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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 4:11 Brothers, 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/4-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/59_Jas_04_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 4:11 - Drawing Near to God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Brothers, do not slander one another. 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Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. <a href="/nlt/james/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. <a href="/esv/james/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. <a href="/bsb/james/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Brothers, 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. <a href="/blb/james/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Do not speak against one another, brothers. The one speaking against his brother or judging his brother speaks against the Law and judges the Law. But if you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law, but a judge. <a href="/kjv/james/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Speak 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. <a href="/nkjv/james/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. <a href="/nasb_/james/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Do not speak against one another, brothers and sisters. The one who speaks against a brother or sister, or judges his brother or sister, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. <a href="/nasb/james/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. <a href="/nasb77/james/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it. <a href="/lsb/james/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Do not slander one another, brothers. He who slanders a brother or judges his brother, slanders the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. <a href="/amp/james/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Believers, do not speak against or slander one another. He who speaks [self-righteously] against a brother or judges his brother [hypocritically], speaks against the Law and judges the Law. If you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge of it. <a href="/csb/james/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Don’t criticize one another, brothers and sisters. Anyone who defames or judges a fellow believer defames and judges the law. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. <a href="/hcsb/james/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Don&#8217t criticize one another, brothers. He who criticizes a brother or judges his brother criticizes the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. <a href="/asv/james/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Speak not one against another, brethren. He that speaketh against a brother, or judgeth his brother, speaketh against the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judgest the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. <a href="/cev/james/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> My friends, don't say cruel things about others! If you do, or if you condemn others, you are condemning God's Law. And if you condemn the Law, you put yourself above the Law and refuse to obey either it <a href="/erv/james/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Speak not one against another, brethren. He that speaketh against a brother, or judgeth his brother, speaketh against the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judgest the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. <a href="/gwt/james/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Brothers and sisters, stop slandering each other. Those who slander and judge other believers slander and judge God's teachings. If you judge God's teachings, you are no longer following them. Instead, you are judging them. <a href="/gnt/james/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Do not criticize one another, my friends. If you criticize or judge another Christian, you criticize and judge the Law. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. <a href="/isv/james/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Do not criticize each other, brothers. Whoever makes it his habit to criticize his brother or to judge his brother is judging the Law and condemning the Law. But if you condemn the Law, you are not a practicer of the Law but its judge. <a href="/msb/james/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother and 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. <a href="/net/james/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Do not speak against one another, brothers and sisters. He who speaks against a fellow believer or judges a fellow believer speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but its judge. <a href="/nheb/james/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Do not speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. <a href="/wbt/james/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Speak 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 judgest the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. <a href="/wey/james/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. The man who speaks evil of a brother-man or judges his brother-man speaks evil of the Law and judges the Law. But if you judge the Law, you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. <a href="/web/james/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Do not speak against one another, brothers; he who is speaking against a brother, and is judging his brother, speaks against law, and judges law, and if you judge law, you are not a doer of law but a judge. <a href="/blb/james/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Do not speak against one another, brothers. The one speaking against his brother or judging his brother speaks against the Law and judges the Law. But if you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law, but a judge. <a href="/ylt/james/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Speak not one against another, brethren; he who is speaking against a brother, and is judging his brother, doth speak against law, and doth judge law, and if law thou dost judge, thou art not a doer of law but a judge; <a href="/slt/james/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Speak not against one another, brethren. He speaking against a brother, and judging his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law: and if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Detract not one another, my brethren. He that detracteth his brother, or he that judgeth his brother, detracteth the law, and judgeth the law. But if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. <a href="/cpdv/james/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Brothers, do not choose to slander one another. Whoever slanders his brother, or whoever judges his brother, slanders the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. <a href="/nabre/james/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Do not speak evil of one another, brothers. Whoever speaks evil of a brother or judges his brother speaks evil of the law and judges the law. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. <a href="/nrsvce/james/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters. Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another, speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Do not speak against one another, my brethren, for he who speaks against his brother, and judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Do not speak against each other, my brethren, for he who speaks against his brother or judges his brother speaks against The Written Law, and judges The Written Law; if you judge The Written Law, you are not a doer of the law, but its judge.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Do not speak evil one of another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. <a href="/godbey/james/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Do not calumniate one another, brethren: the one speaking against his brother, and judging his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law: if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. <a href="/haweis/james/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Traduce not one another, brethren. He that traduceth his brother, and judgeth his brother, traduceth the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judgest the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but as judge. <a href="/mace/james/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Don't, my brethren, treat one another with detraction, he that reflects upon his brother, and censures his brother, reflects upon the law, and censures the law: if you censure the law, instead of obeying it, you set up for a judge. <a href="/wey/james/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. The man who speaks evil of a brother-man or judges his brother-man speaks evil of the Law and judges the Law. But if you judge the Law, you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. <a href="/worrell/james/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Speak not one against another, brethren. He that speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but, if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. <a href="/worsley/james/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Speak not against one another, my brethren; he that speaketh against his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh against the law, and judgeth the law; but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. <a href="/parallel/james/4-11.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=731" 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> …10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. 11<a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">Brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: Mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/2635.htm" title="2635: katalaleite (V-PMA-2P) -- To speak evil of, rail at, slander. From katalalos; to be a traducer, i.e. To slander.">slander</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlōn (RecPro-GMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">one another.</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.">Anyone who</a> <a href="/greek/2635.htm" title="2635: katalalōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To speak evil of, rail at, slander. From katalalos; to be a traducer, i.e. To slander.">speaks against</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphou (N-GMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">his brother</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/2919.htm" title="2919: krinōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.">judges</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></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."></a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphon (N-AMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">him</a> <a href="/greek/2635.htm" title="2635: katalalei (V-PIA-3S) -- To speak evil of, rail at, slander. From katalalos; to be a traducer, i.e. To slander.">speaks against</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">the law</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2919.htm" title="2919: krinei (V-PIA-3S) -- Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.">judges</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomon (N-AMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">it.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">And</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/2919.htm" title="2919: krineis (V-PIA-2S) -- Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.">you judge</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomon (N-AMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">the law,</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.">you are</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/4163.htm" title="4163: poiētēs (N-NMS) -- (a) a maker, poet, (b) a doer, carrier out, performer. From poieo; a performer; specially, a poet.">a practitioner</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">of the law,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2923.htm" title="2923: kritēs (N-NMS) -- A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge.">a judge of it.</a> 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?…<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="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a> Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31-32</a> Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16</a> You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD. <a href="/proverbs/11-9.htm">Proverbs 11:9</a> With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued. <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Proverbs 10:18</a> The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a> But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14-15</a> The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a> 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="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a> But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. <a href="/psalms/15-1.htm">Psalm 15:1-3</a> A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? / He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, / who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend, <a href="/psalms/50-19.htm">Psalm 50:19-20</a> You unleash your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. / You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. <a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Titus 3:2</a> to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Speak not evil one of another, brothers. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.Speak.<a href="/psalms/140-11.htm">Psalm 140:11</a> Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.<a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31</a> Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:<a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">1 Timothy 3:11</a> Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.and judgeth.<a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1,2</a> Judge not, that ye be not judged… <a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Luke 6:37</a> Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:<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.speaketh evil of the law.<a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Romans 7:7,12,13</a> What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet… a doer.<a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22,23,25</a> But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves… <a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a> (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm">Brother's</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Doer</a> <a href="/james/4-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/james/2-4.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/james/2-4.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/romans/14-10.htm">Judgest</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-13.htm">Judgeth</a> <a href="/james/2-13.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/james/2-8.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/james/2-12.htm">Law</a> <a href="/james/4-4.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Slander</a> <a href="/james/3-14.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/james/4-5.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/james/4-5.htm">Speaks</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">Brother's</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">Doer</a> <a href="/james/4-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/james/4-12.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/james/4-12.htm">Judgest</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">Judgeth</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/james/5-12.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/james/5-4.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-8.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/revelation/3-21.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">Slander</a> <a href="/james/5-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm">Speaks</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>Brothers, do not slander one another. This phrase emphasizes the familial relationship among believers, highlighting the unity and love expected within the Christian community. Slander, or speaking ill of others, is condemned throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Proverbs 10:18</a>, <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31</a>). The term "brothers" underscores the idea that Christians are part of a spiritual family, called to support and uplift one another, reflecting the love of Christ (<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a>).Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him This part of the verse warns against the dangers of speaking against or judging fellow believers. The act of judging here refers to a critical and condemning attitude, which is contrary to the teachings of Jesus (<a href="/matthew/7.htm">Matthew 7:1-5</a>). The historical context of the early church, which faced internal conflicts and divisions, makes this admonition particularly relevant. It calls for humility and self-examination rather than focusing on the faults of others.speaks against the law and judges it. The "law" in this context likely refers to the moral law, particularly the command to love one's neighbor as oneself (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>, <a href="/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8</a>). By judging others, one places themselves above the law, acting as if they are exempt from its requirements. This reflects a misunderstanding of the law's purpose, which is to guide believers in righteous living and to foster community harmony.And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. This phrase highlights the inconsistency of claiming to follow the law while simultaneously setting oneself above it. The role of a believer is to live in accordance with God's commandments, not to assume the position of a judge. This echoes the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized mercy and humility (<a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a>, <a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Luke 18:9-14</a>). The call is to be doers of the word, not merely hearers or judges (<a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22</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 with authority and pastoral concern for the moral and spiritual conduct of believers. 2. <a href="/topical/b/brothers.htm">Brothers</a> Refers to fellow believers in the Christian community. James uses familial language to emphasize the unity and love that should characterize relationships among Christians. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a> In this context, it refers to the moral and ethical teachings of the Old Testament, particularly those that Jesus summarized as loving God and loving one's neighbor.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_speech.htm">Guard Your Speech</a> James warns against slander, which in Greek is "katalaleite," meaning to speak against or defame. Believers are called to use their words to build up, not tear down. <a href="/topical/u/understand_the_role_of_the_law.htm">Understand the Role of the Law</a> By judging others, we place ourselves above the law, which is contrary to our role as followers of Christ. We are to be doers of the law, not judges. <a href="/topical/p/promote_unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Promote Unity in the Body of Christ</a> Slander and judgment create division. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to foster unity and love. <a href="/topical/r/reflect_on_personal_conduct.htm">Reflect on Personal Conduct</a> Before speaking against others, examine your own life and conduct. Are you living in accordance with the law of love? <a href="/topical/l/leave_judgment_to_god.htm">Leave Judgment to God</a> Recognize that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. Trust in His justice and focus on living a life that honors Him.<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/impact_of_slander_on_ties,_reputations.htm">How does slander affect relationships and reputations?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_you_praise_god's_greatness.htm">How does slander affect relationships and reputations?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_slander.htm">What is the Bible's stance on slander?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_you_to_judge_others.htm">Who are you to judge others?</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>(11) Speak not evil . . .--Do not "back-bite," as the same word is translated in <a href="/romans/1-30.htm" title="Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,">Romans 1:30</a>, and <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm" title="For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found to you such as you would not: lest there be debates, contentions, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, arrogance, tumults:">2Corinthians 12:20</a>. The good reason why not is given in the graceful interjection "brothers." Omit the conjunction in the next phrase, and read as follows:--He that speaketh evil . . .--Punctuate thus: He that speaketh evil of his brother, judgeth his brother; speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law. In this way the cumulative force of St. James's remarks is best preserved. Hearken to the echo of his Master's words. "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (<a href="/matthew/7-1.htm" title="Judge not, that you be not judged.">Matthew 7:1</a>). But the apostolic condemnation is in no way meant to condone a vicious life, and leave it unalarmed and self-contented; for boldness in rebuke thereof we have the example of John the Baptist. All that he reproves is the setting up of our own tribunals, in which we are at once prosecutor, witness, law, lawgiver, and judge; not to say executioner as well. Pr?judicium was a merciful provision under Roman law, and often spared the innocent a lengthier after trial; but prejudice--our word taken from it--is its most unhappy opposite. Many worthy people have much sympathy with David, in their effort to hold their tongue and keep "silence, yea even from good words;" truly it is "pain and grief" to them (<a href="/psalms/39-3.htm" title="My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spoke I with my tongue,">Psalm 39:3</a>). But "to take the law into one's own hands" is to break it, and administer inequitably.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 11, 12. - Warning against censorious depreciation of others. Verse 11. - Speak not evil. Καταλαλεῖν: only here and <a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a>; <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">1 Peter 3:16</a>. Vulgate, detrahere. But the context shows that the writer is thinking rather of harsh censorious judging. R.V., "Speak not one against another." And judgeth; rather, or judgeth; η} (א, A, B, Vulgate, Syriac, Coptic) for καὶ of the Textus Receptus. Speaketh evil of the law. What law? According to Dean Plumptre, "the royal law of Christ, which forbids judging (<a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1-5</a>)." Alford: "The law of Christian life: the old moral Law, glorified and amplified by Christ: the νόμος βασιλικός of <a href="/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8</a>; νόμος τῆς ἐλευθερίας of <a href="/james/1-25.htm">James 1:25</a>." Huther: "the law of Christian life which, according to its contents, is none other than the law of love." <a href="/commentaries/james/4-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. {do] not Μὴ (Mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. slander καταλαλεῖτε (katalaleite) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2635.htm">Strong's 2635: </a> To speak evil of, rail at, slander. From katalalos; to be a traducer, i.e. To slander. one another. ἀλλήλων (allēlōn) Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another. Anyone 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. speaks against καταλαλῶν (katalalōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2635.htm">Strong's 2635: </a> To speak evil of, rail at, slander. From katalalos; to be a traducer, i.e. To slander. [his] brother ἀδελφοῦ (adelphou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. judges κρίνων (krinōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2919.htm">Strong's 2919: </a> Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish. [him] ἀδελφὸν (adelphon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. speaks against καταλαλεῖ (katalalei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2635.htm">Strong's 2635: </a> To speak evil of, rail at, slander. From katalalos; to be a traducer, i.e. To slander. [the] Law νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. judges κρίνει (krinei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2919.htm">Strong's 2919: </a> Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish. [it]. νόμον (nomon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. And δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. you judge κρίνεις (krineis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2919.htm">Strong's 2919: </a> Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish. [the] Law, νόμον (nomon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. you 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. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. a practitioner ποιητὴς (poiētēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4163.htm">Strong's 4163: </a> (a) a maker, poet, (b) a doer, carrier out, performer. From poieo; a performer; specially, a 'poet'. of [the] Law, νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. a judge [of it]. κριτής (kritēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2923.htm">Strong's 2923: </a> A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/4-11.htm">NT Letters: James 4:11 Don't speak against one another brothers (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/4-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 4:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 4:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/4-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 4:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 4:12" /></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>