternal fire of Gehenna which awaits them (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:44). This interpretation makes a more vivid picture for ετησαυρισατε ethēsaurisate (ye have laid up, first aorist active indicative of τησαυριζω thēsaurizō Matthew 6:19 and see Proverbs 16:27), but it is more natural to take it with παγεται phagetai f0). [source]
Only here in New Testament, from ἰός , rust, as in the following sentence. Also poison, as James 3:8. The preposition κατά indicates thoroughness, completely rusted. [source]
The noun is plural: thefleshy parts of the body. So Sept. (Revelation href="/desk/?q=re+19:18&sr=1">Revelation 19:18. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for James 5:3
Old word both for rust (James 5:3) and poison (James 3:8). Of asps (ασπιδων aspidōn). Common word for round bowl, shield, then the Egyptian cobra (a deadly serpent). Often in lxx. Only here in the N.T. The poison of the asp lies in a bag under the lips (χειλη cheilē), often in lxx, only here in N.T. Genitive case after γεμει gemei (is full). [source]
Perfect passive participle of ανοιγω anoigō “an opened grave.” Their mouth (words) like the odour of a newly opened grave. “Some portions of Greek and Roman literature stink like a newly opened grave” (Shedd). They have used deceit (εδολιουσαν edoliousan). Imperfect (not perfect or aorist as the English implies) active of δολιοω dolioō only in lxx and here in the N.T. from the common adjective δολιος dolios deceitful (2 Corinthians 11:13). The regular form would be εδολιουν edolioun The οσαν ̇osan ending for third plural in imperfect and aorist was once thought to be purely Alexandrian because so common in the lxx, but it is common in the Boeotian and Aeolic dialects and occurs in ειχοσαν eichosan in the N.T. (John 15:22, John 15:24). “They smoothed their tongues” in the Hebrew. Poison Old word both for rust (James 5:3) and poison (James 3:8). Of asps (ασπιδων aspidōn). Common word for round bowl, shield, then the Egyptian cobra (a deadly serpent). Often in lxx. Only here in the N.T. The poison of the asp lies in a bag under the lips (χειλη cheilē), often in lxx, only here in N.T. Genitive case after γεμει gemei (is full). [source]
The motto of every real preacher. To lay up (thēsaurizein). For this use of the verb see note on 1 Corinthians 16:2 (Matthew 6:19-21; James 5:3). [source]
For this use of the verb see note on 1 Corinthians 16:2 (Matthew 6:19-21; James 5:3). [source]
The phrase only here in Pastorals, Acts 2:17, James 5:3. Similar expressions are ἐν καιρῷ ἐσχάτῳ inthe last season, 1 Peter 1:5: ἐπ ' ἐσχάτου τῶν χρόνων atthe last of the times, 1 Peter 1:20: ἐπ ' ἐσχάτου χρόνου atthe last time, Judges 1:18: ἐπ ' ἐσχάτων τῶν ἡμερῶν atthe last of the days, 2 Peter 3:3: ἐν ὑστέροις καιροῖς inthe latter seasons, 1 Timothy 4:1. The times immediately preceding Christ's second appearing are meant. Comp. Hebrews 1:2; James 5:3. [source]
See note on James 5:3 and 1 Timothy 4:1. Grievous (χαλεποι chalepoi). Hard. See Ephesians 5:16. Shall come Future middle of ενιστημι enistēmi (intransitive use), old verb, to stand on or be at hand, as in 2 Thessalonians 2:2. [source]
All the best texts reject ὡς , as. The meaning of the passage is disputed. Some find the key to it in the words last days (James 5:3). The phrase day of slaughter is used for a day of judgment, Jeremiah 12:3; 25:34: (Sept.). According to this, the meaning is, the day of judgment, at the supposed near coming of Christ. Others explain that these men are like beasts, which, on the very day of their slaughter, gorge themselves in unconscious security. [source]
Rendered rust at James 5:3; and found only in these two passages and in Romans 3:13, in the citation of Psalm 140:3. [source]
Feminine adjective agreeing with γλωσσα glōssa not with κακον kakon (neuter). Ιου Iou (poison here, as in Romans 3:13, but rust in James 5:3, only N.T. examples), old word. Genitive case after μεστη mestē (full of). Τανατηπορου Thanatēphorou old compound adjective (from τανατος thanatos death, περω pherō to bear or bring), death-bringing. Here only in N.T. Like the restless death-bringing tongue of the asp before it strikes. [source]
Correct reading, not ακατασχετον akatascheton for which see note on James 1:8. The tongue is evil when set on fire by hell, not evil necessarily.Full of deadly poison (μεστη ιου τανατηπορου mestē iou thanatēphorou). Feminine adjective agreeing with γλωσσα glōssa not with κακον kakon (neuter). Ιου Iou (poison here, as in Romans 3:13, but rust in James 5:3, only N.T. examples), old word. Genitive case after μεστη mestē (full of). Τανατηπορου Thanatēphorou old compound adjective (from τανατος thanatos death, περω pherō to bear or bring), death-bringing. Here only in N.T. Like the restless death-bringing tongue of the asp before it strikes. [source]
Present (continuous process) passive articular Intermediate agency (δια dia), the immediate being (εν en in, by) God‘s power.Unto a salvation Deliverance is the goal Prepared awaiting God‘s will (Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18).To be revealed First aorist passive infinitive of αποκαλυπτω apokaluptō to unveil. Cf. Colossians 3:4 for πανεροω phaneroō (to manifest) in this sense.In the last time (εν καιρωι εσχατωι en kairōi eschatōi). This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in John 6:39; Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Hebrews 1:2; Judges 1:18; 1 John 2:18. Hort translates it here “in a season of extremity,” but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said. [source]
Deliverance is the goal Prepared awaiting God‘s will (Galatians 3:23; Romans 8:18).To be revealed First aorist passive infinitive of αποκαλυπτω apokaluptō to unveil. Cf. Colossians 3:4 for πανεροω phaneroō (to manifest) in this sense.In the last time (εν καιρωι εσχατωι en kairōi eschatōi). This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in John 6:39; Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Hebrews 1:2; Judges 1:18; 1 John 2:18. Hort translates it here “in a season of extremity,” but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said. [source]
First aorist passive infinitive of αποκαλυπτω apokaluptō to unveil. Cf. Colossians 3:4 for πανεροω phaneroō (to manifest) in this sense.In the last time (εν καιρωι εσχατωι en kairōi eschatōi). This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in John 6:39; Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Hebrews 1:2; Judges 1:18; 1 John 2:18. Hort translates it here “in a season of extremity,” but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said. [source]
This precise phrase nowhere else, but similar ones in John 6:39; Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Hebrews 1:2; Judges 1:18; 1 John 2:18. Hort translates it here “in a season of extremity,” but it is usually taken to refer to the Day of Judgment. That day no one knows, Jesus said. [source]
The phrase only here in the New Testament. On John's use of ὥρα houras marking a critical season, see John 2:4; John 4:21, John 4:23; John 5:25, John 5:28; John 7:30; John 8:20; John 11:23, John 11:27; John 16:2, John 16:4, John 16:25, John 16:32. The dominant sense of the expression last days, in the New Testament, is that of a period of suffering and struggle preceding a divine victory. See Acts 2:17; James 5:3; 1 Peter 1:20. Hence the phrase here does not refer to the end of the world, but to the period preceding a crisis in the advance of Christ's kingdom, a changeful and troublous period, marked by the appearance of “many antichrists.” [source]
A token of extreme hostility. See Psalm 27:2; Micah 3:3. Xenophon, speaking of the hatred between the pure Spartans and the Helots, says that no one of the pure Spartans could conceal his readiness to eat the Helot raw. Notice the plural σάρκας fleshand see on James 5:3. [source]
Future middle of the defective verb εστιω esthiō to eat. Note plural σαρκας sarkas portions of flesh (James 5:3) as in Psalm 27:2; Micah 3:3. [source]
Future active of ποιεω poieō and perfect passive predicate accusative participle of ερημοω erēmoō old verb (from ερημος erēmos desolate), again in Revelation 18:16, Revelation 18:19. Γυμνην Gumnēn (naked) is predicate adjective.Shall eat her flesh (τας σαρκας αυτης παγονται tas sarkas autēs phagontai). Future middle of the defective verb εστιω esthiō to eat. Note plural σαρκας sarkas portions of flesh (James 5:3) as in Psalm 27:2; Micah 3:3.Shall burn her utterly with fire Future active of κατακαιω katakaiō to burn down (perfective use of καιω kaiō). John wrote before the days of Alaric, Genseric, Ricimer, Totila, with their hordes which devastated Rome and the west in the fifth and sixth centuries. “No reader of the Decline and Fall can be at a loss for materials which will at once illustrate and justify the general trend of St. John‘s prophecy” (Swete). [source]