Definition: Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from James 5:7 together. It’s a really beautiful and important message about waiting for God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: “Be patient therefore…” – This is the first part. It means don't rush! Don't get impatient or frustrated when things are difficult. It's a gentle reminder to be calm and steady. “… unto the coming of the Lord.” – The “Lord” refers to Jesus Christ, who is returning to earth. “Coming of the Lord” means He’s going to return! “Behold, the husbandman waiteth…” – This is a metaphor. Imagine a farmer tending his crops. The farmer waits . He doesn't expect the harvest immediately. "...for the precious fruit of the earth…” – The "fruit" represents good things in our lives - happiness, peace, blessings, and spiritual growth. "...and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” – This is the key part. The farmer really waits, and he doesn’t give up easily. He’s willing to endure hardship (the “early and later rain” - think of a good harvest) and trusts that God will eventually bring His blessings. So, putting it all together: James 5:7 is encouraging us to be patient in the face of challenges and difficulties. It tells us that God wants to bless our lives and that He’s working through these difficult times. It’s a promise that even when things seem slow or hard, there's an eventual reward – a time of great joy and abundance that comes as a result of God’s timing. In essence, the verse is about trusting in God's plan and being steadfast in our faith, even when we don't see immediate results. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, are you curious about: What does "the coming of the Lord" mean in a particular context? Why is patience important? How can we apply this principle to our own lives?