James 4:17

KJV

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} to him that knoweth {G1492} to do {G4160} good {G2570}, and {G2532} doeth {G4160} it not {G3361}, to him {G846} it is {G2076} sin {G266}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So then, anyone who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it is committing a sin.

Berean Standard Bible

Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.

American Standard Version

To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 4:17 presents a profound ethical principle: for an individual who possesses knowledge of what is right, good, or morally obligatory, the deliberate failure to act upon that knowledge constitutes sin. This verse articulates the concept of the "sin of omission," underscoring that moral accountability extends beyond overt wrongful actions to encompass the neglect of known duties or opportunities to do good, thereby challenging believers to align their actions with their understanding of God's will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 4:17 serves as the concluding statement to a section (James 4:13-16) where James addresses the arrogance and presumption of those who boast about their future plans without acknowledging God's sovereignty. Immediately preceding this verse, James critiques the mindset that says, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" without adding, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." He emphasizes the brevity and uncertainty of human life, comparing it to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. The "therefore" (Greek: `oûn`) in verse 17 directly links the preceding discussion about presumptuous planning and the failure to submit to God's will with the broader principle of neglecting known good. It implies that to know one should acknowledge God's sovereignty in planning, yet fail to do so, is a specific instance of the sin of omission. This reinforces James's overarching theme of practical faith, where intellectual understanding must translate into tangible obedience, as famously articulated in his assertion that [faith without works is dead](/james/2-26 "James 2:26 - Faith and Works").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter of James was likely written to Jewish Christians dispersed among the nations, facing various trials and temptations. The cultural backdrop would have been influenced by both Jewish ethical traditions, which included a strong emphasis on obedience to the Mosaic Law and practical righteousness, and the Hellenistic world, which valued wisdom and knowledge. However, James consistently pushes back against a mere intellectual assent to truth without corresponding action, a potential pitfall in any culture. The concept of "doing good" would have encompassed acts of charity, justice, and living according to God's revealed will, as understood from the Old Testament and the teachings of Christ. The audience would have been familiar with the idea that God holds people accountable for their actions, and James extends this accountability to their inactions, particularly when knowledge is present. This verse would have resonated with the Jewish understanding of *mitzvot* (commandments) and the expectation of fulfilling them.
* **Key Themes:** James 4:17 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the epistle. Foremost is the **Sin of Omission**, which is the direct teaching of the verse, highlighting that failing to do good is as much a sin as actively doing evil. This challenges a common human tendency to define sin solely by overt transgression. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Knowledge and Responsibility**. It posits a direct correlation between what one "knoweth" (understands or perceives as good) and the moral obligation to act. This knowledge, whether derived from conscience, divine revelation, or moral instruction, elevates accountability. Thirdly, it reinforces James's consistent emphasis on **Practical Faith**. For James, genuine faith is never static or purely intellectual; it is dynamic and evidenced by works. This verse serves as a potent reminder that our faith must manifest in tangible expressions of love, obedience, and service, echoing his earlier arguments about the nature of true religion in [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion"). Finally, in light of the preceding verses about boasting, James 4:17 implicitly calls for **Humility and Submission**. Recognizing what good needs to be done and then doing it is an act of submission to God's will and reliance on His provision, rather than self-sufficiency or presumptuous planning, as seen in the call to say, "[If the Lord wills](/james/4-15 "James 4:15 - Submission to God's Will"), we shall live and do this or that."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knoweth (Greek, _eídō_):** This verb signifies more than mere intellectual awareness; it implies a deep, intuitive, or experiential understanding. It's not just having information, but perceiving or discerning what is right or good, often with a sense of conviction or moral clarity. The knowledge described here is not abstract but carries with it an inherent imperative to act.
* **Good (Greek, _kalós_):** While often translated as "good," *kalós* carries connotations of beauty, excellence, and moral uprightness. It describes something that is intrinsically valuable, honorable, and fitting, particularly in a moral or ethical sense. It distinguishes from *agathos* (intrinsic good) by emphasizing what is outwardly commendable, noble, or proper. Thus, the "good" one knows to do is not merely beneficial but also morally excellent and appropriate.
* **Sin (Greek, _hamartía_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to miss the mark," *hamartía* broadly refers to any deviation from God's standard of righteousness. In this context, it specifically refers to "missing the mark" not by actively aiming in the wrong direction (a sin of commission), but by failing to aim at all or failing to release the arrow when the target (the good deed) is clearly visible. It is the failure to fulfill a known moral obligation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good":** This opening clause establishes the premise and the subject of the statement. The "therefore" (G3767, *oûn*) connects this principle to the preceding discussion about presumptuous planning and the need for humility and submission to God's will. The phrase "knoweth to do good" indicates a person who has a clear understanding, a discernment, or an awareness of what is morally right, beneficial, or commanded by God. This knowledge is not accidental but implies a degree of conviction or recognition of a moral imperative.
* **"and doeth it not":** This is the critical counterpoint to the first clause. Despite possessing the knowledge of what is good and ought to be done, the individual deliberately or passively refrains from acting upon that knowledge. This highlights the inaction, the omission, or the failure to translate understanding into concrete behavior. The "it" refers back to "the good" that is known.
* **"to him it is sin":** This concluding phrase declares the direct consequence of such inaction. For the one who knows to do good but fails to do it, that very failure is unequivocally defined as sin (G266, *hamartía*). It elevates the sin of omission to the same moral category as sins of commission, emphasizing that God holds individuals accountable not only for what they do wrong but also for what they fail to do right, particularly when they are aware of their duty.

#### Literary Devices
James 4:17 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful ethical message. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, juxtaposing "knoweth to do good" with "doeth it not," thereby highlighting the tension between understanding and action. This stark contrast underscores the central point that knowledge without corresponding action is morally deficient. The verse also functions as an **Ethical Imperative**, though stated as a declarative truth rather than a direct command. By declaring "to him it is sin," James asserts a non-negotiable moral reality, compelling the reader to internalize this truth as a principle for living. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** through concise declaration; the verse is short, direct, and leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the moral culpability of inaction. It serves as a **Summary Statement** or a **Proverbial Maxim**, encapsulating a broader theological truth in a memorable, easily quotable form, often found in wisdom literature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 4:17 expands the biblical understanding of sin beyond mere transgression to include the failure to fulfill known obligations. This concept is deeply rooted in the broader biblical narrative, emphasizing that God's moral law applies not only to what we *do* but also to what we *neglect*. It challenges the common human tendency to excuse inaction, asserting that passivity in the face of known good is not morally neutral but culpable. This principle underscores God's expectation of active righteousness from His people, reflecting His own nature as a God who acts righteously and calls His creation to do the same. It connects to the idea that true faith is always active and fruitful, not merely intellectual assent.

* [Luke 12:47](/luke/12-47 "Luke 12:47 - The Servant Who Knew His Master's Will")
* [Matthew 25:41-45](/matthew/25-41-45 "Matthew 25:41-45 - Judgment of the Nations")
* [Romans 14:23](/romans/14-23 "Romans 14:23 - Whatever Does Not Proceed from Faith Is Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 4:17 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, challenging every believer to move beyond passive knowledge to active obedience. It compels us to honestly assess areas of our lives where we possess clear understanding of God's will or moral good, yet fail to translate that understanding into tangible action. This verse prompts us to consider not only the sins we commit, but also the good we omit—the words of encouragement left unspoken, the acts of service left undone, the opportunities for justice or mercy ignored, the truths we know but fail to live by. It calls us to a higher standard of discipleship, one where our faith is not merely a creed we affirm, but a life we actively live out in response to God's revealed will and the needs of those around us. This requires vigilance, humility, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, trusting that God will empower us to do the good He has called us to.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "good" do I know I should be doing, but consistently neglect or postpone?**
* **In what areas of my life am I passive when God is calling me to be active?**
* **How does my understanding of God's commands translate into my daily choices and actions?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to act on a known good that I have been omitting?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is the "sin of omission" as taught in James 4:17?**

Answer: The "sin of omission" refers to the moral culpability incurred when an individual fails to do something good, right, or obligatory that they know they ought to do. It's not about actively committing a wrong act (a sin of commission), but rather about the failure to perform a known duty or to act on a recognized opportunity to do good. James 4:17 specifically defines this inaction, when knowledge is present, as sin. It highlights that our accountability before God extends to what we *don't* do, as much as to what we *do*. This principle is also echoed in passages like [Matthew 25:41-45](/matthew/25-41-45 "Matthew 25:41-45 - The Sheep and the Goats"), where judgment is pronounced not for what was done, but for what was *not* done for "the least of these."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 4:17, while a powerful ethical statement, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of knowing to do good and doing it. He consistently and perfectly performed the will of His Father, stating, "[My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is Doing God's Will")" and "[I do nothing on My own authority, but speak just as the Father taught Me](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")". Unlike humanity, who often know the good but fail to do it, Jesus' life was a seamless expression of perfect obedience, even unto death on the cross, where He perfectly fulfilled the Father's will for salvation. Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross not only covers our sins of commission but also our countless sins of omission. Through His shed blood, we are cleansed from "dead works" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")), which would include the guilt arising from our failures to do good. In Him, we receive forgiveness for our past omissions and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to now walk in the good works that God has prepared beforehand for us to do ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")), enabling us to live out the very principle James articulates.

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

John 9:41

Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

John 13:17

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

John 15:22

If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

2 Peter 2:21

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Luke 12:47

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

Luke 12:48

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Romans 1:32

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.