I'm preparing a bible school in my church about James, and I was really surprised with this commentary. The author manages to combine a good depth in interpreting the text, with an enjoyable read, without too many twists and turns or getting caught up in particularities. In addition, the editing and layout of the book helped a lot in understanding the structure of the biblical text. I would recommend this commentary to anyone who wants to study the book of James in their devotions or to prepare Bible studies.

The Epistle of James is a fascinating document which has occasioned more than its fair share of debate and dispute over the centuries. That makes this commentary a welcome aid to help readers engage with the text. It goes through the epistle line by line, explaining its meaning and its relationship to other texts. It also relates the text to contemporary issues like ‘faith healing’ and ‘prosperity gospel.’ This makes the book a potentially very useful resource for a wide range of Christian readers.

The book carefully avoids unnecessary complexities (such as discussing the intricacies of Greek) while also explaining the shape and context of the epistle. For example, the end of the epistle can seem rather odd, as it doesn’t look like the way that Paul’s letters close. However, the author goes through the text showing that it includes exactly the features which would be expected in a Greek letter of the era.

One of the things I appreciated in the commentary was its citations and references to ancient authors, such as the fourth century St Augustine. Some modern commentaries read as if there is nothing of value in older commentaries, despite the fact that the Scriptures have been read and commented on for more than 1500 years. I wish there had been a few more citations, (perhaps from figures such as the eighth century St Bede?).

One of the delicacies with commenting on James’ epistle is that it is all too easy to get bogged down in re-arguing Reformation disputes. The commentary did well to avoid that pitfall when discussing the issues of ‘Faith and Works’ (in chapter 2 of the epistle). It made the point clearly that there are disagreements among Christians, and then it showed how the texts of Paul and James can be read consistently if Paul was battling against ‘legalism’ while James was battling against ‘antinomianism.’

Less well treated was the issue which occurs at the end of the epistle where James refers to anointing the sick. Disappointingly the commentary suddenly felt the need to say that Catholics have got it wrong on that issue. That was a completely unnecessary intrusion of polemics into what was (up to that point) a well-balanced commentary. All the author needed to do was to show that there are different ways of reading the text about anointing, and explain each reading so that readers are properly informed about why various Churches read the texts differently. This was a lost opportunity to improve Ecumenical understanding.

Another good feature of the commentary was its breadth of cross referencing, and it was particularly commendable to see it including the Deuterocanonical texts (which are of particular interest to Orthodox and Catholic Christians).

However, some of the referencing didn’t seem quite right. For example, about 37% of the way through the book the author referred to the word ‘speak.’ He cross referenced to two texts: 1 Corinthians 15, 32 and Sirach 20, 30. The Corinthians text seemed absolutely appropriate to the context. But the Sirach text referred to hidden wisdoms and unseen treasures, and so it wasn’t clear to me why it was being cited.

Generally, the commentary offered a clear and thoughtful discussion of the epistle. However, there were a couple of places where it seemed to side-step important issues.

One instance occurred where James 1.13 says that God does not tempt (or test) anyone. The author notes that Genesis 22,1 seems to say the opposite and the Septuagint even uses the same Greek verb (peirazo). The commentary then states ‘Space does not allow for a full treatment here…’ (21%).

Another instance occurred at the end of the book where the issue of (apparently) unanswered prayers seems to contradict James’s assurances of God’s response. Once again, the commentary tells us that ‘space does not allow’ for the issue to be fully dealt with (94%).

How can a commentary keep running out of space to ‘fully’ deal with issues which it raises, and which it acknowledges are potentially genuine issues for its readers? That was disappointing.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and useful book to read… as far as it went. I just wish it had gone a bit further in a few places. The text is generally accessible to readers of any background but it will probably be enjoyed most by those reading the book for general interest, rather than by those reading it for academic or ministerial purposes.

(These are honest comments on a free electronic (ARC) pre-publication version of the text).

Unlike many commentaries that repeat predecessors’ opinions, Eng adds some new thoughts on the book of James. Besides exegesis (verse by verse explanations), he provides structural analysis looking at the whole of the book and motifs. I appreciate how he continually brings James’ writings in relation to the Shema (Deut. 6.4-5—Listen, O Israel, the LORD our God is one God. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, strength. There is an exhortation to listen and then do (love…). Christ called this the greatest with a second great command to love your neighbor. Eng points out that James hearkens repeatedly to this listen, acknowledge your fealty to the one True God and then do/love. Besides this, the commentator shows parallels to other Hebrew passages that James readers/hearers would have been familiar with.

Eng decides that of the competing theories as to the author and date of this letter, the most likely is James (Jacob), the earthly brother of Jesus (Y’shua) written before 50 A.D. making it one of the earliest circulated New Testament writings. Chances are perhaps that even believers dispersed outside Judea would have been familiar with some abridged gospel writings, such as the Sermon on the Mount. Though James was not part of the inner circle, the disciples, growing up in Mary’s household, he would have heard his brother pontificate on many of themes that the gospel writers recorded from the Christ’s formal ministry. When the apostles would have taught Christ’s lessons, they probably did not sound alien or new to James. He likely was able to acknowledge and agree with them.

The author also refutes Martin Luther’s dislike of the epistle because it seems to contradict Paul’s epistles espousing salvation through faith alone. Luther focused on Paul’s writings to contrast with the Roman Catholic’s teachings of salvation through works. Eng shows how James’ letter and Paul’s letters can be harmonized.

Like many commentaries, a reader can get lost in the minutiae. Eng tries to bring it back to broader themes and main points (theses) periodically. Such as linking James’ teachings to the Shema. Often it’s easy to understand this epistle as filling in the blanks following “If your really believe….”

…God has chosen you believers, part of the 12 tribes, then you will understand His favor has not disappeared though you face trials and tribulations.
…God wants to complete a good work in you, through you then you can persevere, find joy in the midst of trials.
…God has created a community of brothers and sisters, equal co-heirs, then you will guard your tongue when you talk about God’s beloved.
…God gives good gifts, and not man, then you will not show favoritism expecting quid pro quo.
….God wants you to love your neighbor, you will not cheat workers of their wages.
And so on.

This is worthy companion when reading the epistle of James.

I appreciate the publisher for providing an early copy to review.

I will not lie, I was initially drawn in by the beauty of this cover. But this Bible commentary has great depth and is great for deepening your Biblical knowledge. I would definitely recommend this to my friends looking to strengthen their knowledge and faith.

This is a very detailed but thought through analysis of the book James in the Bible. It introduces the way it’s gonna look at the content and gives a lot of knowledge and context surrounding the book in the Bible.
For me personally it is a bit too detailed for casual reading. But I know that if I want to study the book of James very thoroughly that this book will give me what I need for it.

The Hodder Bible Commentary on James is a welcome edition to the previous resources in this series, for anyone exploring or deepening their understanding of the Bible. It provides an in-depth analysis of the Epistle of James, covering various aspects such as its genre, themes, and messages. The commentary discusses topics like the nature of trials, the hope in the afterlife, and the practical application of faith, making it accessible to readers at different levels of biblical knowledge. Whether you’re just starting to explore the Bible or you’re already a devoted student of scripture, this book offers valuable insights and guidance.

The Hodder Bible Commentary: James by Daniel K. Eng is a thought-provoking and accessible guide to one of the most practical books in the New Testament. Eng weaves together historical context, theological insight, and cultural relevance to unpack the epistle's timeless wisdom. The commentary illuminates James's call to perseverance, faith in action, and the pursuit of godly wisdom, while emphasizing the epistle's themes of justice, humility, and integrity. Readers are guided to see how James addresses real-world struggles such as favoritism, misuse of the tongue, and the trials of faith with clarity and depth. Eng’s use of scholarship paired with relatable applications makes this an invaluable resource for students, teachers, and anyone seeking to live out their faith in challenging times. The commentary also highlights James's unique literary style, filled with vivid imagery and powerful exhortations, bringing the text to life in fresh ways. I highly recommend this insightful and engaging commentary for anyone desiring to explore the practical and spiritual depths of James.