James 2

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 2 of 5

1 My brothers, do not in partiality have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

2 For if a gold-fingered man in splendid clothing comes into your synagogue, and a poor one in dirty clothing also comes in;

3 and you look on the one wearing the splendid clothing, and say to him, You sit here well; and to the poor one you say, You stand there, or, Sit down here under my footstool;

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Chapter Summary

1 We are not to regard the rich man nor despise the poor, 13 but rather to be loving, and merciful.

Key Greek Words

πίστις faith G4102
ἔργον works G2041
δικαιόω to justify G1344
ἔλεος mercy G1656
νόμος law G3551
πτωχός poor one G4434

Cross-References

People & Context

Abraham

Father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac; called Friend of God [2:21-23].

Rahab

The harlot justified by works, receiving the messengers and sending them out another way [2:25].

Jesus Christ

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, whose faith is to be held without partiality [2:1].

Isaac

Abraham's son, offered up on the altar as the act demonstrating Abraham's faith [2:21].

God

Chose the poor to be rich in faith; the One whom Abraham believed for righteousness [2:5,23].

Timeline

Do Not Show Partiality

The faith of the Lord Jesus Christ must not be held with partiality. If a rich man in fine clothing and a poor man in dirty clothing enter the assembly and you favor the rich, you discriminate and become judges with evil thoughts.

James 2:1-4
God Chose the Poor

God chose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom promised to those who love Him. But believers dishonor the poor while the rich oppress them and blaspheme the good Name called upon them.

James 2:5-7
The Royal Law and Mercy

Fulfilling the royal Law — love your neighbor as yourself — is doing well. But partiality is sin. Whoever keeps the whole Law but stumbles in one point is guilty of all. Speak and act as those judged by the law of liberty. Mercy rejoices over judgment.

James 2:8-13

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