Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary James 5:7

"Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and latter rain." — James 5:7 (ASV)

This exhortation is addressed to the “brothers,” indicating that James is turning his attention from the unbelieving rich back to the believing Jewish Christians to whom the letter was sent. The word “then” suggests that the oppression of the righteous poor described in vv.1–6 is what gives rise to the message of vv.7–11. James has just warned the oppressing rich of coming judgment; now he encourages the oppressed poor to “be patient” (GK 3428). This verb describes the attitude of self-restraint that does not try to get even for a wrong that has been done. It usually represents long-suffering patience toward persons rather than things. So James calls for a patience toward the rich oppressors that will last “until the Lord’s coming.” “Coming” (parousia GK 4242) was a common term used to describe the visit of a king to a city or province of his kingdom and thus depicts Christ as a royal personage.

The first illustration of patience is that of the farmer who waits patiently “for the fall and spring rains.” In Palestine the early rains came in October and November soon after the grain was sown, and the latter rains came in April and May as the grain was maturing. Both rainy seasons were necessary for a successful crop. Knowing this, the farmer was willing to wait patiently until both rains came and provided the needed moisture.