James 5:6
Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
Original Language Analysis
κατεδικάσατε
Ye have condemned
G2613
κατεδικάσατε
Ye have condemned
Strong's:
G2613
Word #:
1 of 7
to adjudge against, i.e., pronounce guilty
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιον
the just
G1342
δίκαιον
the just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
4 of 7
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
Cross References
Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.Acts 8:32The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:Matthew 5:39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.James 4:2Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.Hebrews 10:38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.Acts 22:14And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
Historical Context
Wealthy Sadducees and landowners sometimes manipulated courts to eliminate opponents. James may reference martyrdom of righteous believers, possibly even Jesus or His followers. The powerless often lacked legal recourse.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you support believers facing injustice today?
- Are you complicit in systems that harm the righteous?
- What does it look like to endure injustice without retaliation?
Analysis & Commentary
Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. You condemned (katedikasate, κατεδικάσατε) and killed (ephoneusate, ἐφονεύσατε) the righteous person; he does not resist. Oppression escalated to judicial murder of innocent believers, echoing Christ's own suffering.
Reformed believers recognize solidarity with persecuted righteous. James assures victims that God sees and will judge oppressors.