James 2:8 kjv

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

James 2:8 nkjv

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well;

James 2:8 niv

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.

James 2:8 esv

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well.

James 2:8 nlt

Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

James 2 verses

James 2 8 Meaning

James 2:8 declares that truly obeying the "royal law"—which is loving one's neighbor as oneself, as found in Scripture—is a commendable act in God's eyes. It underscores that demonstrating impartial love, in contrast to showing favoritism, is a fundamental expression of God's perfect law and results in divine approval. This verse is central to James' argument against partiality and for active, tangible faith.

James 2 8 Context

James 2:8 is positioned immediately after James' severe condemnation of favoritism within the Christian assembly, particularly the preferential treatment of the wealthy over the poor (Jas 2:1-7). James points out that such partiality directly contradicts the "royal law." The verses that follow (Jas 2:9-13) explain the serious theological implication: showing partiality is a sin that transgresses God's law, for breaking one command means breaking the whole law, thus putting one under condemnation. Therefore, the command to love your neighbor as yourself is presented not as a suggestion but as the core principle that, if followed, corrects the sin of favoritism and leads to righteousness and true liberty (as per Jas 1:25, "the law of liberty"). The entire second chapter of James centers on demonstrating authentic faith through practical deeds of love and impartiality, rather than through mere intellectual assent or external display.

James 2 8 Word analysis

• If you really fulfill: Ean teleite (ἐὰν τελεῖτε). This conveys a condition but also implies genuine, continuous action. It's not just "if you happen to" but "if you are truly performing/carrying out" the law. It demands practical obedience, not just intellectual agreement.
• the royal law: Nomos basilikos (νόμος βασιλικός). This phrase highlights the supreme dignity and authority of the command. It can mean:
  • The Law of the King: God Himself is the ultimate King, so this is His divine law for His subjects.
  • The King of Laws: It is a pre-eminent or chief law, a fundamental principle of the entire Mosaic Law.
  • A Law for a Kingdom: It describes the kind of conduct appropriate for citizens of God's kingdom.
  • The Law of Christ: Echoing Christ's teaching as central to the new covenant (e.g., John 13:34). It's a law fit for royalty or ruling over life.
• according to the Scripture: Kata ten graphēn (κατὰ τὴν γραφὴν). This firmly anchors the command in the inspired Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), specifically referencing Leviticus 19:18. It underscores its divine origin and binding authority.
• "You shall love": Agapēseis (ἀγαπήσεις). This is the verb form of agape (ἀγάπη), selfless, unconditional love that acts in the best interest of others, regardless of their worthiness. It is a divine command, a future indicative expressing certainty and obligation, emphasizing it as a choice and an action rather than merely an emotion.
• your neighbor: Plēsion (πλησίον). This term means "one who is near," not limited to ethnic or social circles. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37) expanded this concept to include anyone in need whom one encounters, regardless of background or status. In James' context, it clearly includes the poor who are often overlooked.
• as yourself: Hōs seauton (ὡς σεαυτόν). This is the standard or measure for loving others. It implies a natural, appropriate self-concern or self-regard, which serves as a benchmark for how one should treat others. It is not self-idolatry, but an understanding that just as we instinctively seek our own good, we are to extend that same consideration and active concern for the well-being of others.
• you do well: Kalōs poieite (καλῶς ποιεῖτε). This is an expression of strong approval. "You are doing beautifully," or "You are doing right." It indicates that such action is honorable, good in God's eyes, and commendable, in contrast to the evil of partiality described previously.

James 2 8 Bonus section

The "royal law" (Jas 2:8) connects deeply with the "law of liberty" (Jas 1:25) found earlier in the epistle. When one genuinely fulfills the law of love, one lives in true freedom—freedom from the bondage of sin, from partiality, and from human judgment. It’s not about earning salvation, but demonstrating the transforming power of a Spirit-led life. Furthermore, James presents this law as an actionable imperative, directly addressing the common human tendency to value people based on their outward appearance or perceived worldly advantage, challenging believers to reflect the divine impartiality seen in God Himself (Deu 10:17). The Greek Septuagint translation of Leviticus 19:18 explicitly uses agapaō for love, showing the continuous emphasis across covenants on the quality and nature of this command. This single command is both universal in application (to "your neighbor," anyone encountered) and deeply personal (measured "as yourself"), forming the foundation of ethical behavior within the believing community.

James 2 8 Commentary

James 2:8 stands as a pivotal statement against hypocrisy and superficial faith. James identifies the essence of righteous living in Christ's community not with outward shows or intellectual ascent, but with the practical outworking of selfless love. The "royal law" of loving one's neighbor as oneself is exalted because it directly comes from God, our King, summarizes His moral requirements concerning human relationships, and functions as the supreme governing principle for all interactions within His kingdom. By violating this command through favoritism, the rich are wrongly elevated, and the poor are debased, demonstrating a complete disregard for the value God places on every individual. James strongly asserts that this seemingly "minor" infraction is a grave transgression, equivalent to breaking the whole law (Jas 2:10), because love is the thread that weaves all relational commands together. Therefore, fulfilling this single command means aligning oneself with God's ultimate desire for His people: to live out an impartial, active, and unconditional love that mirrors His own. This commitment to genuine love validates true faith and leads to blessing.Examples of practical usage include treating all people encountered in daily life with equal respect, regardless of their social status or perceived importance; advocating for the marginalized or less fortunate; or simply listening attentively and empathetically to someone whose background is very different from your own.