5:11

We consider happy: Christians who have patiently endured suffering can be considered happy, or blessed, because Jehovah favors them and approves of them. (Mt 5:10-12; Jas 1:2-4; see study note on Mt 5:3.) Jehovah will reward all those who endure faithfully, as he rewarded Job, whom James mentions in this verse.

the endurance of Job: Job is an outstanding example of what true endurance means for a servant of Jehovah. (Jas 1:4 and study note) Satan robbed Job of his servants, his ten children, his health, and his wealth. Even worse, Satan deceived Job into thinking that Jehovah was the one attacking him. Then Job was plagued by false comforters who tried to convince him that he was wicked and that his integrity did not matter to God. Yet, Job endured, steadfastly refusing to give up his integrity.​—Job 1:13-21; 2:6-10; 7:20; 22:2, 3; 25:4-6; 27:5.

Job: This is the only place where Job’s name appears in the Christian Greek Scriptures. James mentions him after discussing God’s prophets who had suffered evil. (Jas 5:10) Unlike such men as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jonah, Job is not specifically identified as a prophet. (Mt 2:17; 3:3; 12:39) However, Job did at times act as a spokesman for God. (See Glossary, “Prophet.”) For example, he spoke correctly about things that he could have known only with the help of God’s spirit. (Job 14:13-15; 26:7) Additionally, Job offered sacrifices in behalf of others, as did other faithful patriarchs who served as God’s prophets, such as Noah and Abraham.​—Ge 8:20; 9:24-27; 12:7; 20:7; 1Ch 16:16, 17, 21-23.

the outcome Jehovah gave: James here refers to the loving way in which Jehovah not only brought an end to the trials Satan had inflicted on Job but also showered him with many blessings. He restored Job’s health and reputation and even doubled his former wealth. Job and his wife were blessed with ten more children. And Jehovah exonerated Job from all the vicious slander that his false accusers had heaped on him. Jehovah also blessed Job with deep insight into His wisdom, majesty, and power. Further, Job’s tender and affectionate God granted him another 140 years of life as a reward for his faithful endurance.​—Job 42:1-6, 16, 17.

Jehovah: For the use of the divine name, see App. C3 introduction; Jas 5:11.

Jehovah: For the use of the divine name, see App. C3 introduction; Jas 5:11.

very tender in affection: This expression renders a single Greek word that might also be translated “very compassionate.” According to one lexicon, this Greek word means “with empathy in one’s very inner being.” Another lexicon says, “full of pity, very kind.” The Hebrew Scriptures clearly teach that Jehovah has profound compassion for his faithful servants, and he shows them mercy. (Compare Ex 34:6; Ne 9:17; Ps 103:8; 112:4; Isa 63:9; Joe 2:13.) However, in ancient times, such a concept was quite foreign to many. For instance, some Greek philosophers taught that pity was a weakness and that no god would allow such an emotion to disturb his serenity. Jesus helped to show how wrong such notions were. He perfectly reflected his Father, Jehovah, so he was often “moved with pity” over the suffering of others.​—Lu 7:13; Mt 9:36 and study note; Mr 6:34; compare study notes on Joh 11:33, 35.

merciful: James adds that Jehovah is also “merciful,” meaning that God’s deep feelings of compassion move him to act, to help people in need.​—Lu 6:36; compare study note on 2Co 1:3.