King James Version

What Does James 5:4 Mean?

James 5:4 in the King James Version says “Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the ... — study this verse from James chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

James 5:4 · KJV


Context

2

Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.

3

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

4

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

5

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

6

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. The wages withheld from laborers cry out; the Lord of hosts hears. Economic injustice is not silent—God hears exploited workers.

Reformed social ethics emphasize God's defense of the poor. James assures oppressed believers that God notices every unpaid wage.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tenant farmers in Judea often suffered withheld wages (Leviticus 19:13 violation). James invokes Yahweh Sabaoth, warrior protecting the oppressed. Early Christian tradition held deep concern for just wages.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are your business practices just before God?
  2. How can you advocate for exploited workers locally?
  3. What structural changes can ensure prompt, fair compensation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἰδού,1 of 26

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

τὰ2 of 26

which

G3588

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

μισθὸς3 of 26

the hire

G3408

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

τὰ4 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἐργατῶν5 of 26

of the labourers

G2040

a toiler; figuratively, a teacher

τὰ6 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἀμησάντων7 of 26

have reaped down

G270

properly, to collect, i.e., (by implication) reap

τὰ8 of 26

which

G3588

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

χώρας9 of 26

fields

G5561

room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)

ὑμῶν10 of 26

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τὰ11 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἀπεστερημένος12 of 26

kept back by fraud

G650

to despoil

ἀφ'13 of 26

is of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ὑμῶν14 of 26

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

κράζει15 of 26

crieth

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

καὶ16 of 26

and

G2532

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

τὰ17 of 26

which

G3588

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

βοαὶ18 of 26

the cries

G995

a halloo, i.e., call (for aid, etc.)

τὰ19 of 26

which

G3588

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

θερισάντων20 of 26

of them which have reaped

G2325

to harvest

εἰς21 of 26

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ22 of 26

which

G3588

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

ὦτα23 of 26

the ears

G3775

the ear (physically or mentally)

κυρίου24 of 26

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Σαβαὼθ25 of 26

of sabaoth

G4519

armies; sabaoth (i.e., tsebaoth), a military epithet of god

εἰσεληλύθασιν26 of 26

are entered

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)


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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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