King James Version

What Does James 4:11 Mean?

James 4:11 in the King James Version says “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of... — study this verse from James chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

James 4:11 · KJV


Context

9

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

11

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

12

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

13

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell , and get gain :


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. Do not speak evil (katalaleite, καταλαλεῖτε) of one another. He who speaks against a brother judges (krineis, κρίνεις) the law and becomes a judge rather than a doer. Slander usurps God's role and despises His royal law of love.

Reformed ethics emphasize mutual edification. James insists that tongues, previously addressed, must not tear down the body under guise of discernment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Diaspora believers, marginalized, may have turned frustrations inward through slander. James addresses this, echoing Leviticus 19:16. Paul's warnings against biting and devouring (Galatians 5:15) parallel this call.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where might you be judging the law by slandering others?
  2. How can you address concerns without gossip?
  3. Who needs to hear words of encouragement instead of critique?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Μὴ1 of 27

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

καταλαλεῖ2 of 27

He that speaketh evil

G2635

to be a traducer, i.e., to slander

ἀλλήλων3 of 27

one of another

G240

one another

ἀδελφὸν4 of 27

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

5 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καταλαλεῖ6 of 27

He that speaketh evil

G2635

to be a traducer, i.e., to slander

ἀδελφὸν7 of 27

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

καὶ8 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κρίνεις9 of 27

judgeth

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

τὸν10 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφὸν11 of 27

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ12 of 27
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καταλαλεῖ13 of 27

He that speaketh evil

G2635

to be a traducer, i.e., to slander

νόμου14 of 27

of the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

καὶ15 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κρίνεις16 of 27

judgeth

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

νόμου17 of 27

of the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

εἰ18 of 27

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ19 of 27

but

G1161

but, and, etc

νόμου20 of 27

of the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

κρίνεις21 of 27

judgeth

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

οὐκ22 of 27

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἶ23 of 27

thou art

G1488

thou art

ποιητὴς24 of 27

a doer

G4163

a performer; specially, a "poet"

νόμου25 of 27

of the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἀλλὰ26 of 27

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

κριτής27 of 27

a judge

G2923

a judge (genitive case or specially)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

James 4:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to James 4:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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