James 2
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
My brethren, have not - This verse should be read interrogatively: My brethren, do ye not make profession of the faith or religion of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with acceptance of persons? That is, preferring the rich to the poor merely because of their riches, and not on account of any moral excellence, personal piety, or public usefulness. Πιστις, faith, is put here for religion; and της δοξης, of glory, should, according to some critics, be construed with it as the Syriac and Coptic have done. Some connect it with our Lord Jesus Christ - the religion of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. Others translate thus, the faith of the glory of our Lord Jesus. There are many various readings in the MSS. and versions on this verse: the meaning is clear enough, though the connection be rather obscure.
Open source ↗THE SIN OF RESPECT OF PERSONS: DEAD, UNWORKING FAITH SAVES NO MAN. (Jam. 2:1-26) brethren--The equality of all Christians as "brethren," forms the groundwork of the admonition. the faith of . . . Christ--that is, the Christian faith. James grounds Christian practice on Christian faith. the Lord of glory--So Co1 2:8. As all believers, alike rich and poor, derive all their glory from their union with Him, "the Lord of glory," not from external advantages of worldly fortune, the sin in question is peculiarly inconsistent with His "faith." BENGEL, making no ellipsis of "the Lord," explains "glory" as in apposition with Christ who is THE GLORY (Luk 2:32); the true Shekinah glory of the temple (Rom 9:4). English Version is simpler. The glory of Christ resting on the poor believer should make him be regarded as highly by "brethren" as his richer brother; nay, more so, if the poor believer has more of Christ's spirit than the rich brother. with respect of persons--literally, "in respectings of persons"; "in" the practice of partial preferences of persons in various ways and on various occasions.
Open source ↗My brethren,.... As the apostle is about to dissuade from the evil of having respect to persons, this is a very fit introduction to it, and carries in it an argument why it should not obtain; since the saints are all brethren, they are children of the same Father, belong to the same family, and are all one in Christ Jesus, whether high or low, rich, or poor: have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons: that is, such as have, and hold, and profess the faith of Christ, ought not along with it to use respect of persons, or to make such a distinction among the saints, as to prefer the rich, to the contempt of the poor; and in this exhortation many things are contained, which are so many arguments why such a practice should not be encouraged; for faith, whether as a doctrine or as a grace, is alike precious, and common to all; and is the faith of Christ, which, as a doctrine, is delivered by him to all the saints, and as a grace, he is both the author and object of it; and is the faith of their common Lord and Saviour, and who is the Lord of glory, or the glorious Lord; and the poor as well as the rich are espoused by him, as their Lord and husband; and are redeemed by him, and are equally under his government and protection, and members of his body: the Syriac Version reads, "have not the faith of the glory of our Lord Jesus", &c. meaning either the glory which Christ is possessed of, whether as the Son of God, in the perfections of his nature, or as man and Mediator, being now crowned with glory and honour, and which is seen and known by faith; or else that glory which Christ has in his hands, to bestow upon his people, and to which they are called, and will appear in, when he shall appear, and about which their faith is now empl…
Open source ↗The apostle is here reproving a very corrupt practice. He shows how much mischief there is in the sin of prosōpolēpsia - respect of persons, which seemed to be a very growing evil in the churches of Christ even in those early ages, and which, in these after-times, has sadly corrupted and divided Christian nations and societies. Here we have, I. A caution against this sin laid down in general: My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons, Jam 2:1. Observe here, 1. The character of Christians fully implied: they are such as have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ; they embrace it; they receive it; they govern themselves by it; they entertain the doctrine, and submit to the law and government, of Christ; they have it as a trust; they have it as a treasure. 2. How honorably James speaks of Jesus Christ; he calls him the Lord of glory; for he is the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person. 3. Christ's being the Lord of glory should teach us not to respect Christians for any thing so much as their relation and conformity to Christ. You who profess to believe the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, which the poorest Christian shall partake of equally with the rich, and to which all worldly glory is but vanity, you should not make men's outward and worldly advantages the measure of your respect. In professing the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, we should not show respect to men, so as to cloud or lessen the glory of our glorious Lord: how ever any may think of it, this is certainly a very heinous sin. II. We have this sin described and cautioned against, by an instance or example of it (Jam 2:2, Jam 2:3): For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring, etc. Assembly here is meant of…
Open source ↗2:1-4 James gives a realistic illustration to enforce his prohibition against favoring the wealthy. 2:1 dear brothers and sisters (Greek adelphoi): The Greek word used here means members of the same family—in this case, fellow Christians—of either sex. James frequently begins a new section with this affectionate greeting (1:2, 16; 2:14; 3:1; 5:7, 19), soliciting their loyal response. • James contrasts our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with the glory of a well-dressed man (2:2). Christ’s glory includes his resurrection, exaltation, and second coming.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. προσωποληψία (prosōpolēpsía, G4382) — partiality, i.e. favoritism
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you συναγωγή (synagōgḗ, G4864) — an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by… ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) χρυσοδακτύλιος (chrysodaktýlios, G5554) — gold-ringed, i.e. wearing a golden finger-ring or similar jewelry ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. λαμπρός (lamprós, G2986) — radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance) ἐσθής (esthḗs, G2066) — dress δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πτωχός (ptōchós, G4434) — akin to G4422 (πτοέω) and the alternate of G4098 (πίπτω)); a beggar (as cringing), i.e.…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπιβλέπω (epiblépō, G1914) — to gaze at (with favor, pity or partiality) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… φορέω (phoréō, G5409) — to have a burden, i.e. (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment λαμπρός (lamprós, G2986) — radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance) ἐσθής (esthḗs, G2066) — dress ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… κάθημαι (káthēmai, G2521) — and (to sit; akin to the base of G1476 (ἑδραῖος)); to sit down; figuratively, to remain,… σύ (sý, G4771) — thou ὧδε (hōde, G5602) — in this same spot, i.e. here or hither καλῶς (kalōs, G2573) — well (usually morally) πτωχός (ptōchós, G4434) — akin to G4422 (πτοέω) and the alternate of G4098 (πίπτω)); a beggar (as cringing), i.e.… ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or…
Open source ↗διακρίνω (diakrínō, G1252) — to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… κριτής (kritḗs, G2923) — a judge (genitive case or specially) πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556… διαλογισμός (dialogismós, G1261) — discussion, i.e. (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate
Open source ↗ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐκλέγομαι (eklégomai, G1586) — to select οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πτωχός (ptōchós, G4434) — akin to G4422 (πτοέω) and the alternate of G4098 (πίπτω)); a beggar (as cringing), i.e.… τούτου (toútou, G5127) — of (from or concerning) this (person or thing) κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow… πλούσιος (ploúsios, G4145) — wealthy; figuratively, abounding with ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ἀτιμάζω (atimázō, G818) — to render infamous, i.e. (by implication) contemn or maltreat πτωχός (ptōchós, G4434) — akin to G4422 (πτοέω) and the alternate of G4098 (πίπτω)); a beggar (as cringing), i.e.… καταδυναστεύω (katadynasteúō, G2616) — to exercise dominion against, i.e. oppress οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not πλούσιος (ploúsios, G4145) — wealthy; figuratively, abounding with ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἑλκύω (helkýō, G1670) — to drag (literally or figuratively) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… κριτήριον (kritḗrion, G2922) — a rule of judging ("criterion"), i.e. (by implication) a tribunal
Open source ↗βλασφημέω (blasphēméō, G987) — to vilify; specially, to speak impiously οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καλός (kalós, G2570) ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἐπικαλέομαι (epikaléomai, G1941) — to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
Open source ↗εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. μέντοι (méntoi, G3305) — indeed though, i.e. however τελέω (teléō, G5055) — to end, i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt) βασιλικός (basilikós, G937) — regal (in relation), i.e. (literally) belonging to (or befitting) the sovereign (as land,… νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… γραφή (graphḗ, G1124) — a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it) ἀγαπάω (agapáō, G25) — to love (in a social or moral sense) σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy πλησίον (plēsíon, G4139) — (adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. fellow (as man, countryman, Christian… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) σεαυτοῦ (seautoû, G4572) — of (with, to) thyself ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) καλῶς (kalōs, G2573) — well (usually morally)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. προσωποληπτέω (prosōpolēptéō, G4380) — to favor an individual, i.e. show partiality ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, G2038) — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with,… ἁμαρτία (hamartía, G266) — a sin (properly abstract) ἐλέγχω (elénchō, G1651) — to confute, admonish ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) παραβάτης (parabátēs, G3848) — a violator
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same τηρέω (tēréō, G5083) — perhaps akin to G2334 (θεωρέω)); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the… ὅλος (hólos, G3650) — "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter)… νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πταίω (ptaíō, G4417) — to trip, i.e. (figuratively) to err, sin, fail (of salvation) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ἔνοχος (énochos, G1777) — liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) μοιχεύω (moicheúō, G3431) — to commit adultery μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φονεύω (phoneúō, G5407) — to be a murderer (of) δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… παραβάτης (parabátēs, G3848) — a violator νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of…
Open source ↗οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) μέλλω (méllō, G3195) — to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially… κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of… ἐλευθερία (eleuthería, G1657) — freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… κρίσις (krísis, G2920) — decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by… ἀνίλεως (aníleōs, G448) — inexorable ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἔλεος (éleos, G1656) — compassion (human or divine, especially active) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κατακαυχάομαι (katakaucháomai, G2620) — to exult against (i.e. over)
Open source ↗τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ὄφελος (óphelos, G3786) — gain μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible σώζω (sṓzō, G4982) — to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗Cross-references
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These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.
Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.
Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,”