1James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ — to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Rejoice.
JAS 1:1
A Greeting from James
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st century, James’s greeting would have resonated deeply with Jewish audiences in the Diaspora. The term 'twelve tribes' evoked the ethnic and religious identity of Israel, rooted in the covenant promises to the patriarchs. For Jews scattered across the Roman Empire , this phrase affirmed their continuity with the biblical people of God, despite their displacement. The Diaspora was not merely a geographical reality but a theological concept tied to exile and the hope of restoration. By identifying himself as a 'slave' of God and Jesus Christ, James adopts a posture of humility and submission, aligning himself with figures like Moses and the prophets, who were also called 'servants of the Lord.' The greeting , common in Hellenistic letters, carries a dual sense of formal salutation and a wish for joy, blending cultural conventions with a deeper spiritual tone. This opening frames the letter as both a Jewish and a Christ-centered address.
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How other translations render this
JAS 1:1
- KJV
- James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
- BSB
- James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings.
- Koinōnos
- James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ — to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Rejoice.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
JAS 1:1
- a servant:The word translated 'a servant' here refers to a bondservant or slave, someone entirely owned by another. It emphasizes complete submission and belonging, not merely an employee.
- tribes:The term translated 'tribes' refers to distinct groups or clans, often with shared ancestry or identity, forming a recognized division within a larger community or nation.
- Dispersion:The word translated 'Dispersion' refers to a collective body of people who have been scattered from their homeland and are living among other nations, often maintaining their distinct identity.
- Greeting.:The word translated 'Greeting' literally means 'rejoice' or 'be glad.' It was a common salutation, but it carried a deeper sense of wishing joy and well-being.