Devine Scripture

James 4:17

What does James 4:17 mean?

A plain-English look at James 4:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 4:17 means

James ends with a searching principle: sin is not only doing wrong; it is also failing to do the known good. Knowledge carries responsibility. In context, this includes acknowledging God in planning, guarding the tongue from judgment and boasting, and responding to conviction with repentance. But the scope is wider: wherever God has made His will plain—through conscience and His Word—neglect is culpable. This exposes comfortable evasions that say, “I didn’t do anything wrong,” when in fact we did nothing right. The call is to prompt, humble obedience. Grace does not excuse inaction; it empowers us to act in the good we already know.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The man who has knowledge of how to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to him, then, knowing to do good, and not doing, sin it is to him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To him therefore who knoweth to do good and doth it not, to him it is sin.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

To him therefore who knows how to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.

Context

Serving as a capstone to the chapter, verse 17 ties together James’s warnings about worldliness, speech, and presumption. Having exposed sinful desires, called for humble submission, and corrected arrogant planning, he reminds readers that obedience is measured not only by avoiding forbidden things but by doing the commanded good. This final word returns the focus to practical faith and prepares readers to carry these truths into daily decisions under God’s sovereign will.

v.16But now ye glory in your vauntings: all such glorying is evil.

v.17This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 2:17

    But if thou bearest the name of a Jew, and restest upon the law, and gloriest in God,

  • John 13:17

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

  • John 15:22

    If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no excuse for their sin.

  • Romans 1:32

    who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practise such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practise them.

  • Luke 12:47

    And that servant, who knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes;

  • John 9:41

    Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye would have no sin: but now ye say, We see: your sin remaineth.

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