And do not be afraid of those who can kill your body but not your soul. Instead, fear Him [i.e., God] who is able to destroy both your soul and body in hell. [See note on 5:29].
James 4:12 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) There is only One Lawgiver and Judge [i.e., God or Christ]. It is He who is able to save and destroy [people]. So, who [do you think] you are, judging your neighbor? More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? Amplified Bible - Classic Edition One only is the Lawgiver and Judge Who is able to save and to destroy [the One Who has the absolute power of life and death]. [But you] who are you that [you presume to] pass judgment on your neighbor? American Standard Version (1901) One only is the lawgiver and judge, even he who is able to save and to destroy: but who art thou that judgest thy neighbor? Common English Bible There is only one lawgiver and judge, and he is able to save and to destroy. But you who judge your neighbor, who are you? Catholic Public Domain Version There is one lawgiver and one judge. He is able to destroy, and he is able to set free. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version There is one lawgiver, and judge, that is able to destroy and to deliver. |
And do not be afraid of those who can kill your body but not your soul. Instead, fear Him [i.e., God] who is able to destroy both your soul and body in hell. [See note on 5:29].
But I am warning you about whom you should fear. Fear the One [i.e., God] who, after He has killed [i.e., the body], has power to throw [you] into hell [See note on Matt. 5:29]. Yes, I tell you, fear Him.
So, we should stop judging one another any more. But instead, you people should determine not to put anything in your brother’s way [to cause him] to trip or fall [away from God].
Who [do you think] you are, to pass judgment on someone else’s household servant? He stands [approved] or falls [into disapproval] before his own Master [only]. Yes, [surely] he will stand [approved], for the Lord is capable of helping him to stand.
So, whoever you are, you people do not have any excuse for judging people [Note: At this point Paul begins addressing the Jews. See verse 17]. For in a matter where you judge someone else [to be wrong] you [actually] condemn yourselves, because you are practicing the same things [you condemn them for doing].
But who [do you think] you are, [you mere] man, to [attempt a] reply to God? Will the object formed [i.e., a clay pot] say to the one who molded it, “Why did you make me this way?”
So, He is also able to save completely those people who approach God through Him, since He lives forever to intercede [i.e., to plead to God] on their behalf.
Do not complain against one another, brothers, so that you will not [have to] be judged [and condemned for it]. Look, the Judge [i.e., Christ] is standing at the door! [See verse 8].