Heb 10:36, Jam 1:4 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 36. For ye have need of patience . They were then suffering, and in all trials we have need of patience. We have need of it because there is in us so much disposition to murmur and repine; because our nature is liable to sink under sufferings; and because our trials are often protracted. All that Christians can do in such cases is to be patient --to lie calmly in the hands of God, and submit to his will day by day, and year by year. See ; . That after ye have done the will of God . That is, in bearing trials, for the reference here is particularly to afflictions. Ye might receive the promise . The promised inheritance or reward--in heaven. It is implied here that this promise will not be received unless we are patient in our trials, and the prospect of this reward should encourage us to endure them. (a) "patience"

Hebrews 10:36

Verse 36. For ye have need of patience. They were then suffering, and in all trials we have need of patience. We have need of it because there is in us so much disposition to murmur and repine; because our nature is liable to sink under sufferings; and because our trials are often protracted. All that Christians can do in such cases is to be patient--to lie calmly in the hands of God, and submit to his will day by day, and year by year. See Jas 1:3,4; Rom 5:4.

That after ye have done the will of God. That is, in bearing trials, for the reference here is particularly to afflictions.

Ye might receive the promise. The promised inheritance or reward--in heaven. It is implied here that this promise will not be received unless we are patient in our trials, and the prospect of this reward should encourage us to endure them.

(a) "patience" Lk 21:19

James 1:4

Verse 4. But let patience have her perfect work. Let it be fairly developed. Let it produce its appropriate effects without being hindered. Let it not be obstructed in its fair influence on the soul, by murmurings, complaining, or rebellion. Patience under trials is fitted to produce important effects on the soul, and we are not to hinder them in any manner by a perverse spirit, or by opposition to the will of God. Every one who is afflicted should desire that the fair effects of affliction should be produced on his mind, or that there should be produced in his soul precisely the results which his trials are adapted to accomplish.

That ye may be perfect and entire. The meaning of this is explained in the following phrase--"wanting nothing;" that is, that there may be nothing lacking to complete your character. There may be the elements of a good character; there may be sound principles, but those principles may not be fully carried out so as to show what they are. Afflictions, perhaps, more than anything else, will do this; and we should therefore allow them to do all that they are adapted to do in developing what is good in us. The idea here is, that it is desirable not only to have the elements or principles of piety in the soul, but to have them fairly carried out, so as to show what is their real tendency and value. 1Pet 1:7. On the word perfect, as used in the Scriptures, Job 1:1. The word rendered entire, (ολοκληροι,) means, whole in every part. 1Thes 5:23. The word occurs only in these two places. The corresponding noun (ολοκληριαν) occurs in Acts 3:16, rendered perfect soundness.

Wanting nothing. "Being left in nothing;" that is, everything being complete, or fully carried out.

(a) "let patience have her perfect work" Lk 8:15; 21:19