Friday, June 21, 2013

Imperatives in James - How many?

I have seen a few references to the number of  imperatives in James.  Most commentators say that there are over 50, so I scaned through the book and identified a list of 52 (below).  I imagine there may be differences in how you count them.   I used the imperative mood in the parsing to identify them.  Three in chapter two are not actually addressed to the letter's recipient, but say what someone says.  

I would be happy to have any errors or omissions pointed out.  Leave a comment if you see something amiss.

1.2  count it all joy when you
1.4  let patience have its perfect work
1.5  let him ask of  God
1.6  let him ask in faith
1.7 let not that man think
1.13 let no one say when he is tempted
1. 16 do not be deceived 
1.19 let every man be swift to hear
1.21 receive with meekness
1.22 be doers of the word

2.1 do not hold the faith of our Lord ... with partiality
2.3 say to him, “You sit here in a good place
2.3 say to the poor man, “You stand there,” 
2.3 say to the poor man, ... “Sit here at my footstool,
2.5 listen
2.12  So speak and so do as those who ...
2.16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace,
2.16 be warmed and filled
2.18 Show me your faith without your works

3.1 let not many of you become teachers
3.4 let not many of you become teachers
3.5 See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
3.13 Let him show by good conduct

4.7 submit to God.
4.7 Resist the devil 
4.8 Draw near to God
4.8 Cleanse your hands, you sinners...
4.8 purify your hearts, you double-minded.
4.9 Lament 
4.9 mourn 
4.9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned
4.9 weep
4.9 Let your laughter be turned
4.10 Humble yourselves
4.11 Do not speak evil of one another
4.13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will...

5.1 Come now, you rich
5.1 weep 
5.1 howl 
5.7 be patient, brethren
5.8 You also be patient
5.8  Establish your hearts
5.9 Do not grumble against one another
5.10 take the prophets
5.12 do not swear
5.12 let your “Yes” be “Yes,”
5.13 Let him pray
5.13 Let him sing psalms
5.14 Let him call for the elders of the church
5.14 let them pray over him
5.16 Confess your trespasses
5.16  pray for one another
5.20 let him know that