King James Version
James 4:17 in the King James Version says “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” — study this verse from James chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
James 4:17 · KJV
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live , and do this, or that.
But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“to him that knoweth”
G1492used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
“good”
G2570properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“it not”
G3361(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
“to him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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.
James 4:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to James 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge