The phrase "miseries that are coming upon you" is not a simple prediction of future hardship, but a present reality that is already unfolding. The present tense of "are coming" highlights that their devastating fate is actively in motion, like a train already speeding towards its destination, and not just something that might happen.
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.
English Standard Version (ESV)
James is directly addressing wealthy individuals who have oppressed others, picking up from the previous chapter's warnings against boasting about tomorrow and judging fellow believers. He shifts to a prophetic tone, foretelling severe judgment that is already on its way, not just a distant possibility but an imminent reality for those who have exploited the vulnerable.
James doesn't just warn the rich; he announces impending doom. What does this urgency tell us about God’s perspective on wealth and injustice?
The opening of James 5 is incredibly striking. The phrase "Come now, you rich, weep and howl" isn't a gentle suggestion; it's a prophetic declaration. The word "miseries" here points to intense suffering and distress, and the phrase "that are coming upon you" emphasizes that this judgment is not a distant possibility but an approaching reality.
Many scholars note that James is speaking in the spirit of Old Testament prophets who would pronounce woe upon nations and individuals for their injustice. While some debate whether James specifically foresees the destruction of Jerusalem or a more general divine judgment, the consensus is clear: God sees the misuse of wealth and the oppression of the poor, and He is not indifferent. The judgment is certain and imminent.
James targets the 'rich,' but is he condemning all wealth? What specific actions or attitudes make wealth a danger zone?
It's crucial to understand that James isn't condemning wealth itself. The sin isn't in having riches, but in how those riches are acquired and used. The commentary highlights that the rich James addresses are those who "have neglected the true enjoyment of riches in doing good" and are characterized by "unjust and oppressive" practices.
These rich individuals have likely amassed their wealth through exploitation, hoarding, and a disregard for the suffering of others, particularly the poor. Their wealth has become an idol, leading them to a false sense of security and a hardened heart. The "miseries" they face are the direct consequence of their sinful actions and their refusal to use their God-given resources for good.
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James uses intense language – 'weep and howl.' Why such a strong reaction, and what does it reveal about God’s heart for justice?
The intensity of James's language – "weep and howl" – is a direct echo of the Old Testament prophets. This isn't just an expression of sadness; it's a profound, demonstrative cry of anguish. Commentators point out that this type of howling was associated with divine judgment.
James adopts the posture of a prophet to issue a stark warning. He foresees the "miseries" that are coming as a consequence of the rich's oppression. This isn't about a distant, impersonal judgment; it's about God's active intervention against injustice. The prophetic voice declares that God hears the cries of the oppressed and will not let injustice stand forever. The "miseries" are the inevitable outcome for those who exploit others and ignore God's call to righteousness.
Understand the original words
plousioi · Greek Adjective/Noun
Refers to those possessing material abundance, often used in scripture to describe those whose trust is placed in wealth rather than God, leading to spiritual pride and indifference toward the poor.
talaipōriais · Greek Noun
An act of divine or natural punishment or suffering that results from human rebellion, injustice, or the unavoidable consequences of living in a fallen world.
ploutos · Greek Noun
Material possessions or monetary wealth, frequently contrasted with true spiritual riches and described as transitory, unreliable, and potentially a snare for the soul.
eschatais hēmerais · Greek Noun phrase
The final period of redemptive history, initiated by the first coming of Christ and culminating in His return, characterized by both the expansion of the Gospel and increasing spiritual conflict.
The 'miseries' James warns the rich about were likely understood by his original audience as directly related to the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romans, a devastating event that brought immense suffering and loss, especially to the wealthy.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
The central event of Christian faith, the execution of Jesus by Roman authorities and Jewish leaders, is seen by many commentators as a catalyst for future judgment upon those who rejected Him. James likely wrote his letter sometime after this event.
c. AD 40s-50s— this verse
James's Epistle Written
The letter of James is traditionally dated to this period, making it one of the earliest New Testament writings. It addresses practical issues faced by Jewish Christians, including the dangers of wealth and oppression of the poor.
c. AD 60s
Growing Tensions in Judea
The Roman province of Judea experienced increasing unrest and resistance against Roman rule, fueled by economic hardship, political corruption, and fervent nationalism among some Jewish groups.
AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War
This catastrophic war led to the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Roman army under Titus. The rich, particularly those who had hoarded wealth or collaborated with Romans, faced severe violence and retribution.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman legions besieged and razed Jerusalem, resulting in immense loss of life and the end of the Jewish sacrificial system. This event served as a stark fulfillment of prophetic warnings for many Jews.
This passage presents a stark contrast, calling 'woe' to the rich, much like James does, highlighting that their current comfort is built on a foundation that will not endure.
Isaiah 14:31This Old Testament prophet also uses the language of 'howling' in the face of impending judgment against a proud oppressor, echoing James's prophetic warning.
Matthew 25:41-46Jesus describes a future judgment where the wicked, often characterized by their lack of compassion towards others (similar to the rich James addresses), will face eternal punishment, reinforcing the idea of coming miseries.
1 Timothy 6:17-19This passage offers a counterpoint by instructing the rich on how to use their wealth rightly, emphasizing generosity and good deeds as the true measure of riches, which stands in opposition to the oppressive behavior James condemns.
vincentJames 5:1: "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you."
Go toSee on James 4:13.Weep and howl (κλαύσατε ὀλολύζοντες)Lit., weep, howling. The latter is a descriptive word, ol-ol-uz-o. Only here in New Testament, and denoting a more demonstrative and passionate expression of grief than weeping.Miseries (ταλαιπωρίαις)Only here and Romans 3:16. See on be afflicted, James 4:9.That shall come upon (ἐπερχομέναις)Present participle. More correctly, as Rev., t…
clarkeJames 5:1: "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you."
Go to now - See on James 4:13 . Weep and howl for your miseries - St. James seems to refer here, in the spirit of prophecy, to the destruction that was coming upon the Jews, not only in Judea, but in all the provinces where they sojourned. He seems here to assume the very air and character of a prophet; and in the most dignified language and peculiarly expressive and energetic images, foretells the de…
The phrase "miseries that are coming upon you" is not a simple prediction of future hardship, but a present reality that is already unfolding. The present tense of "are coming" highlights that their devastating fate is actively in motion, like a train already speeding towards its destination, and not just something that might happen.
James is directly addressing wealthy individuals who have oppressed others, picking up from the previous chapter's warnings against boasting about tomorrow and judging fellow believers. He shifts to a prophetic tone, foretelling severe judgment that is already on its way, not just a distant possibility but an imminent reality for those who have exploited the vulnerable.
James is directly addressing wealthy individuals who have oppressed others, picking up from the previous chapter's warnings against boasting about tomorrow and judging fellow believers. He shifts to a prophetic tone, foretelling severe judgment that is already on its way, not just a distant possibility but an imminent reality for those who have exploited the vulnerable.
"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your f…" — The phrase "miseries that are coming upon you" is not a simple prediction of future hardship, but a present reality that is already unfolding. The present tense of "are coming" highlights that their…
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Last reviewed October 2026
