Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

JAMES 5:6KJV
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James 5:6 (KJV)

What does James 5:6 mean?

James 5:6 says that the people being addressed have wrongly judged and put to death an innocent person, and that this innocent person does not fight back or resist them. The verse highlights a serious injustice and the helplessness of the victim in the face of wrongdoing.

James, the brother of Jesus, is speaking to wealthy people who have gained their riches through oppression and unfairness. He accuses them of condemning and killing "the just"—someone who is righteous or innocent—while pointing out that this person does not resist or retaliate. This verse is part of a larger warning about the dangers of wealth gained through exploitation and the certainty of coming judgment for such actions.

The Greek behind James 5:6

  • "condemned" (καταδικάζω, katadikazō): This word means to pronounce someone guilty or to pass judgment against them. James uses it to show that the innocent person was not only harmed physically but also wrongly judged.
  • "killed" (φονεύω, phoneuō): This word means to murder or put to death. The use of this strong term underlines the seriousness of the injustice.
  • "just" (δίκαιος, dikaios): This word refers to someone who is righteous or innocent. James emphasizes that the victim did not deserve this treatment.
  • "resist" (ἀντιτάσσομαι, antitassomai): This word means to oppose or stand against. The verse points out that the innocent person does not fight back, highlighting their vulnerability and perhaps their patience or meekness.

Why James 5:6 matters

  • James 5:6 clears up that the injustice is not just about money, but about life-and-death consequences for innocent people.
  • The verse emphasizes the powerlessness of the righteous in the face of corrupt power, making the warning to the oppressors more urgent.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the moral seriousness of exploiting others and sets the stage for James’s call to patience and faith in God’s justice.

Where else these words appear

“condemned” Greek G2613 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
  • Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
  • Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

“doth” Greek G498 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 18:6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
  • Romans 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
  • James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

“killed” Greek G5407 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Matthew 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
  • Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

“just” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: