Body Quote by King James I
“God has power to create, or destroy, make, or unmake at his pleasure, to give life, or send death, to judge all, and to be judged nor accountable to none: to raise low things, and to make high things low at his pleasure, and to God are both soul and body due. And the like power have Kings; they make and unmake their subjects: they have power of raising, and casting down: of life, and of death: judges over all their subjects, and in all causes, and yet accountable to none but God only.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: King James I, early 17th century
The quote asserts divine authority over life and death, and parallels it with royal power, emphasizing accountability only to God.
In simple terms: God and kings hold ultimate power, but only God judges.
Recognize the limits of human authority.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- monarchies
- religious discourse
- legal systems
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect views on governance?
- Can power be truly unchecked?
Human rulers may claim similar power, but lack true divine authority.