James 5:9

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

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}.

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

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

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

James 5:9 delivers a sharp warning to believers against internal division and resentment, urging them to live in harmony and unity, especially in anticipation of God's imminent judgment.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Epistle of James is addressed to Jewish Christians scattered abroad, who were likely facing various forms of hardship, including economic oppression and internal community tensions (see James 1:2-3). Within such a context, it was easy for frustration, impatience, and personal grievances to arise among believers. James had previously highlighted issues such as favoritism (James 2:1-4), the destructive power of the tongue (James 3:5-10), and conflicts stemming from worldly desires (James 4:1-2). This verse specifically addresses the attitude of "grudging" or complaining against fellow believers, which would naturally undermine community peace. The concluding statement, "the judge standeth before the door," reflects the early church's strong belief in the imminent return of Christ and the urgency of living righteously in light of it.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Patience and Forbearance: Following the instruction to be patient until the coming of the Lord in James 5:7-8, this verse extends that patience to interpersonal relationships, advocating for mutual forbearance rather than harboring resentment.
  • Unity and Love: Grudging and complaining sow discord and destroy the unity that should characterize the body of Christ. Believers are called to love one another deeply and authentically.
  • Imminence of Judgment: The vivid image of "the judge standeth before the door" serves as a powerful reminder of divine accountability. This impending judgment should motivate believers to resolve conflicts and maintain peace, knowing they will answer for their conduct towards one another.
  • Personal Accountability: The verse highlights that individuals will be held accountable for their attitudes and actions, particularly concerning how they treat their brothers and sisters in faith.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's word "grudge" comes from the Greek verb stenazo (στενάζω), which means "to groan," "to sigh," or "to murmur." It implies an internal feeling of discontent or resentment that can manifest outwardly as complaining or fault-finding. It's more than just a fleeting annoyance; it suggests a deep-seated dissatisfaction. The warning "lest ye be condemned" uses the Greek katakrino (κατακρίνω), meaning "to judge against" or "to pronounce guilty," indicating a negative divine verdict. The phrase "the judge standeth before the door" (Greek: pro tou thyras esteken) is a powerful metaphor for immediate proximity, emphasizing that the Judge's arrival is not merely expected but imminent and almost at hand.

Practical Application

James 5:9 challenges us to honestly examine our hearts for any lingering resentment, bitterness, or a spirit of complaint towards fellow believers. In a world full of disagreements and frustrations, it's easy to fall into the habit of grudging. However, this verse reminds us that such attitudes are not only destructive to Christian fellowship but also displeasing to God. We are called to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, understanding, and patience with one another. Living with the awareness of Christ's return and the reality of divine judgment should motivate us to actively pursue peace, unity, and love within the church, ensuring our conduct reflects our readiness for His coming.

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.

  • 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.
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