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James 1:20

James 1:20 in Multiple Translations

for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

For the righteousness of God does not come about by the wrath of man.

because human anger doesn't reflect the good character of God.

For the wrath of man doeth not accomplish the righteousnesse of God.

for the wrath of a man the righteousness of God doth not work;

for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God.

because when any one of you gets angry, you will not be doing the righteous things that God wants you to do.

If you are angry, you can’t do the good things that God wants you to do.

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Berean Amplified Bible — James 1:20

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James 1:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK οργη γαρ ανδρος δικαιοσυνην θεου ου κατεργαζεται
οργη orgē G3709 wrath Noun-NSF
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
ανδρος anēr G435 man Noun-GSM
δικαιοσυνην dikaiosunē G1343 righteousness Noun-ASF
θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM
ου ou G3756 no Particle-N
κατεργαζεται katergazomai G2716 to workout/produce Verb-PNI-3S
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — James 1:20

οργη orgē G3709 "wrath" Noun-NSF
In the Bible, this word means God's strong anger or wrath towards sin, as seen in Romans 1:18 and Revelation 14:10. It's a desire for justice and a reaction against wrongdoing. This concept is also applied to human anger, like in Ephesians 4:31.
Definition: ὀργή, -ῆς, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for אַף, also for חָרוֹן, חֵמָה, קָצַף, etc. ;] __1 1, impulse, propensity, disposition. __2. anger, wrath; __(a) of men: Mrk.3:5, Eph.4:31, Col.3:8, 1Ti.2:8, Jas.1:19-20; __(b) of God; __α that reaction of the divine nature against sin which in anthropomorphic language is called anger: Rom.1:18 9:22 12:19, (ICC, in l), 1Th.1:10 2:16, Heb.3:11 4:3" (LXX) Rev.14:10 16:19 19:15; __β of the effect of God's anger: Mat.3:7, Luk.3:7 21:23, Jhn.3:36, Rom.2:5, 8 3:5 4:15 5:9 13:4-5 Eph.5:6, Col.3:6, 1Th.5:9, Jas.1:20, Rev.6:16-17 11:18; σκεύη ὀργῆς, Rom.9:22; τέκνα ὀργῆς, Eph.2:3.† SYN.: see: θυμός (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 34 NT verses. KJV: anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath See also: 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Matthew 3:7; Hebrews 3:11.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
ανδρος anēr G435 "man" Noun-GSM
A man in the Bible refers to an adult male, often in contrast to a woman or child. It can also describe a husband, as seen in Matthew 1:16 and Romans 7:2. The term is used to address or describe individuals, such as a prophet or brother.
Definition: ἀνήρ, ἀνδρός, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ, frequently אֱנוֹשׁ, also אָדָם, etc. ;] a man, Lat. vir. __1. As opposite to a woman, Act.8:12, 1Ti.2:12; as a husband, Mat.1:16, Jhn.4:16, Rom.7:2, Tit.1:6. __2. As opposite to a boy or infant, 1Co.13:11, Eph.4:13, Jas.3:2. __3. In appos. with a noun or adj., as ἀ. ἁμαρτωλός, Luk.5:8; ἀ. προφήτης, 24:19; frequently in terms of address, as ἀ. ἀδελφοί, Act.1:16; and esp. with gentilic names, as ἀ. Ἰουδαῖος, Act.22:3; ἀ. Ἐφέσιοι, 19:35. __4. In general, a man, a male person: = τις, Luk.8:41, Act.6:11. SYN.: ἄνθρωπος, which see (cf. MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 192 NT verses. KJV: fellow, husband, man, sir See also: 1 Corinthians 7:2; Acts 18:24; 1 Peter 3:1.
δικαιοσυνην dikaiosunē G1343 "righteousness" Noun-ASF
Righteousness is about living according to God's will, as seen in Matthew 5:6 and Romans 4:3, where it's about being in right relationship with God.
Definition: δικαιοσύνη, -ης, ἡ (δίκαιος), [in LXX chiefly for צֶדֶק, and cognates, Gen.15:6, al., rarely for חֶסֶד, Gen.19:19 ;] the character of ὁ δίκαιος (which see) __1. in broad sense, righteousness, conformity to the Divine will in purpose, thought and action: Mat.5:6, Jhn.16:8, Act.13:10, Rom.4:3; λόγος δικαιοσύνης, teaching of r., Heb.5:13; βασιλεὺς δ. (cf. FlJ, BJ, vi, 10, β. δίκαιος), Heb.7:2; ὅπλα δ., Rom.6:13; ὁδὸς δ., Mat.21:32; θώραξ τῆς δ., Eph.6:14; διὰκονοι δ., 2Co.11:15; ὁσιότης καὶ δ., Luk.1:75, cf. Eph.4:24; ἀγαθωσύνῃ καὶ δ., Eph.5:9; δ. κ. εἰρήνη κ. χαρά, Rom.14:17; δ. κ. ἁγιασμός, 1Co.1:30; opposite to ἁμαρτία, Rom.8:10; ἀνομία, 2Co.6:14; άδικία, Rom.3:5; ποιεῖν τὴν δ., 1Jn.2:29 Jn 3:7; id. as an inclusive term for the active duties of the religious life (ICC, in l; Abbott, Essays, 73 ff), Mat.6:1; ἐργάζεσθαι δ., Act.10:35; διώκειν δ., 1Ti.6:11; πληροῦν πᾶσαν δ., Mat.3:15; ζῆν τῇ δ., 1Pe.2:24; δ. θεοῦ, a righteousness divine in its character and origin, Mat.6:33, Jas.1:20, (where it also includes the idea of God's personal r.; see ICC, on Rom.1:17) Rom.1:17 3:5, 21-26 10:3, 2Co.5:21, Php.3:9; ἡ δ. τ. πίσιεως, Rom.4:11; ἡ ἐκ π. δ., Rom.9:30; ἡ κατὰ π. δ., Heb.11:7; opposite to this is ἡ ἐκ νόμου δ., Rom.10:5; ἡ δ. ἐν ν., Php.3:6; ἡ ἰδία δ., Rom.10:3, cf. Php.3:9 __2. In narrower sense (cf. δίκαιος), justice: Act.17:31, 2Pe.1:1, Rev.19:11 (DCG, ii, 529 ff.; Cremer, 190, 690). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 86 NT verses. KJV: righteousness See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Luke 1:75; 1 Peter 2:24.
θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM
This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.
Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.
ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
κατεργαζεται katergazomai G2716 "to workout/produce" Verb-PNI-3S
Means to accomplish or achieve something through effort, like working to achieve a goal in Romans 4:15. It's about bringing something to completion. In 2 Corinthians 7:10, it describes the outcome of godly sorrow.
Definition: κατ-εργάζομαι (emphatic form of ἐργάζομαι), [in LXX for פָּעַל, etc. (9 exx., each for a different Heb. word) ;] to effect by labour, achieve, work out, bring about: with accusative, Rom.4:15 5:3 7:8, 15-20, 2Co.7:10, Eph.6:13, Jas.1:3; pass., 2Co.12:12; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Rom.7:13, 2Co.4:17 7:11 9:11; id. before διά, with genitive of person(s), Rom.15:18; τ. σωτηρίαν, Php.2:12; with accusative of person(s) before εἰς, 2Co.5:5 (RV, wrought); of evil deeds, Rom.1:27 2:9, 1Co.5:3, 1Pe.4:3.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: cause, to (deed), perform, work (out) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:3; Philippians 2:12; 1 Peter 4:3.

Study Notes — James 1:20

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Timothy 2:24–25 And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
2 Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger,
3 James 3:17–18 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.
4 Numbers 20:11–12 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

James 1:20 Summary

[This verse is saying that when we get angry, it doesn't usually lead to doing what is right in God's eyes. Instead, our anger often comes from selfishness and a lack of self-control. To live in a way that honors God, we need to learn to control our anger and respond to situations in a more thoughtful and humble way (Proverbs 14:29). By doing so, we can become more like Jesus and live out our faith in a way that brings joy and peace to those around us (Galatians 5:22-23).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the problem with human anger according to James 1:20?

Human anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires, as it is often driven by selfishness and a lack of self-control, rather than a desire to honor God (Proverbs 14:29, Ephesians 4:26).

How does this verse relate to the command to be slow to anger in James 1:19?

Being slow to anger is crucial because human anger often leads to unrighteous behavior, whereas God desires righteousness, as seen in James 1:20, and being slow to anger helps us to respond in a more godly manner (Proverbs 15:1).

What is the alternative to human anger that James is advocating for?

Instead of relying on human anger, James encourages believers to humbly accept the word of God planted in them, which can save their souls (James 1:21), and to be doers of the word, not just hearers (James 1:22, Matthew 7:24-27).

How can I know if my anger is righteous or unrighteous?

Righteous anger is motivated by a desire to honor God and uphold what is right, whereas unrighteous anger is often driven by personal desires and a lack of self-control (Matthew 5:21-22, Ephesians 4:31-32).

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some situations in my life where I tend to become angry, and how can I respond in a more godly way?
  2. How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and self-control, so that I am slow to anger and quick to listen?
  3. What does it mean for me to 'get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil' in my life, and how can I practically apply James 1:21 to my daily life?
  4. In what ways can I be a 'doer of the word' and not just a 'hearer only', especially in situations where I am tempted to become angry?

Gill's Exposition on James 1:20

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. This is so far from engaging persons to do that which is right and acceptable in the sight of God, that it puts them upon doing that which is evil.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 1:20

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Man's angry zeal in debating, as if jealous for the honour of God, is far from working that which is really righteousness in God's sight.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 1:20

See Poole on ""

Trapp's Commentary on James 1:20

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Ver. 20. For the wrath of man] Unless it be as Moses’ and Christ’ s anger was, pure and free from guile and gall, prompting us to pity and pray for the party, Exodus 32:32; Mark 3:5.

Ellicott's Commentary on James 1:20

(20) For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.—Sarcastically rings the context. Perhaps there is still a sharper point to the satire: the wrath of man does not work God’s righteousness “to the full.” The warning may well be sounded in the ears of Christians still, who are not less apt than Jonah of old to say quickly and in self-excuse, “I do well to be angry” (Jonah 4:9). How many a holy work of household and parish has been and is thus hindered and destroyed; and if the golden words of the first bishop of the Church had been heeded better, there never had appeared one page of her long history blotted with the blood of a religious war.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 1:20

Verse 20. The wrath of man] A furious zeal in matters of religion is detestable in the sight of God; he will have no sacrifice that is not consumed by fire from his own altar. The zeal that made the Papists persecute and burn the Protestants, was kindled in hell. This was the wrath of man, and did not work any righteous act for God; nor was it the means of working righteousness in others; the bad fruit of a bad tree. And do they still vindicate these cruelties? Yes: for still they maintain that no faith is to be kept with heretics, and they acknowledge the inquisition.

Cambridge Bible on James 1:20

20. the wrath of man …] Better, A man’s wrath, so as to represent the absence of the article in the original. By “the righteousness of God”—the phrase is common to St James and St Paul (Romans 10:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9)—is meant the righteousness which God requires and which He also gives. The besetting sin of the Jews was to identify their own anger against what seemed sin and heresy with the Will of God, to think that they did God service by deeds of violence (John 16:2), that they were thus working out His righteousness. The teaching is again after the pattern of the purely ethical books of the Old Testament (Ecclesiastes 7:9). The MSS. give two forms of the verb rendered “work;” the commonly received one, which conveys the thought, “does not work out or bring to completeness,” and that of the better MSS. which means simply, “does not work, or practise.”

Barnes' Notes on James 1:20

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God - Does not produce in the life that righteousness which God requires.

Whedon's Commentary on James 1:20

20. Righteousness of God—God’s righteousness, prescribed by him to man. Note on Romans 1:17. Man’s wrath works not in man the righteousness designed and enjoined by God.

Sermons on James 1:20

SermonDescription
Alistair Begg Submitting to God - Part 2 by Alistair Begg In this sermon, Alistair Begg focuses on the importance of submitting to God. He emphasizes that true submission comes from a humble heart and involves resisting the devil. Begg al
Walter Wilson Psalm 119 by Walter Wilson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding solace and guidance in the Word of God. He encourages listeners to search the scriptures until they find the messa
Shane Idleman Marriage: Anger, the Great Destroyer by Shane Idleman This sermon addresses the issues of anger, highlighting how it can be a destructive force in our lives, fueled by selfishness, jealousy, pride, addiction, and guilt. The speaker em
Phil Beach Jr. The Deep Dealings of God Part 28 - Let Us Go on Unto Perfection - Gods Love by Phil Beach Jr. Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for families to return to Jesus amidst the crises affecting both the church and the family unit. He highlights that the root of these cr
Shane Idleman Anger, Danger, Dreams and Destiny by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman explores the themes of anger, danger, dreams, and destiny in his sermon, drawing from Genesis 34-36. He emphasizes the destructive nature of unchecked anger, urging l
E.M. Bounds Revivals That Stay by E.M. Bounds The preacher delves into the meaning of 'machomai,' which signifies intense conflict, whether physical or non-physical, often leading to bitter disputes. This word is used in the B
Henry Drummond A Sign of What's Inside by Henry Drummond Henry Drummond emphasizes the destructive nature of human wrath, explaining how it does not align with the righteousness of God. He delves into the deeper implications of temper, h

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