James 4:12
There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
Original Language Analysis
ἐστιν
There is
G2076
ἐστιν
There is
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
2 of 16
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
τὸν
who
G3588
τὸν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
who
G3588
τὸν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶσαι
to save
G4982
σῶσαι
to save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
7 of 16
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπολέσαι·
to destroy
G622
ἀπολέσαι·
to destroy
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
9 of 16
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὃς
G3739
ὃς
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Romans 14:4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.Romans 2:1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Isaiah 33:22For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.James 5:9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.Romans 14:13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.Job 38:2Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?Romans 9:20Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?Luke 12:5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Historical Context
Legal squabbles in Jewish diaspora synagogues often involved litigating status. James reminds Christians that final judgment belongs to God, discouraging factional tribunals. Paul's admonition in Romans 14 resonates.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you usurp God's role as judge?
- How can God's sovereignty free you from harsh criticism?
- What does it look like to correct others without condemning them?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? There is one Lawgiver and Judge (nomothetēs, νομοθέτης) able to save and destroy. Who are you to judge your neighbor? James re-centers authority in God alone.
Reformed theology affirms God's sole prerogative to justify or condemn. Believers must resist arrogating divine prerogatives through harsh judgments.