James 4:17

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

James 4:17 delivers a profound and often challenging truth about Christian responsibility: that knowing what is right to do, yet failing to act upon that knowledge, constitutes sin. This verse highlights the concept of the "sin of omission," emphasizing that our moral accountability extends beyond merely doing wrong to include failing to do good when we are aware of the opportunity or obligation.

Context

This verse concludes a section in James's letter that addresses various aspects of practical Christian living. Immediately preceding it, James critiques the arrogance of those who boast about their future plans without acknowledging God's sovereignty (James 4:13-16). He reminds his readers of the brevity of life and the uncertainty of tomorrow, urging them to say, "If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." The "therefore" in verse 17 connects this failure to acknowledge God's will and act humbly with the broader principle of neglecting known good. It reinforces James's consistent theme that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through active obedience and good works, as he famously states in James 2:26, "faith without works is dead."

Key Themes

  • The Sin of Omission: This is the central message. Sin is not only about committing wrongful acts but also about neglecting to do what is morally right or commanded by God. It challenges believers to consider their inaction as well as their actions.
  • Knowledge and Responsibility: The verse posits a direct link between knowledge and accountability. To "knoweth to do good" implies a clear understanding of what is right, whether through conscience, divine revelation, or moral instruction. This knowledge places a burden of responsibility upon the individual.
  • Practical Faith: James consistently emphasizes that genuine faith is active. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our faith should lead to tangible expressions of love, obedience, and service.
  • Humility and Submission: In light of the preceding verses about boasting, James 4:17 implicitly calls for humility. Recognizing what good needs to be done and then doing it is an act of submission to God's will, rather than relying on one's own plans or self-sufficiency.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "knoweth" (eidō) implies more than just intellectual awareness; it suggests an experiential or intuitive understanding, a deep discernment of what is morally good or God's will. The word for "sin" (hamartia) broadly means "missing the mark." Here, it specifically means missing the mark not by actively aiming in the wrong direction, but by failing to aim at all when the target (the good deed) is clearly visible.

Practical Application

James 4:17 serves as a powerful call to self-examination for every believer. It prompts us to consider:

  • What good deeds or acts of service do I know I should be doing, but am neglecting?
  • Am I passive when I should be active in expressing God's love or truth?
  • Does my knowledge of God's commands translate into tangible obedience?

This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to faith and into active, practical living. It aligns with other biblical passages that highlight the consequences of neglecting to do good, such as Luke 12:47, which speaks of the servant who knew his master's will but did not act on it, and Matthew 25:41-45, where Jesus describes judgment based on what was *not* done for "the least of these." Ultimately, this verse urges believers to be diligent in applying their understanding of God's will, transforming knowledge into righteous action, lest their inaction itself become a form of sin.

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Cross-References

  • John 9:41 (47 votes)

    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 (39 votes)

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

  • John 15:22 (37 votes)

    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 (32 votes)

    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 (24 votes)

    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 (24 votes)

    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 (23 votes)

    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.