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◄ James 4:12►

New International Version
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

New Living Translation
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?

English Standard Version
There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Berean Standard Bible
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Berean Literal Bible
There is one Lawgiver and Judge, theOne being able to save and to destroy. But who are you judging the neighbor?

King James Bible
There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

New King James Version
There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

New American Standard Bible
There isonly one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you, judging your neighbor?

NASB 1995
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?

NASB 1977
There isonly one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

Legacy Standard Bible
There isonly one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you who judge your neighbor?

Amplified Bible
There isonly 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?

Christian Standard Bible
There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

American Standard Version
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?

Contemporary English Version
or God who gave it. God is our judge, and he can save or destroy us. What right do you have to condemn anyone?

English Revised Version
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?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
There is only one teacher and judge. He is able to save or destroy you. So who are you to judge your neighbor?

Good News Translation
God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else?

International Standard Version
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge—the one who can save and destroy. So who are you to judge your neighbor?

NET Bible
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?

New Heart English Bible
Only one is the lawgiver and judge, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Webster's Bible Translation
There is one lawgiver, who is able to save, and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Weymouth New Testament
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?

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
There is only one Lawgiver, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge the other?

World English Bible
Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
One is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy; you—who are you that judges the other?

Berean Literal Bible
There is one Lawgiver and Judge, theOne being able to save and to destroy. But who are you judging the neighbor?

Young's Literal Translation
one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy; thou -- who art thou that dost judge the other?

Smith's Literal Translation
There is one legislator, able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
There is one lawgiver, and judge, that is able to destroy and to deliver.

Catholic Public Domain Version
There is one lawgiver and one judge. He is able to destroy, and he is able to set free.

New American Bible
There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save or to destroy. Who then are you to judge your neighbor?

New Revised Standard Version
There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. So who, then, are you to judge your neighbor?

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For there is one lawgiver and judge, who is able to save and to destroy: who are you to judge your neighbor?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
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?

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
There is one law-giver that is able to save, and to destroy: who are you that judge another?

Godbey New Testament
There is one lawgiver and judge, who is able to save and to destroy: but who are you, the one judging your neighbor.

Haweis New Testament
There is one lawgiver, who can save or destroy: who art thou that judgest another man?

Mace New Testament
there is but one legislator, and judge, he that has the power of life and death: who art thou, to pass sentence upon another?

Weymouth New Testament
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?

Worrell New Testament
One is Law-giver and Judge—He Who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you, that judge your neighbor?

Worsley New Testament
Now there isbut one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thouthen that judgest another?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Drawing Near to God
…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.12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge,the One who is able to save and destroy.But who are you to judge your neighbor?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.”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Matthew 7:1-2
“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.

Romans 14:4
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.

Romans 14:10-13
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. ...

Isaiah 33:22
For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.

John 5:22-23
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.

John 8:15-16
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.

1 Corinthians 4:3-5
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.

Acts 17:31
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.”

Hebrews 12:23
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,

1 Peter 4:5
But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Deuteronomy 32:39
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.

Psalm 75:7
but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.

Psalm 50:6
And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah

Isaiah 11:3-4
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.

Ezekiel 18:30
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.

Treasury of Scripture

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who are you that judge another?

lawgiver.

Isaiah 33:22
For the LORDis our judge, the LORDis our lawgiver, the LORDis our king; he will save us.

able.

Matthew 10:28
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.

Luke 12:5
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.

Hebrews 7:25
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.

1 Samuel 25:10
And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Whois David? and whois the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

Job 38:2
Whois this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

Romans 2:1
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.

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James 4

1.We are to strive against covetousness;
4.intemperance;
5.pride;
11.detraction and rash judgment of others;
13.and not to be boastful of our future plans.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

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 toIsaiah 33:22, 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 inMatthew 10:28, 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 inRevelation 20:11-15.

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 inMatthew 7:1-5, 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 inLeviticus 19:18 and reiterated by Jesus inMatthew 22:39.

Persons / Places / Events

1.James
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.Lawgiver and Judge
Refers to God, emphasizing His unique authority and sovereignty over moral and spiritual law.

3.Neighbor
Represents fellow believers and, by extension, all people with whom one interacts. The term underscores the relational aspect of Christian ethics.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
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.

Humility in Relationships
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.

Self-Examination
Before forming judgments about others, examine your own life and motives. This aligns with Jesus' teaching on removing the plank from your own eye.

The Power to Save and Destroy
Understand that God’s power encompasses both salvation and destruction. This should inspire reverence and a desire to align with His will.

Living in Community
In Christian community, focus on building each other up rather than tearing down through judgment. Encourage and support one another in love.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of James 4:12?

2.How does James 4:12 emphasize God's exclusive role as "Lawgiver and Judge"?

3.What actions demonstrate submission to God's authority as described in James 4:12?

4.How does James 4:12 connect with Matthew 7:1 on judging others?

5.In what ways can we avoid judging others, according to James 4:12?

6.How can acknowledging God as "the one able to save and destroy" impact daily decisions?

7.How does James 4:12 challenge the concept of human judgment over others?

8.What does James 4:12 reveal about God's authority in moral and ethical matters?

9.How does James 4:12 address the issue of legalism within Christianity?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from James 4?

11.Is it right to judge others?

12.Who are you to judge others?

13.How can a loving God allow eternal punishment?

14.Do Christians worship three separate Gods?

What Does James 4:12 Mean

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge

“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge” (James 4:12).

• Scripture never allows for multiple ultimate authorities.Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.”Isaiah 33:22 adds, “For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King; He will save us.”

• By affirming a single Lawgiver, James strips us of any claim to independent moral legislation. We do not create standards; we receive them.

• This reality steadies the believer’s heart: moral absolutes do not shift with culture or personal feeling (Malachi 3:6).

the One who is able to save and destroy

“the One who is able to save and destroy” (James 4:12).

• God’s power is comprehensive.Matthew 10:28 reminds us, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

• He alone rescues:Titus 3:5 says, “He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.”

• He alone judges eternally:Acts 17:31 affirms that God “has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed.”

• Recognizing this dual authority—both to save and to destroy—cultivates holy reverence and grateful dependence on Christ’s atoning work (John 3:16-18).

But who are you to judge your neighbor?

“But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12).

• The question exposes pride. When we sit in judgmental criticism, we elbow God off His throne (Romans 14:4).

• James is not forbidding all discernment (see1 Corinthians 5:12-13) but condemning a censorious spirit that assumes divine prerogatives (Matthew 7:1-5).

• Practical checkpoints:

– Am I speaking to restore or to belittle? (Galatians 6:1)

– Am I conscious of my own need for mercy? (Luke 18:13-14)

– Am I leaving final outcomes to God? (1 Corinthians 4:5)

summary

James 4:12 anchors us in the truth that God alone writes the law, renders the verdict, rescues the repentant, and punishes the rebellious. Remembering His unique authority silences proud fault-finding and redirects us toward humble obedience, compassionate correction, and unwavering trust in the Judge who also saves.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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,Romans 14:4.)

Able to save and to destroy.--Life and death, salvation and utter destruction, seem to be placed in intentional contrast here. (Comp.Matthew 10:28.) 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."

Pulpit Commentary

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.Romans 14:3, 4). 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 inא, 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 (insertδὲ,א, A, B, L, K, Latin, Syriac, Coptic)ὁ κρίνων τὸν πλήσιον (א, A, B).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

There is
ἐστιν(estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: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
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

Lawgiver
νομοθέτης(nomothetēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3550:A law-giver, legislator. From nomos and a derivative of tithemi; a legislator.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

Judge,
κριτής(kritēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2923:A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge.

the [One who]
ὁ(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: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
Strong's 1410:(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
Strong's 4982:To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

destroy.
ἀπολέσαι(apolesai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 622:From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.

But
δὲ(de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.

who
τίς(tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: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
Strong's 1510: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
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

to judge
κρίνων(krinōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2919:Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

[your]
τὸν(ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

neighbor?
πλησίον(plēsion)
Adverb
Strong's 4139:Near, nearby, a neighbor. Neuter of a derivative of pelas; close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. Fellow.

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NT Letters: James 4:12 Only one is the lawgiver who (Ja Jas. Jam)