James 5:9
Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
στενάζετε
Grudge
G4727
στενάζετε
Grudge
Strong's:
G4727
Word #:
2 of 14
to make (intransitively, be) in straits, i.e., (by implication) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly
κατ'
one against another
G2596
κατ'
one against another
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 14
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
11 of 14
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.Leviticus 19:18Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.James 4:11Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.Matthew 24:33So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.1 Peter 4:9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.Genesis 4:7If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.Galatians 5:26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.Galatians 5:14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.1 Peter 4:5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.Mark 13:29So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Historical Context
Persecution created pressure-cooker environments where believers turned on each other. James addresses this, similar to Paul's command in Philippians 2:14.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are you tempted to grumble about, and why?
- How can Christ's nearness restrain complaint?
- What constructive actions can replace grumbling?
Analysis & Commentary
Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Do not grumble (stenazete, στενάζετε) against one another lest you be judged; the Judge stands at the door. Internal complaints invite divine scrutiny.
Reformed community life values unity. James links eschatology with ethics: awareness of Christ's impending arrival restrains murmuring.