James 5:6

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

Ye have condemned {G2613} and killed {G5407} the just {G1342}; and he doth {G498} not {G3756} resist {G498} you {G5213}.

You have condemned, you have murdered the innocent; they have not withstood you.

You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you.

Ye have condemned, ye have killed the righteous one; he doth not resist you.

James 5:6 KJV delivers a stark and powerful indictment against those who exploit and harm the innocent. This verse is part of James's passionate rebuke to the wealthy and powerful within the early Christian community who were abusing their position.

Context

This verse stands as the climax of James's condemnation of the rich oppressors, which begins in James 5:1. James has just accused them of hoarding wealth (James 5:3), defrauding laborers of their wages (James 5:4), and living in self-indulgent luxury (James 5:5). Verse 6 escalates the charge from financial exploitation to direct injustice and violence, highlighting the ultimate consequences of their greed and lack of compassion.

Key Themes

  • Severe Injustice and Oppression: The core message is the profound moral outrage at the mistreatment of the vulnerable. The actions described—"condemned and killed"—go beyond mere financial exploitation to active harm, possibly even judicial murder or actions leading to the death of the innocent.
  • The Innocence of the Oppressed: The term "the just" (Greek: dikaios) emphasizes the blamelessness and righteousness of the victims. They are not guilty of any crime; their suffering is purely at the hands of their oppressors. This echoes the suffering of Jesus Christ, the "Just One," who was also condemned and killed by unjust means.
  • Non-Resistance of the Victim: The phrase "he doth not resist you" underscores the helplessness and vulnerability of the oppressed. They are unable or unwilling to fight back, making the oppressors' actions even more heinous. This non-resistance could signify their complete lack of power, their reliance on God for justice, or even a Christ-like endurance in suffering, as seen in Jesus's teaching to "resist not evil".
  • Anticipation of Divine Judgment: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the preceding and succeeding verses in James 5 strongly imply that God will judge these wicked actions. The cries of the oppressed have "entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth" (James 5:4), promising a coming day of reckoning.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "condemned and killed" use strong Greek verbs. "Condemned" (katedikasate) means to pass judgment against someone, to sentence them. "Killed" (ephoneusate) means to murder or slay. These terms suggest a direct and violent act, not just neglect. The combination implies a formal process (condemnation) leading to a violent outcome (killing), likely by unjust means. The phrase "he doth not resist you" (ouk antitassetai hymin) literally means "he does not set himself against you" or "he does not oppose you," highlighting the lack of opposition from the victim.

Practical Application

James 5:6 serves as a timeless call to social justice and a powerful warning against the abuse of power and wealth. For believers today, it encourages us to:

  • Stand Against Injustice: We are challenged to recognize and oppose systems or actions that exploit and harm the innocent, especially the poor and marginalized.
  • Examine Our Own Hearts: It prompts self-reflection on how we use our resources and influence, ensuring we do not contribute to or benefit from unjust practices.
  • Empathize with the Oppressed: The verse fosters compassion for those who suffer silently and without recourse, reminding us that God hears their cries.
  • Trust in God's Justice: Even when the "just" do not resist, God sees and will ultimately bring justice for the oppressed. This offers hope and encouragement to those enduring hardship.

Reflection

The severity of James's language in James 5:6 underscores the gravity of oppressing the righteous. It reminds us that our faith must translate into ethical conduct, particularly in how we treat the vulnerable. The silence or non-resistance of the victim does not absolve the oppressor; rather, it magnifies their guilt in the eyes of God, who is the ultimate defender of the "just."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 2:22

    Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

  • 1 Peter 2:23

    Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

  • Acts 8:32

    The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

  • Matthew 5:39

    But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

  • Luke 22:51

    And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

  • Luke 22:53

    When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

  • John 19:9

    And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

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