James 4 17

James 4:17 kjv

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

James 4:17 nkjv

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

James 4:17 niv

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.

James 4:17 esv

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

James 4:17 nlt

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

James 4 verses

James 4 17 Meaning

James 4:17 declares that for a person who understands what is good and right to do, but consciously chooses not to do it, that failure to act is considered sin. This verse emphasizes the moral responsibility that comes with knowledge and implies that inaction in the face of known duty is a serious transgression against God's will. It specifically points to "sins of omission," where the sin lies not in committing a wrong act, but in neglecting to perform a good and commanded act.

James 4 17 Context

James 4:17 serves as a climactic summary and application following James's stern warnings against worldly-mindedness, self-reliant boasting, and presumptuous planning without God's will (James 4:13-16). In those verses, James condemns those who plan their future based solely on their own will, without acknowledging the brevity of life or God's sovereignty, calling such boasting "evil." Verse 17 then provides a general principle of sin that directly applies to such a mindset: when one knows what is right (like submitting to God's will and acknowledging His control over their future), yet fails to act on that knowledge, it becomes a sin. The immediate context of neglecting God in one's plans illustrates this broader principle of omission. James emphasizes a practical, living faith where intellectual knowledge of what is good must translate into righteous action.

James 4 17 Word analysis

• Therefore (οὖν - oun): Connects the preceding warnings about presumptuous boasting and self-sufficiency (4:13-16) to this general principle of sin. It acts as a logical consequence.

• to him that knoweth (εἰδῶτι - eidōti): From eido (to know, perceive, understand). This implies a full, internal awareness and understanding, not just intellectual assent. It refers to someone who has discerned what is good, possibly through divine revelation (Scripture), conscience, or wisdom, and is convinced of its goodness and applicability.

• to do good (καλὸν ποιῆσαι - kalon poiēsai): Kalon (good, noble, beautiful, excellent) signifies something morally right, beneficial, or in line with God's will. Poiēsai (to do, to make, to perform) is an action verb. This is not just a passive goodness but an active doing of something positive and constructive.

• and doeth it not (καὶ μὴ ποιῆσαι - kai mē poiēsai): The particle mē emphasizes a conscious, volitional choice not to perform the known good. It's an act of omission, a failure to carry out a perceived duty or opportunity for righteousness.

• to him it is sin (ἁμαρτία ἐστὶν αὐτῷ - hamartia estin autō): Hamartia (sin, missing the mark, going astray). Here, sin is defined not just as transgression of a law (sin of commission), but specifically as the failure to achieve a known moral goal or duty (sin of omission). It indicates a moral culpability and spiritual consequence for not acting righteously when one knows better.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "to him that knoweth... and doeth it not": This phrase identifies the specific individual to whom the principle applies: the one with knowledge and opportunity, contrasting with ignorance. It underscores accountability based on discernment.
  • "to do good, and doeth it not": This highlights the essence of the "sin of omission": a conscious choice not to engage in known beneficial or righteous action, even when the capacity and occasion are present.
  • "Therefore... to him it is sin": This entire structure conveys that knowledge of what is good places a binding obligation, and the willful neglect of that obligation carries the full weight and spiritual consequence of "sin." It transforms inaction into a moral failing.

James 4 17 Bonus section

The "good" (kalon) that one knows to do can encompass several layers:

1. Direct Commands: What Scripture explicitly teaches as righteous actions.
2. Moral Intuition/Conscience: God's general revelation written on the heart (Rom 2:15), prompting ethical behavior.
3. Specific Opportunity: A particular situation arises where help, mercy, or a righteous stand is clearly needed and possible (e.g., the Good Samaritan).
4. Submission to God's Will: As contextually evident, acknowledging God's sovereignty in all plans, as opposed to self-reliant boasting. Failure to seek and acknowledge His will is an omission of foundational duty.

This verse challenges the passive believer, calling them to an active demonstration of faith (Jas 2:17). It implies that knowing a truth places an immediate burden of obedience, lest that knowledge itself condemns. The severity lies in the conscious nature of the failure, not just ignorance.

James 4 17 Commentary

James 4:17 powerfully defines sin beyond overt wrongdoing to include the crucial concept of "sins of omission." It states that if someone knows what is morally right or what God desires of them, but intentionally fails to perform it, that inaction is classified as sin. This is a critical theological point, as many may primarily conceive of sin as breaking a command. James expands this to include the failure to live up to a known good. This principle applies across all areas of Christian life: from simple acts of kindness when opportunity arises, to larger acts of obedience, like serving in the church or sharing the Gospel, or acknowledging God's sovereignty in daily plans. It calls believers to proactive righteousness, urging them to align their actions (or inactions) with their enlightened understanding of God's will. It combats spiritual laziness and moral indifference, reminding us that knowledge brings responsibility, and inaction on known truth is culpable before God.