James 4:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

There is {G2076} one {G1520} lawgiver {G3550}, who {G3588} is able {G1410} to save {G4982} and {G2532} to destroy {G622}: who {G5101} art {G1488} thou {G4771} that {G3739} judgest {G2919} another {G2087}?

Complete Jewish Bible

There is but one Giver of Torah; he is also the Judge, with the power to deliver and to destroy. Who do you think you are, judging your fellow human being?

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?

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 4:12 delivers a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and a sharp pastoral rebuke against human presumption. It unequivocally declares that God alone possesses the singular authority as the ultimate Lawgiver, holding exclusive power over life and death, salvation and destruction. This foundational truth serves as the basis for a direct challenge to believers who engage in judgmental attitudes toward others, reminding them that such behavior usurps a prerogative belonging solely to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the climactic summation of James's argument against slander and judgmentalism, which begins in [James 4:11](/james/4-11 "James 4:11 - Do Not Slander or Judge"). In the preceding verse, James explicitly warns against speaking evil of a brother or judging a brother, equating such actions with speaking evil of the law and judging the law itself. He posits that if one judges the law, they are no longer a doer of the law but a judge. [James 4:12](/james/4-12 "James 4:12 - God, the Sole Lawgiver and Judge") then provides the theological underpinning for this prohibition: since there is only one Lawgiver and Judge, any human attempt to assume this role is an act of profound spiritual arrogance and rebellion against God's unique authority. The flow of thought moves from the practical command to the theological principle that justifies it, reinforcing the gravity of judging others.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, to whom James wrote, were grappling with internal strife, divisions, and a tendency towards self-righteousness, as evidenced by the earlier warnings against favoritism ([James 2:1-13](/james/2-1-13 "James 2:1-13 - Warning Against Favoritism")) and the misuse of the tongue ([James 3:1-12](/james/3-1-12 "James 3:1-12 - Taming the Tongue")). The concept of a "lawgiver" would have resonated deeply with both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences. For Jews, God was supremely the giver of the Torah, the ultimate source of all righteous statutes. For Greeks, a "nomothetes" was a revered figure, a wise statesman who established laws for the common good. James leverages this understanding to elevate God's singular status above any human attempt to legislate or condemn, directly addressing a cultural propensity for social hierarchy and judgmentalism that could easily infiltrate the church.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of James. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, emphasizing God's unique and unchallengeable position as the ultimate source of all moral law and the final arbiter of justice. This is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Humility vs. Arrogance**, as James consistently calls believers to humble themselves before God ([James 4:6-10](/james/4-6-10 "James 4:6-10 - Humility Before God")), directly contrasting this with the arrogance inherent in judging others. The verse also touches on **God's Exclusive Power over Life and Death/Salvation and Destruction**, a power that humans do not and cannot possess. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Practical Righteousness and Interpersonal Relationships**, urging believers to live out their faith in love and unity, rather than through divisive and critical judgment, aligning with the "royal law" of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as articulated in [James 2:8](/james/2-8 "James 2:8 - The Royal Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lawgiver (Greek, _nomothétēs'_):** This term (G3550) refers to "a legislator" or "one who makes or enacts laws." Its singular use in this context emphatically points to God as the sole and supreme source of divine law and moral authority. It highlights His unique position as the one who establishes the standards by which all humanity is to live and by which all will ultimately be judged. No human being can claim this title or function.
* **Able (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** The verb (G1410) means "to be able or possible," indicating inherent power or capacity. When applied to God in this verse, it underscores His absolute and exclusive omnipotence concerning salvation and destruction. It is not merely that God *might* save or destroy, but that He *possesses the inherent power* to do so, a power that no human shares.
* **Judgest (Greek, _krínō'_):** This verb (G2919) properly means "to distinguish, i.e., decide (mentally or judicially)," and by implication, "to try, condemn, or punish." In the context of James 4:12, it refers to the act of passing ultimate, condemning judgment on another person. James challenges the human tendency to usurp this divine prerogative, reminding the reader that such a weighty and final judgment belongs only to the one who is the ultimate Lawgiver and who holds the power of salvation and destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is one lawgiver":** This opening clause establishes the absolute singularity and uniqueness of God's role. The emphasis on "one" (G1520, _heîs_) underscores that God alone holds the authority to establish moral and spiritual law. This is a direct challenge to any human attempt to set oneself up as an arbiter of ultimate truth or moral standards for others, implying that to judge a fellow human is to implicitly assume the role of a lawgiver.
* **"who is able to save and to destroy":** This clause further defines the unique power of the "one lawgiver." The ability "to save" (G4982, _sṓzō_) refers to God's power to deliver, preserve, and grant eternal life, while "to destroy" (G622, _apóllymi_) signifies His power to bring about ruin, perdition, or eternal condemnation. These two antithetical actions represent the ultimate exercise of divine power over human destiny, reinforcing that such authority rests solely with God and not with any human being.
* **"who art thou that judgest another?":** This rhetorical question serves as a powerful and direct rebuke. It challenges the audacity and presumption of any individual who dares to pass ultimate judgment on a fellow human being. By asking "who art thou" (G5101, _tís_ and G4771, _sý_), James highlights the utter insignificance and lack of authority of the human judge in comparison to the divine Lawgiver. The implication is that such judgment is not only inappropriate but also an act of rebellion against God's exclusive prerogative.

#### Literary Devices
James 4:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "who art thou that judgest another?" This question is not meant to elicit an answer but to provoke self-reflection and shame, powerfully asserting that no human possesses the authority to judge another. It forces the reader to confront their own presumption. The verse also utilizes **Antithesis** in the phrase "to save and to destroy," highlighting the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's power over human destiny, contrasting it with the limited and inappropriate power humans attempt to wield in judgment. Furthermore, the declaration "There is **one** lawgiver" uses **Emphasis** through the numeral "one" to underscore the singular and exclusive nature of God's authority, creating a stark contrast with the plurality of human judges James is condemning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 4:12 is a foundational text for understanding God's absolute sovereignty and the proper posture of humility for believers. It asserts that God's authority as Lawgiver is not merely legislative but also judicial, encompassing the ultimate power over life and death, salvation and condemnation. This truth dismantles any human claim to ultimate moral authority or the right to pass final judgment on others. To judge a brother or sister is to effectively usurp God's throne, placing oneself above the very law of God and presuming a power that belongs to Him alone. It calls believers to trust God's perfect justice and to focus on their own obedience and humility, rather than on the perceived failings of others.

* [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - Why Do You Judge Your Brother?")
* [Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Do Not Judge, Or You Too Will Be Judged")
* [Isaiah 33:22](/isaiah/33-22 "Isaiah 33:22 - The Lord is Our Judge, Lawgiver, and King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 4:12 serves as a powerful and enduring call to humility and a reorientation of our focus from the faults of others to our own walk with God. In a world increasingly prone to judgment, criticism, and self-righteousness, this verse reminds us that our role is not to condemn, but to love, encourage, and bear one another's burdens. When we find ourselves quick to point out the shortcomings of others, we must pause and remember that we are not the ultimate arbiters of truth or destiny. Only God sees the heart, knows all circumstances, and possesses the perfect wisdom and justice to judge righteously. This truth should free us from the burden of being "spiritual police" and empower us to extend grace, knowing that the final verdict rests with the One who is both able to save and to destroy. Our primary calling is to obey the Lawgiver, not to become one.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to judge others, and what might be the root cause of this tendency?**
* **How does recognizing God as the "one lawgiver" change my perspective on my own authority and responsibility towards others?**
* **If God alone has the power to save and destroy, how should this truth shape my prayers and interactions with those I disagree with or find difficult?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a more humble, grace-filled, and less judgmental attitude in my relationships?**

### FAQ

**What does James mean by "judgest another"? Is all judgment forbidden?**

Answer: James 4:12, particularly in context with [James 4:11](/james/4-11 "James 4:11 - Do Not Slander or Judge"), refers to a condemning, slandering, and ultimately usurping form of judgment. It's not a blanket prohibition against all discernment or evaluation. Believers are called to exercise spiritual discernment ([1 Corinthians 2:15](/1_corinthians/2-15 "1 Corinthians 2:15 - The Spiritual Person Judges All Things")) and to hold each other accountable within the church according to biblical standards ([Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Restoring a Sinning Brother")). However, the "judging" condemned here is that which assumes a divine prerogative: passing ultimate, damning verdicts on a person's character, motives, or eternal state, effectively putting oneself in God's place as the final judge and lawgiver. It's the self-righteous, critical spirit that tears down rather than builds up.

**Why is it so important that "there is one lawgiver"?**

Answer: The emphasis on "one lawgiver" is crucial because it establishes God's absolute and exclusive sovereignty. If there were multiple lawgivers, or if humans could assume that role, it would undermine God's unique authority and create moral chaos. This truth ensures that there is a single, unchanging standard of righteousness, and that ultimate justice and mercy reside solely with the Creator. It prevents human beings from imposing their own subjective standards or condemning others based on personal biases, reminding us that all are accountable to the same divine Lawgiver. This concept is foundational to understanding God's character and our place in His creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 4:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse declares God as the "one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy," the New Testament reveals that this divine authority has been fully entrusted to the Son. Jesus himself proclaimed, "For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment because he is the Son of Man" ([John 5:26-27](/john/5-26-27 "John 5:26-27 - The Son Has Authority to Judge")). Thus, the singular Lawgiver and Judge is none other than Christ. He is the one who, through His atoning death and resurrection, possesses the power "to save" all who believe in Him ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and Believe to Be Saved")), and He is the one who will ultimately "destroy" (or condemn) those who reject Him at the final judgment ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Sheep and the Goats")). Therefore, when James warns against judging another, he is implicitly calling us to recognize Christ's exclusive role as the ultimate Judge, whose perfect righteousness and mercy far surpass any human capacity. Our humility before others stems from our submission to the one true Lord, who alone holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 14:4

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

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.

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.

Isaiah 33:22

For the LORD [is] our judge, the LORD [is] our lawgiver, the LORD [is] our king; he will save us.

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.

James 5:9

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Romans 14:13

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.