Devine Scripture

James 5:6

What does James 5:6 mean?

A plain-English look at James 5:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 5:6 means

James charges the wealthy oppressors with condemning and killing “the righteous one,” likely representing the innocent person who refuses to resist with violence. Courts were bent, and power leveraged against those who could not defend themselves. The singular “righteous one” may be a collective figure for the godly poor; it also recalls the pattern of the Lord Jesus, the Righteous who suffered without retaliation. Regardless, the point is clear: injustice has escalated to its worst form. God takes note when the defenseless are crushed. The verse confronts readers with the seriousness of using power to harm the upright, assuring that such deeds do not escape the Lord’s judgment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Ye have condemned, ye have killed the righteous one; he doth not resist you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Ye have condemned, ye have killed the righteous one; he doth not resist you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

You have given your decision against the upright man and have put him to death. He puts up no fight against you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

ye did condemn--ye did murder the righteous one, he doth not resist you.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

You have condemned and put to death the Just One: and he resisted you not.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

ye have condemned, ye have killed the just; he does not resist you.

Context

This verse culminates the accusations of verses 1–5 by showing the ultimate outcome of corrupt wealth: judicial condemnation and even death for the righteous. Having completed the prophetic denunciation, James pivots in verse 7 to address “brethren,” shifting from rebuke of oppressors to comfort for the oppressed. The contrast is deliberate: while the rich abuse power, believers are called to patience and trust in the Lord’s coming, rather than vengeance or despair.

v.5Ye have lived delicately on the earth, and taken your pleasure; ye have nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter.

v.6This passage

v.7Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and latter rain.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 3:14

    But ye denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted unto you,

  • John 19:9

    and he entered into the Prætorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

  • 1 Peter 2:22

    who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

  • Luke 22:51

    But Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye them thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

  • Matthew 27:20

    Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

  • James 2:6

    But ye have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you, and themselves drag you before the judgment-seats?

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