2 Corinthians 13:9

13:9 For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. And we pray for this: that you may become fully qualified. ¹ 

Matthew 5:48

5:48 So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. ² 

John 17:23

17:23 I in them and you in me – that they may be completely one, ³  so that the world will know that you sent me, and you have loved them just as you have loved me.

James 1:4

1:4 And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.

James 1:1

Salutation

1:1 From James, ⁴  a slave ⁵  of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. ⁶  Greetings!

James 5:10

5:10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers and sisters, ⁷  take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name.

[13:9]  ¹ tn Or “fully equipped.”

[5:48]  ² sn This remark echoes the more common OT statements like Lev 19:2 or Deut 18:13: “you must be holy as I am holy.”

[17:23]  ³ tn Or “completely unified.”

[1:1]  ⁴ tn Grk “James.” The word “From” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied to indicate the sender of the letter.

[1:1]  ⁵ tn Traditionally, “servant” or “bondservant.” Though δοῦλος (doulos) is normally translated “servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free individual serving another. BDAG notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times…in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BDAG 260 s.v.). The most accurate translation is “bondservant” (sometimes found in the ASV for δοῦλος), in that it often indicates one who sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force.

[1:1]  ⁶ tn Grk “to the twelve tribes in the Diaspora.” The Greek term διασπορά (diaspora, “dispersion”) refers to Jews not living in Palestine but “dispersed” or scattered among the Gentiles.

[5:10]  ⁷ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:2.