Andrew M. Bowden, «The Fruit of Righteousness in James: A Study in Discourse Analysis.», Vol. 26 (2013) 87-108
In this study, a discourse analysis of James is conducted with the goal of better understanding the structure, theme, and cohesion of the letter. By paying careful attention to the details of the text, James’ paragraphs are identified, as are the signals of transition between the various paragraphs. The conclusions reached based on a discourse analysis of James are illuminating. Far from being a randomly arranged work, James repeatedly uses present prohibitory imperatives in the overall organization of the Epistle. These imperatives are important in marking transitions between main sections. Furthermore, a discourse analysis reveals that James is a coherent epistle comprised of 16 paragraphs, with 3,13-18 providing the overarching macrostructure of the letter. Bearing the fruit of righteousness, a theme prominent in 3,13-18, is seen to be the letter’s overarching and unifying thought.
102 Andrew M. Bowden
with increasing momentum, leaving the readers convinced of their need
to repent for their sin since their lives contrast sharply with the wisdom
from above.
2.2.2.3 Section Three: Believers are in Danger of Judgment for
Speaking and Acting with Unrighteousness towards the Poor (4,11 – 5,8)
This final section of the body, organized into four paragraphs,
continues the pattern already established by opening with a prohibitive
present imperative, the vocative, and a mention of judgment. It continues
until 5,8, where the same transitional formula is encountered.
The first paragraph of this section (4,11-12) discusses being doers
of the law, not judges of it53. The negative command in 4,11 contrasts
sharply with the series of positive imperatives in 4,7-10 and signals the
start of the new unit. James strategically places the word “brothers” in
4,11 after its absence in the previous paragraph in order to remind the
audience of his continuing affection.
The second and third paragraphs of this section (4,13-17; 5,1-6) are
parallel in form, especially since each begins with Ἄγε νῦν. In vv. 13-17,
James illustrates how wealthy believers sin in the way they make business
plans. This paragraph shows the readers’ failure to be doers of the word,
and points out that the one who knows the καλὸν ποιεῖν yet does not do
it has worked ἁμαρτία (4,17). The third paragraph, composed of 5,1-6,
again begins with Ἄγε νῦν. This paragraph, like its parallel preceding one,
is a rebuke — not only have the readers failed to act with righteousness,
they have in fact κατεδικάσατε, and ἐφονεύσατε τὸν δίκαιον (5,6).
James’ allusions in these paragraphs to the OT prophetic are so numerous
that they exceed the scope of this paper54.
After such a stinging rebuke in 5,6, James concludes this third section
with an exhortation to patience (5,7-8)55. This paragraph is intended as
53
Cheung argues that 4,11-12 through 5,9-11 should be seen as a chiasm (Genre, 80).
His reasons are rather unconvincing.
54
Those who comment on these prophetic allusions include McCartney, James,
R. Yarbrough et al. (eds.) (BECNT; Grand Rapids 2009) 232, n. 2; Dibelius, Der Brief
des Jakobus, H. Greeven (ed.) (Göttingen 1964) 281; Johnson, James, 299; Mußner,
Jakobusbrief, 194.
55
Many view vv. 7-8, not as the final paragraph of this section, but as the first paragraph
of the letter’s conclusion. Penner points out, however, the eschatological instruction in v.
7 “is clearly connected to what precedes it. The οὖν connects [the paragraph] with the
eschatological denunciation of the rich. To separate the unit at 5,6 is to break up the logical
flow of thought. Jas 5,7 [ff.] is not the eschatological conclusion to the whole letter, it is
the conclusion to the argument of 4,6 – 5,6” (Eschatology, 150). Similarly, Moo argues that
5,7ff. relates to 5,1-6 as “the flip-side to the condemnation of the rich that we find there”
(James, 221).