James 2:9 kjv

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

James 2:9 nkjv

but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:9 niv

But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

James 2:9 esv

But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:9 nlt

But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

James 2 verses

James 2 9 Meaning

If anyone practices partiality or favoritism based on outward appearance or status, they are actively committing a sin. This action serves as clear evidence that they are breaking God's divine law, and as a result, they are judged as lawbreakers in the eyes of the law itself. James asserts that showing prejudice contradicts the royal law of loving one's neighbor, thus it stands condemned as a transgression.

James 2 9 Context

James Chapter 2 is a robust discussion contrasting a superficial, intellectual faith with a living, active faith expressed through works. The preceding verses (Jas 2:1-4) vividly describe the specific scenario of showing favoritism, particularly towards the wealthy and disrespecting the poor, within the church assembly. James then explains in Jas 2:5-7 how God chose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, and how the rich, whom they favored, were often oppressors of the believers. This verse, Jas 2:9, therefore functions as a direct pronouncement that this practice of favoritism, described previously, is not merely a social misstep but a grave violation of the core divine command: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," referred to as the "royal law" in Jas 2:8. Historically and culturally, patronage and social hierarchies were deeply ingrained in society, making James's condemnation of favoritism a potent challenge to established norms within the nascent Christian communities, which were meant to embody a different kingdom ethic. It's a polemic against the idea that social status or wealth should dictate one's worth or treatment within the assembly of God's people.

James 2 9 Word analysis

• But if: Introduces a sharp contrast or consequence to the positive affirmation of fulfilling the royal law in James 2:8. It signifies a transition to what happens when that law is not observed.
• you show favoritism: From Greek "prosopolemptete" (προσωπολημπτεῖτε), derived from "prosopolepsia" (πρоσωπoληψία), literally meaning "reception of face." This refers to judging or treating someone based on their outward appearance, social standing, wealth, or other superficial characteristics, rather than their inherent worth or character. It's about respecting the person not for who they are, but for what they have or how they appear.
• you commit sin: Greek "hamartian ergazesthe" (ἁμαρτίαν ἐργάζεσθε). "Ergazesthe" implies actively working or practicing sin. It’s not just a momentary lapse or a passive failing, but a deliberate engagement in a sinful action. It underscores the active nature of their wrongdoing. "Hamartia" (sin) implies missing the mark of God's perfect standard.
• and are convicted: From Greek "elegchesthe" (ἐλέγχεσθε). This strong term means to be exposed, reproved, cross-examined, or found guilty. It signifies a public demonstration of guilt or a revelation of wrongdoing that cannot be denied. The accusation comes with an accompanying judgment or condemnation.
• by the law: Refers to God's divine moral law, particularly as summarized in the "royal law" of love (Jas 2:8). James posits that the law itself, being perfect and holy, judges and condemns partiality. It is not an arbitrary judgment but a legal and spiritual verdict rendered by God's established standards.
• as transgressors: From Greek "hōs parabatai" (ὡς παραβάται). A "parabatēs" is someone who steps over a boundary or line, thereby violating a command or covenant. It indicates breaking the law intentionally or failing to abide by its clear directives. This term elevates favoritism from a mere social faux pas to a serious offense against the divine legislative standard, making the person guilty of violating God's statutes.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• But if you show favoritism: This phrase directly points to the behavior described in Jas 2:1-4, establishing the conditional premise for the grave consequences that follow. It emphasizes that this is not a theoretical discussion but a practical application to specific actions within the Christian community.
• you commit sin and are convicted: This pairing highlights the two immediate consequences of showing favoritism: first, the act itself is identified as sin; second, that sin leads to being judged and found guilty. The conviction is inherent in the act's nature as a transgression against divine order.
• by the law as transgressors: This group specifies the standard by which they are judged (the Law) and the verdict (transgressors). It asserts that partiality is a breach of the Mosaic Law, specifically the moral code, and identifies those who practice it not as merely flawed, but as active breakers of God's sacred commands.

James 2 9 Bonus section

• Rooted in Divine Character: The prohibition against partiality is deeply rooted in the character of God Himself, who is consistently described throughout scripture as showing no favoritism (Rom 2:11, Eph 6:9, Col 3:25). Therefore, a church that practices favoritism is not accurately reflecting the God it claims to worship.
• Not Just Socially Unacceptable: This verse elevates favoritism beyond mere social awkwardness or rudeness, categorizing it firmly within the realm of moral transgression. It means such behavior grieves the Holy Spirit and damages fellowship.
• Unity of the Law: James here echoes the Jewish concept of the "unity of the law" – to break one commandment is to be guilty of breaking all (Jas 2:10). By showing favoritism, one essentially transgresses the whole law of love.
• Practical Implications for the Church: This verse calls for a radical restructuring of social dynamics within the church, where all individuals are valued equally, irrespective of wealth, race, or status, truly living out the principle of "in Christ there is no partiality."

James 2 9 Commentary

James 2:9 acts as a stark declaration of guilt, exposing the grave error of favoritism within the Christian community. It's a foundational ethical principle rooted in God's own character of impartiality. Favoritism, far from being a minor social gaffe, is fundamentally opposed to the "royal law" of love for one's neighbor because it prioritizes external markers of status over the inherent dignity and equality of all people as created in God's image and redeemed by Christ. This verse reinforces that true faith cannot tolerate such prejudice, as it would contradict the very essence of divine justice and love, marking those who practice it as direct violators of God's established moral order. For James, actions like favoritism reveal a profound disconnect from the transformative power of genuine faith and betray the church's witness as a community reflecting God's Kingdom values.