James 2:3 kjv

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

James 2:3 nkjv

and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool,"

James 2:3 niv

If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet,"

James 2:3 esv

and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet,"

James 2:3 nlt

If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor" ? well,

James 2 verses

James 2 3 Meaning

James 2:3 highlights the sin of partiality within the community of believers, specifically by illustrating the preferential treatment shown to a rich person dressed in fine apparel compared to a poor person dressed shabbily. It describes offering an honorable seat to the wealthy, while relegating the poor to an inferior standing place or a lowly spot on the floor by one's footstool. This action is condemned as an outward demonstration of internal spiritual judgment and discrimination, directly contradicting God's impartial love and justice.

James 2 3 Context

James chapter 2 directly addresses the issue of partiality or favoritism within the early Christian community. The passage from verses 1-13 serves as a clear indictment of discrimination based on social status or wealth. Verse 3 is a specific illustration within a hypothetical scenario, detailing the overt actions of showing respect to the wealthy and disdain to the poor. The historical context indicates that the early church was composed of diverse social classes, and members likely brought prevailing societal biases with them. In Roman and Hellenistic cultures, social hierarchy and outward display of wealth were deeply ingrained and highly valued. James's admonition is a direct challenge to this worldly way of thinking, contrasting it with the values of the Kingdom of God and the impartiality demonstrated by God Himself. This chapter also links true faith not just to belief, but to actions (works) that demonstrate a transformed heart, with love and justice for all.

James 2 3 Word analysis

• and ye have respect to him: From the Greek verb epiblepsēte (ἐπιβλέψητε), meaning to look upon, to regard with favor or special attention. It implies giving preferential treatment and making a distinction in judgment or action. This action betrays an inward attitude of judging by outward appearance.
• that weareth: The action of the well-dressed person arriving.
• the gay clothing: From Greek esthētos lampras (ἐσθῆτος λαμπρᾶς). Esthētos means "garment" or "apparel." Lampras means "bright," "splendid," "gorgeous," or "luxurious." This indicates a person of significant wealth, adorned in conspicuous attire, a sign of high social standing.
• and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place;: The phrase "in a good place" (καλῶς) means honorably, well, or fittingly. This direct invitation offers a prominent, comfortable, and respectable seat, indicative of esteem and deference shown.
• and say to the poor: The stark contrast to the rich man.
• poor: From Greek ptōchos (πτωχός), referring to someone destitute, reliant on others, economically vulnerable, often forced to beg. This word signifies deep poverty.
• Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: The language conveys dismissal and humiliation. "Stand there" (Stēthi ekei) is an uninviting command, indicating an undignified position. "Sit here under my footstool" (kathou hypokato tou hypopodion mou) signifies an extremely low, uncomfortable, and demeaning position, essentially at one's feet, emphasizing subservience and insignificance. It's a seat reserved for non-persons, highlighting disrespect.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing": This highlights the immediate visual trigger for discrimination: expensive, flashy attire. The respect is given solely based on external show of wealth, not character or faith. This superficial judgment contradicts the wisdom that looks beyond the outer shell (cf. 1 Sam 16:7).
• "and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place": This phrase captures the welcoming, honoring action toward the wealthy. It's about granting status and comfort, showing preferential treatment that creates a class-based hierarchy within the gathering.
• "and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool": This contrasting treatment towards the poor encapsulates outright dismissal and condescension. It’s not just a lack of honor, but an active imposition of indignity and discomfort, demonstrating contempt for someone merely based on their economic status. The "footstool" implies the poor person is considered of little value, perhaps an extension of a domestic item rather than a fellow human and image-bearer of God.

James 2 3 Bonus section

This verse implicitly challenges the prevalent worldly mindset that equates value with visible wealth or power. In ancient societies, including Jewish and Roman cultures, social status dictated seating arrangements and public treatment. James stands against this by insisting that within the ekklesia (church), such earthly distinctions are rendered irrelevant by Christ. The sin here isn't just treating people differently, but disgracing (James 2:6) those whom God has chosen (James 2:5) and elevating those who might oppress others. The implications extend to any context where material possessions, popularity, race, or any other external factor becomes the basis for judgment or preferential treatment within the Christian community, diverting attention from the inherent dignity given by God to every person and the equality found in Christ.

James 2 3 Commentary

James 2:3 provides a vivid and damning illustration of partiality, demonstrating how outward appearances lead to unjust judgments and discriminatory actions within the Christian community. This conduct is more than a social faux pas; it is a serious sin because it fundamentally contradicts the impartiality of God, the "royal law" of loving one's neighbor, and the very nature of the Gospel which uplifts the humble and chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith. Showing deference to the wealthy while demeaning the poor reveals a heart that prioritizes worldly status over the spiritual dignity and equality that Christ establishes for all believers. Such favoritism is born of "evil thoughts" and signifies a distorted understanding of divine justice and love, dividing the Body of Christ. The verse exposes hypocrisy: claiming faith in Christ, yet denying its practical implications of impartial love.