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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/4-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/59_Jas_04_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 4:12 - Drawing Near to God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. 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But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/nlt/james/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? <a href="/esv/james/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/bsb/james/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/blb/james/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> There is one Lawgiver and Judge, the One being able to save and to destroy. But who are you judging the neighbor? <a href="/kjv/james/4.htm">King James Bible</a> There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? <a href="/nkjv/james/4.htm">New King James Version</a> There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? <a href="/nasb_/james/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you, judging your neighbor? <a href="/nasb/james/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? <a href="/nasb77/james/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? <a href="/lsb/james/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you who judge your neighbor? <a href="/amp/james/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy [the one God who has the absolute power of life and death]; but who are you to [hypocritically or self-righteously] pass judgment on your neighbor? <a href="/csb/james/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/hcsb/james/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/asv/james/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> One only is the lawgiver and judge, even he who is able to save and to destroy: but who art thou that judgest thy neighbor? <a href="/cev/james/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> or God who gave it. God is our judge, and he can save or destroy us. What right do you have to condemn anyone? <a href="/erv/james/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> One only is the lawgiver and judge, even he who is able to save and to destroy: but who art thou that judgest thy neighbour? <a href="/gwt/james/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> There is only one teacher and judge. He is able to save or destroy you. So who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/gnt/james/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else? <a href="/isv/james/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> There is only one Lawgiver and Judge—the one who can save and destroy. So who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/msb/james/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> There is only one Lawgiver, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge the other? <a href="/net/james/4.htm">NET Bible</a> But there is only one who is lawgiver and judge--the one who is able to save and destroy. On the other hand, who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/nheb/james/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Only one is the lawgiver and judge, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/wbt/james/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> There is one lawgiver, who is able to save, and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? <a href="/wey/james/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The only real Lawgiver and Judge is He who is able to save or to destroy. Who are you to sit in judgement on your fellow man? <a href="/web/james/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> One is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy; you—who are you that judges the other? <a href="/blb/james/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> There is one Lawgiver and Judge, the One being able to save and to destroy. But who are you judging the neighbor? <a href="/ylt/james/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy; thou -- who art thou that dost judge the other? <a href="/slt/james/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> There is one legislator, able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> There is one lawgiver, and judge, that is able to destroy and to deliver. <a href="/cpdv/james/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> There is one lawgiver and one judge. He is able to destroy, and he is able to set free. <a href="/nabre/james/4.htm">New American Bible</a> There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save or to destroy. Who then are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/nrsvce/james/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. So who, then, are you to judge your neighbor?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For there is one lawgiver and judge, who is able to save and to destroy: who are you to judge your neighbor? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> One is he who lays down The Written Law and judgment, who is able to give life and to destroy. Who are you who are judging your neighbor?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> There is one law-giver that is able to save, and to destroy: who are you that judge another?<CM> <a href="/godbey/james/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> There is one lawgiver and judge, who is able to save and to destroy: but who are you, the one judging your neighbor. <a href="/haweis/james/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> There is one lawgiver, who can save or destroy: who art thou that judgest another man?<CM> <a href="/mace/james/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> there is but one legislator, and judge, he that has the power of life and death: who art thou, to pass sentence upon another? <a href="/wey/james/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The only real Lawgiver and Judge is He who is able to save or to destroy. Who are you to sit in judgement on your fellow man? <a href="/worrell/james/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> One is Law-giver and Judge?He Who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you, that judge your neighbor? <a href="/worsley/james/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now there is but one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou then that judgest another? <a href="/parallel/james/4-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=749" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/4.htm">Drawing Near to God</a> …11Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. 12<a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">There is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">only one</a> <a href="/greek/3550.htm" title="3550: nomothetēs (N-NMS) -- A law-giver, legislator. From nomos and a derivative of tithemi; a legislator.">Lawgiver</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2923.htm" title="2923: kritēs (N-NMS) -- A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge.">Judge,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the One who</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynamenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">is able</a> <a href="/greek/4982.htm" title="4982: sōsai (V-ANA) -- To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.">to save</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/622.htm" title="622: apolesai (V-ANA) -- From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.">destroy.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ei (V-PIA-2S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sy (PPro-N2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-VMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2919.htm" title="2919: krinōn (V-PPA-VMS) -- Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.">to judge</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/4139.htm" title="4139: plēsion (Adv) -- Near, nearby, a neighbor. Neuter of a derivative of pelas; close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. Fellow.">neighbor?</a> 13Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1-2</a> “Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. <a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Romans 14:4</a> Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. <a href="/romans/14-10.htm">Romans 14:10-13</a> Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. / It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” / So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. ... <a href="/isaiah/33-22.htm">Isaiah 33:22</a> For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us. <a href="/john/5-22.htm">John 5:22-23</a> Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, / so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. <a href="/john/8-15.htm">John 8:15-16</a> You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. / But even if I do judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone; I am with the Father who sent Me. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-3.htm">1 Corinthians 4:3-5</a> I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. / My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. / Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. <a href="/acts/17-31.htm">Acts 17:31</a> For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23</a> in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, <a href="/1_peter/4-5.htm">1 Peter 4:5</a> But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-39.htm">Deuteronomy 32:39</a> See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. <a href="/psalms/75-7.htm">Psalm 75:7</a> but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. <a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Psalm 50:6</a> And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah <a href="/isaiah/11-3.htm">Isaiah 11:3-4</a> And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, / but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips. <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30</a> Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who are you that judge another?lawgiver.<a href="/isaiah/33-22.htm">Isaiah 33:22</a> For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.able.<a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a> And 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.<a href="/luke/12-5.htm">Luke 12:5</a> But 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.<a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Hebrews 7:25</a> Wherefore 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.who.<a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">1 Samuel 25:10</a> And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.<a href="/job/38-2.htm">Job 38:2</a> Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?<a href="/romans/2-1.htm">Romans 2:1</a> Therefore 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/4-2.htm">Able</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/james/4-11.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Judgement</a> <a href="/james/4-11.htm">Judgest</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-22.htm">Lawgiver</a> <a href="/james/2-8.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/james/2-8.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-13.htm">Neighbour's</a> <a href="/james/1-4.htm">Power</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-8.htm">Real</a> <a href="/james/2-14.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/james/2-14.htm">Save</a> <a href="/james/2-3.htm">Sit</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/james/5-9.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/james/5-9.htm">Judgement</a> <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Judgest</a> <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Lawgiver</a> <a href="/exodus/3-22.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/genesis/11-3.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/exodus/20-17.htm">Neighbour's</a> <a href="/james/5-16.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_john/2-27.htm">Real</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-5.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/james/5-15.htm">Save</a> <a href="/revelation/3-21.htm">Sit</a><div class="vheading2">James 4</div>1. <a href="/james/4-1.htm">We are to strive against covetousness;</a> 4. <a href="/james/4-4.htm">intemperance;</a> 5. <a href="/james/4-5.htm">pride;</a> 11. <a href="/james/4-11.htm">detraction and rash judgment of others;</a> 13. <a href="/james/4-13.htm">and not to be boastful of our future plans.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>There is only one Lawgiver and Judge This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and authority of God. In the context of the Jewish tradition, the Lawgiver is understood to be God, who gave the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). The term "Judge" reflects God's role in determining righteousness and justice, as seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the book of Judges where God raises leaders to deliver Israel. This phrase underscores the monotheistic belief central to Christianity and Judaism, affirming that ultimate authority rests with God alone. It also connects to <a href="/isaiah/33-22.htm">Isaiah 33:22</a>, which states, "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us."the One who is able to save and destroy This highlights God's omnipotence and His control over life and death. The ability to save and destroy is a divine prerogative, reflecting God's power over eternal destinies. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of this power in <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a>, where He warns to fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. This phrase also points to the dual aspects of God's nature: His mercy and His justice. Salvation is offered through Jesus Christ, who embodies God's saving grace, while destruction is reserved for those who reject Him, as seen in the final judgment described in <a href="/revelation/20-11.htm">Revelation 20:11-15</a>.But who are you to judge your neighbor? This rhetorical question challenges the reader's presumption to judge others, reminding them of their own limitations and fallibility. It echoes Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/7.htm">Matthew 7:1-5</a>, where He warns against judging others hypocritically. The cultural context of James' audience involved divisions and conflicts within the early Christian communities, often stemming from judgmental attitudes. This phrase calls for humility and self-reflection, urging believers to leave judgment to God. It also aligns with the broader biblical theme of loving one's neighbor, as commanded in <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> and reiterated by Jesus in <a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations. 2. <a href="/topical/l/lawgiver_and_judge.htm">Lawgiver and Judge</a> Refers to God, emphasizing His unique authority and sovereignty over moral and spiritual law. 3. <a href="/topical/n/neighbor.htm">Neighbor</a> Represents fellow believers and, by extension, all people with whom one interacts. The term underscores the relational aspect of Christian ethics.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a> Recognize that God alone has the authority to judge because He is the Lawgiver and Judge. Our role is to trust His perfect justice and mercy. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_relationships.htm">Humility in Relationships</a> Approach others with humility, acknowledging that we are not in a position to judge their hearts or motives. This fosters a spirit of grace and understanding. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Before forming judgments about others, examine your own life and motives. This aligns with Jesus' teaching on removing the plank from your own eye. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_to_save_and_destroy.htm">The Power to Save and Destroy</a> Understand that God’s power encompasses both salvation and destruction. This should inspire reverence and a desire to align with His will. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_community.htm">Living in Community</a> In Christian community, focus on building each other up rather than tearing down through judgment. Encourage and support one another in love.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 4</a> <a href="/q/who_was_bathsheba_in_the_bible.htm">Is it right to judge others?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_pride_lead_to_downfall.htm">Who are you to judge others?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_a_loving_god_allow_hell.htm">How can a loving God allow eternal punishment?</a> <a href="/q/do_christians_worship_three_gods.htm">Do Christians worship three separate Gods?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) There is one lawgiver . . . .--Better thus: One is the Law-giver and Judge, Who is able to save and to destroy: but thou--who art thou that judgest a neighbour? As a king is the fountain of honour, so the ultimate source of law is God; and all judgment really is delegated by Him, just as ordinary courts represent the royal majesty: to usurp such functions is to provoke the offended sovereign--whether of earth or heaven. "It is not our part," said Bengel, "to judge, since we cannot carry out our sentence." (Comp. a parallel scripture, <a href="/romans/14-4.htm" title="Who are you that judge another man's servant? to his own master he stands or falls. Yes, he shall be held up: for God is able to make him stand.">Romans 14:4</a>.)Able to save and to destroy.--Life and death, salvation and utter destruction, seem to be placed in intentional contrast here. (Comp. <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm" title="And 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.">Matthew 10:28</a>.) The thought of annihilation meets us with awful suggestiveness, yet let us leave the mystery for awhile in happier thought--"That nothing walks with aimless feet;That not one life shall be destroyed,Or cast as rubbish to the void,When God hath made the pile complete."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - To play the part of a censor is to assume the office of a judge. But this is an office which belongs to God and not to man (cf. <a href="/romans/14-3.htm">Romans 14:3, 4</a>). The first words of the verse should be rendered as follows: "One only is the Lawgiver and Judge:" the last words, καὶ κριτής, omitted in the Received Text, being found in א, A, B, and most versions, the Latin, Syriac, and Coptic. In the last clause also the Received Text requires correction. Read, Σὺ δὲ τίς εῖ (insert δὲ, א, A, B, L, K, Latin, Syriac, Coptic) ὁ κρίνων τὸν πλήσιον (א, A, B). <a href="/commentaries/james/4-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>There is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. only one εἷς (heis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. Lawgiver νομοθέτης (nomothetēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3550.htm">Strong's 3550: </a> A law-giver, legislator. From nomos and a derivative of tithemi; a legislator. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Judge, κριτής (kritēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2923.htm">Strong's 2923: </a> A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge. the [One who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. is able δυνάμενος (dynamenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. to save σῶσαι (sōsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4982.htm">Strong's 4982: </a> To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. destroy. ἀπολέσαι (apolesai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_622.htm">Strong's 622: </a> From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively. But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. who τίς (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. are εἶ (ei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. you σὺ (sy) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. to judge κρίνων (krinōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2919.htm">Strong's 2919: </a> Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish. [your] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. neighbor? πλησίον (plēsion) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4139.htm">Strong's 4139: </a> Near, nearby, a neighbor. Neuter of a derivative of pelas; close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. Fellow. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/4-12.htm">NT Letters: James 4:12 Only one is the lawgiver who (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/4-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 4:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 4:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/4-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 4:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 4:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>