King James Version

What Does James 5:9 Mean?

“Grudge not one against another , brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Grudge not: or, Groan, or, Grieve not”

Context

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be: or, Be long patient, or, Suffer with long patience

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Grudge not one against another , brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Grudge not: or, Groan, or, Grieve not

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Grudge not.**—Say in preference, *Murmur not. *“Grudge” has curiously changed its meaning from an outward murmur to an inward feeling. It has unfortunately been retained both here and in 1Peter 4:9. See also Psalm 59:15, specially the Prayer Book version, “They will . . . *grudge* if they be not satisfied”—*i.e., *complain and murmur. **Lest ye . . .**—It is not “lest ye be condemned,” but *lest ye be judged, *repeating the exact words of the original in Matthew 7:1. **Behold, the judge standeth before the door.**—Compare this scene with that depicted in Revelation 3:20. In the one Christ lingers mercifully outside the door that “loves its hinge”; fain would He enter and abide. In the other He sounds a note of alarm; men are “waked in the night, not girding their loins for a journey, but in vague wonder at uncertain noise, who may turn again to their slumber,” or in wistful listening wait in vain for the voice of mercy which shall plead with them no more for ever (Ruskin). One of the mocking questions put to St. James by his enemies, as they hurried him to death, was, “Which is the *door* of Jesus?” And failing to receive an answer to their mind, they said, “Let us stone this James the Just!” which they did, after they had cast him over the Temple wall.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 5:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.