James 5:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Grudge {G4727} not {G3361} one against another {G2596}{G240}, brethren {G80}, lest {G3363} ye be condemned {G2632}: behold {G2400}, the judge {G2923} standeth {G2476} before {G4253} the door {G2374}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t grumble against one another, brothers, so that you won’t come under condemnation — look! the Judge is standing at the door!

Berean Standard Bible

Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!

American Standard Version

Murmur not, brethren, one against another, that ye be not judged: behold, the judge standeth before the doors.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 5:9 issues a stern admonition to believers, urging them to refrain from grumbling or harboring resentment against one another. This command is underscored by the sobering reminder of God's imminent judgment, emphasizing the critical importance of cultivating unity, patience, and mutual forbearance within the Christian community as they await the Lord's return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding exhortations of James's epistle, following a passage that encourages patience and endurance in suffering, specifically referencing the farmer's wait for the harvest and the prophets' steadfastness as examples ([James 5:7-8](/james/5-7-8 "James 5:7-8 - Patience in Suffering")). The command to "grudge not" serves as a natural extension of this theme, applying patience not just to external trials but also to internal community dynamics. It immediately precedes a warning against swearing oaths ([James 5:12](/james/5-12 "James 5:12 - Do Not Swear Oaths")) and transitions into instructions regarding prayer for the sick and confession of sins ([James 5:13-16](/james/5-13-16 "James 5:13-16 - Prayer and Confession")). Thus, [James 5:9](/james/5-9 "James 5:9 - Do Not Grudge") acts as a bridge, linking the broader call to patient endurance with specific ethical directives for communal living in light of Christ's anticipated return.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle of James is widely believed to be addressed to Jewish Christians, often referred to as "the twelve tribes scattered abroad" ([James 1:1](/james/1-1 "James 1:1 - Greeting to the Twelve Tribes")). These early believers faced significant external pressures, including economic hardship, social marginalization, and persecution, as well as internal challenges like favoritism ([James 2:1-4](/james/2-1-4 "James 2:1-4 - Warning Against Favoritism")), disputes over wealth ([James 4:1-3](/james/4-1-3 "James 4:1-3 - The Source of Quarrels")), and the misuse of the tongue ([James 3:5-10](/james/3-5-10 "James 3:5-10 - Taming the Tongue")). In such a volatile environment, it was easy for frustration, impatience, and personal grievances to fester, leading to a spirit of complaint or "grudging" against fellow believers. James's warning against this attitude reflects a deep concern for the unity and spiritual health of these nascent Christian communities, emphasizing that internal strife would only exacerbate their external difficulties and undermine their witness.

* **Key Themes:** [James 5:9](/james/5-9 "James 5:9 - Do Not Grudge") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of James. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **practical faith** and **ethical living**, demonstrating that true faith is evidenced by righteous conduct, especially in interpersonal relationships. Secondly, it highlights the importance of **community unity and love**, echoing the call for believers to live in harmony rather than discord. James consistently challenges behaviors that disrupt the peace of the community, such as slander and self-exaltation ([James 4:11-12](/james/4-11-12 "James 4:11-12 - Do Not Slander")). Thirdly, the verse powerfully underscores the **imminence of Christ's return and final judgment**. The phrase "the judge standeth before the door" serves as a potent eschatological motivation, urging believers to live with a keen awareness of divine accountability and the Lord's impending arrival, a theme also present in the preceding verses ([James 5:7-8](/james/5-7-8 "James 5:7-8 - Patience in Suffering")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grudge (Greek, _stenázō_):** This word (G4727) means "to groan," "to sigh," or "to murmur." It implies an internal feeling of discontent, resentment, or dissatisfaction that often manifests as complaining, fault-finding, or a deep-seated grievance. It's not merely a fleeting annoyance but suggests a sustained attitude of bitterness or ill will. The KJV's "grudge" accurately captures this sense of suppressed or overt complaint.
* **One against another (Greek, _katá allḗlōn_):** The preposition _katá_ (G2596) here means "against" or "down upon," indicating opposition or hostility. Combined with _allḗlōn_ (G240), meaning "one another," it vividly portrays a direct, interpersonal antagonism. This phrase emphasizes that the "grudging" is directed specifically at fellow members of the community, highlighting the destructive nature of internal strife.
* **Condemned (Greek, _katakrínō_):** This verb (G2632) means "to judge against," "to pronounce guilty," or "to sentence." It signifies a negative divine verdict, indicating that harboring grudges against fellow believers is a serious offense that will incur God's judgment. The passive voice ("ye be condemned") implies that God is the one who will issue this judgment.
* **Judge (Greek, _kritḗs_):** This noun (G2923) refers to one who judges, a magistrate, or an arbiter. In this context, it unequivocally refers to God, or more specifically, Christ, who is the ultimate arbiter of justice and the one who will execute judgment upon His return.
* **Standeth (Greek, _hístēmi_):** This verb (G2476) means "to stand," "to be present," or "to be established." The use of the perfect tense in the Greek (ἑστηκεν, _hestēken_) conveys a sense of completed action with ongoing results, meaning "has taken his stand and remains standing." This emphasizes the Judge's immediate proximity and readiness to act, not merely an impending arrival but an active presence at the threshold.
* **Door (Greek, _thýra_):** This word (G2374) refers to a portal or entrance. In this metaphorical context, it signifies the threshold of judgment, implying that the Judge is literally at the very entrance, poised to enter and execute His verdict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Grudge not one against another, brethren":** James directly addresses his audience as "brethren" (_adelphoi_, G80), a term of endearment and shared spiritual kinship, underscoring the familial bond that should characterize the Christian community. The command "grudge not" (a negative imperative) forbids the internal resentment and outward complaining that would disrupt this spiritual family. It calls for the cultivation of a spirit of patience and forbearance, especially towards those with whom one might have cause for disagreement or frustration.
* **"lest ye be condemned":** This clause provides the severe consequence for failing to heed the preceding command. The passive voice "ye be condemned" implies that God Himself will be the one to judge those who harbor grudges. It highlights the seriousness of internal strife within the body of Christ, indicating that such behavior is not merely a social faux pas but a sin that incurs divine displeasure and a negative verdict.
* **"behold, the judge standeth before the door":** This powerful and vivid image serves as the ultimate motivation for obedience. "Behold" (_idoú_, G2400) draws immediate attention to the urgency of the declaration. The "Judge" refers to Christ, whose return is depicted as imminent and immediate – He is not merely on His way, but "standeth before the door," signifying His readiness to enter and execute judgment. This phrase emphasizes the urgency of living righteously and resolving interpersonal conflicts before His arrival.

#### Literary Devices
James 5:9 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "the judge standeth before the door." This vivid image is a powerful metaphor for the imminent return of Christ and the accompanying final judgment. It suggests not just proximity but a state of readiness, as if the Judge is already at the threshold, about to enter. This creates a sense of immediate accountability and urgency. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Grudge not") provides a direct, authoritative command, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the expected behavior. Furthermore, the verse uses **Antithesis** by contrasting the negative action of "grudging" with the implied positive outcome of avoiding condemnation, thereby highlighting the stakes involved. The address "brethren" serves as a form of **Apostrophe**, directly engaging the audience and appealing to their shared identity and familial bond in Christ, making the warning more personal and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 5:9 underscores a profound theological truth: how believers treat one another is directly tied to their relationship with God and their standing before Him. The prohibition against grudging is rooted in the expectation of divine judgment, revealing that interpersonal harmony is not merely a social nicety but a spiritual imperative. This verse connects the ethical conduct of believers to eschatological realities, reminding us that our present actions, particularly in how we manage conflict and resentment within the community, have eternal implications. The imminence of the Judge's arrival serves as a powerful catalyst for cultivating patience, forgiveness, and unity, aligning our communal life with the values of the Kingdom of God.

* [Matthew 7:1-2](/matthew/7-1-2 "Matthew 7:1-2 - Do Not Judge")
* [Romans 14:10-13](/romans/14-10-13 "Romans 14:10-13 - Do Not Judge Your Brother")
* [1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - Judge Nothing Before the Appointed Time")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 5:9 serves as a piercing challenge to the modern believer, compelling us to examine the hidden corners of our hearts for any lingering resentment, unexpressed complaints, or a spirit of bitterness towards fellow Christians. In a world increasingly marked by division and quick to criticize, the temptation to "grudge" can be subtle yet pervasive, manifesting as gossip, passive-aggression, or a general lack of charity. This verse reminds us that such attitudes are not only corrosive to the fabric of Christian fellowship but are also deeply displeasing to God, placing us in a precarious position before the coming Judge. Living with the profound awareness that "the judge standeth before the door" should ignite within us a fervent desire to actively pursue peace, practice radical forgiveness, and cultivate genuine love within the body of Christ. It calls us to prioritize reconciliation over retribution, understanding over accusation, and unity over personal grievances, ensuring that our conduct reflects a readiness for His glorious return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific instances or relationships in my life might be characterized by a "grudging" spirit, and how can I actively work towards reconciliation and forgiveness?**
* **How does the imminent return of Christ and the reality of divine judgment motivate me to address interpersonal conflicts and cultivate a more loving attitude towards others?**
* **In what ways might I be contributing to disunity or a complaining spirit within my church or Christian community, and what practical steps can I take to foster greater harmony?**

### FAQ
**What does "grudge not" mean in the context of James 5:9?**

Answer: In James 5:9, "grudge not" (from the Greek _stenázō_) means to refrain from groaning, sighing, murmuring, or complaining against one another. It refers to harboring resentment, bitterness, or discontent that can lead to fault-finding and discord within the Christian community. It's a call to patience, forbearance, and a spirit of unity rather than internal strife or outward complaint.

**Who is "the judge" that "standeth before the door"?**

Answer: "The judge" in James 5:9 refers to Jesus Christ. This phrase is a powerful metaphor emphasizing the imminence of His second coming and the accompanying final judgment. It signifies that Christ is not merely expected but is already at the very threshold, poised to return and hold humanity, especially believers, accountable for their actions and attitudes, particularly how they have treated one another. This imagery underscores the urgency of living righteously and in harmony as we await His arrival, a theme consistent with other New Testament passages about Christ's return (e.g., [Matthew 24:33](/matthew/24-33 "Matthew 24:33 - The Signs of the Times")).

**Why is it so important for believers not to "grudge" one another?**

Answer: It is critically important for believers not to "grudge" one another for several reasons. Firstly, harboring resentment or complaining undermines the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ, which is called to be a witness to the world ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")). Secondly, James warns that such an attitude can lead to divine "condemnation," indicating that God takes internal strife among His people very seriously. Thirdly, the imminence of the Judge's return means believers must live in a state of readiness, with hearts free from bitterness and actively pursuing peace, as they will give an account for their conduct towards fellow believers ([Romans 14:10-12](/romans/14-10-12 "Romans 14:10-12 - We Shall All Stand Before the Judgment Seat of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 5:9, with its urgent warning against grudging and its vivid depiction of the Judge at the door, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The Judge who "standeth before the door" is none other than the resurrected Christ, the one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). He is the one who, having first come as the suffering servant to bear the sins of the world ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")), will return as the righteous Judge. The command to "grudge not" is a call to embody the very spirit of Christ, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - The Humility of Christ")), and who taught His disciples to love one another as He had loved them ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - A New Commandment")). Our ability to forgive and refrain from bitterness is empowered by Christ's own forgiveness extended to us on the cross ([Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Forgive Each Other")), and our motivation to live in unity is fueled by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to bind believers together in one body ([Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity in the Spirit")). Thus, the imminent return of Christ serves not only as a warning but as a glorious hope, compelling us to live in a manner worthy of the one who is both our Savior and our Judge, reflecting His love and unity until He appears.

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

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

James 4:11

¶ Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Matthew 24:33

So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors.

1 Peter 4:9

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

Genesis 4:7

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Galatians 5:26

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.