James 1 · Verse 3

James 1:3

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
James 1:3, King James Version

James 1:3 in other translations

BSBbecause you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
WEBknowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
ASVknowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience.
YLTknowing that the proof of your faith doth work endurance,
DARBYknowing that the proving of your faith works endurance.
BBEBecause you have the knowledge that the testing of your faith gives you the power of going on in hope;
WebsterKnowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

What does James 1:3 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3. the trying--the testing or proving of your faith, namely, by "divers temptations." Compare Ro 5:3, tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience (in the original dokime, akin to dokimion, "trying," here; there it is experience: here the "trying" or testing, whence experience flows). patience--The original implies more; persevering endurance and continuance (compare Lu 8:15).

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Patience is one of the fruits of such a trial, and the grace of patience is worth the trial which it may cost to procure it. This is one of the passages which show that James was acquainted with the writings of Paul. See the Introduction to James chapter 5, Jas 5:1. The sentiment expressed here is found in Rom 5:3. Rom 5:3. Paul has carried the sentiment out farther, and shows that tribulation produces other effects than patience. James only asks that patience may have its perfect work, supposing that every Christian grace is implied in this.

(a) "worketh patience" Rom 5:3

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 3 The trying of your faith - Trials put religion, and all the graces of which it is composed to proof; the man that stands in such trials gives proof that his religion is sound, and the evidence afforded to his own mind induces him to take courage, bear patiently, and persevere.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on James 1:1-11

Chapter Outline How to apply to God under troubles, and how to behave in prosperous and in adverse circumstances. (1-11) To look upon all evil as proceeding from ourselves, and all good from God. (12-18) The duty of watching against a rash temper, and of receiving the word of God with meekness. (19-21) And of living according thereto. (22-25) The difference between vain pretences and real religion. (26-27) Verses…

Read the full comment on James 1:1-11 →

James 1:3 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

γινώσκοντεςginōskontesknowingG1097
ὅτιhotithatG3754
τὸtotheG3588
δοκίμιονdokimiontestingG1383
ὑμῶνhumōnof yourG4771
τῆςtēs<the>G3588
πίστεωςpisteōsfaithG4102
κατεργάζεταιkatergazetaiproducesG2716
ὑπομονήν·hupomonēnendurance;G5281

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for James 1:3

  • Romans 5:3-4

    And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

  • Hebrews 10:36

    For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

  • Colossians 1:11

    Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17

    For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

  • 1 Peter 1:7

    That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

  • 2 Peter 1:6

    And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

  • Romans 15:4

    For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

  • Romans 8:25

    But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

  • Hebrews 12:1

    Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:5

    And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

  • Romans 2:7

    To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
that.
Ro 5:3,4; 8:28; 2Co 4:17
patience.
Ro 2:7; 8:25; 15:4; Col 1:11; 2Th 1:4; 3:5; Heb 10:36; 12:1; 2Pe 1:6

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • James 1:2

    My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

  • James 1:3

    Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

  • James 1:4

    But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Read all of James 1

James 1:3 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Sabiendo que la prueba de vuestra fe obra paciencia.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		sachant que l’épreuve de votre foi produit la patience.
German
Elberfelder 1871		da ihr wisset, daß die Bewährung eures Glaubens Ausharren bewirkt.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		scientes quod probatio fidei vestræ patientiam operatur.