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.
The Fruit of Righteousness in James: A Study in Discourse Analysis 107
i. Temptations Reveal Areas Where Believers are Lacking (in
Righteousness) so That They Will Turn to God and Be Complete
(1,2-12)
ii. Temptations Are Not God’s Fault, He Is the Source of All Goodness
— That’s Why He Made Believers His Fruit-bearing Offspring (1,13-
18)
iii. The Fruit of Righteousness is Overviewed (1,19-27)
b. Body Proper (2,1 – 5,8) (Repent for Failing to Bear Righteous Fruit)
i. First Section (Believers’ Actions towards the Poor Demonstrates a
Failure to Bear the Fruit of Righteousness) (2,1-26)
1. Favoritism towards the Rich Is Incompatible with God’s Character
(2,1-7)
2. Favoritism Is a Sin against One’s Neighbors and Means One Is a
Lawbreaker in Danger of Judgment (2,8-13)
3. Professed Righteousness Devoid of Action Is Worthless (2,14-19)
4. Examples Illustrating that Righteousness and Action are
Inseparable (2,20-26)
ii. Second Section (Believers are Called to Repentance for Their Failure
to Bear The Fruit of Righteousness) (3,1 – 4,11)
1. Righteous Action is Not to be Equated with Teaching, Since All
Believers Sin with Their Tongue (3,1-12)
2. True Righteousness is Demonstrated in One’s Life as Wisdom
from Above and Produces a Fruitful Harvest (3,13-18)
3. Repentance is Therefore Necessary Because of Unrighteousness
(4,1-10)
iii. Third Section (Believers Are in Danger of Judgment for Speaking
and Acting with Unrighteousness) (4,11 – 5,8)
1. Slander is Judgment against One’s Neighbor and Exemplifies a
Lack of Righteous Wisdom from Above (4,11-12)
2. Believers Sin in Their Manner of Business Planning and
Demonstrate a Lack of Righteous Wisdom (4,13-17)
3. Gross Unrighteousness is Exhibited by Wealthy Believers towards
the Poor (5,1-6)
4. The Lord’s Imminent Return Produces the Patience Necessary for
Bearing the Fruit of Righteousness (5,7-8)
c. Body Closing (Receive God’s Gracious Offer of Forgiveness for Failing to
Bear the Fruit of Righteousness) (5,9-20)
i. Those Who Fail to Repent from Unrighteous Actions Will Face
Judgment (5,9-12)
ii. God Graciously Promises to Restore Sinners who Repent (5,13-20)
In summary, the preceding discourse analysis has shed light on several
important issues in James. The consistent use of present prohibitory
imperatives coupled with the vocative and the mention of judgment
serves as the structuring device of the Epistle, indicating transition for
each section of the body (2,1; 3,1; 4,11) and for the body’s conclusion
(5,9). Based on this feature, the Epistle is seen to be comprised of
sixteen paragraphs revolving around the theme of bearing the fruit of
righteousness. This theme comes to prominence in 3,13-18, where the
FOLLOW US