James 2:11

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

For {G1063} he that said {G2036}, Do {G3431} not {G3361} commit adultery {G3431}, said {G2036} also {G2532}, Do {G5407} not {G3361} kill {G5407}. Now {G1161} if {G1487} thou commit {G3431} no {G3756} adultery {G3431}, yet if {G1161} thou kill {G5407}, thou art become {G1096} a transgressor {G3848} of the law {G3551}.

For the One who said, “Don’t commit adultery,” also said, “Don’t murder.” Now, if you don’t commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the Torah.

For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

James 2:11 serves as a powerful illustration within James's letter, underscoring the indivisible nature of God's law. The apostle demonstrates that to break even one commandment is to become a "transgressor of the law" as a whole, challenging the notion that one can selectively obey God.

Context

This verse is part of a larger argument in James chapter 2 concerning the relationship between faith and works, and particularly against showing partiality. James has just introduced the concept of the "royal law" of love your neighbor as yourself (James 2:8) and condemned favoritism as a transgression of this law (James 2:9). Verse 11 directly builds upon the preceding statement in James 2:10, which declares that "whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James uses two specific commandments from the Ten Commandments—"Do not commit adultery" and "Do not kill"—to illustrate that the Law originates from one divine Lawgiver, and therefore, disrespecting one part is disrespecting the whole.

Key Themes

  • The Indivisibility of God's Law: James emphasizes that God's law is a unified whole, not a collection of independent suggestions. Breaking one command, whether adultery or murder, is an offense against the same divine authority. This concept highlights the absolute standard of God's righteousness.
  • Sin as Transgression: The verse clearly defines sin not merely as a mistake, but as a deliberate "transgression" or violation of God's revealed will. It underscores that all sins, regardless of their perceived severity by human standards, are serious in God's eyes because they are affronts to His holy character.
  • Unity of the Lawgiver: By stating "he that said," James implicitly points to God as the singular source of all commandments. This means that to break any part of the law is to rebel against the one who gave the law, making every sin an act of defiance against God Himself.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "transgressor" is parabatēs (παραβάτης), which literally means "one who steps across" or "one who goes beyond the boundary." This term powerfully conveys the idea of violating a divine standard or overstepping a divinely appointed limit. It's not just a failure to perform, but an active violation of a clear command, reinforcing the gravity of any sin.

Practical Application

James 2:11 calls believers to a profound understanding of God's holiness and the serious nature of sin. It teaches us several vital lessons:

  • No "Small" Sins: This verse challenges the human tendency to categorize sins into "big" and "small." In God's eyes, any transgression makes one a lawbreaker, highlighting the depth of human fallenness and the universal need for grace.
  • Humility and Dependence on Christ: Recognizing that we are all "transgressors" underscores our inability to perfectly keep God's law and our absolute dependence on the atoning work of Jesus Christ for salvation. His perfect obedience fulfills the law on our behalf.
  • Consistency in Obedience: For believers, this verse encourages a consistent pursuit of holiness across all areas of life, not just those sins we deem more egregious. It promotes a holistic approach to Christian living, striving to honor God in every thought, word, and deed, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 20:13

    Thou shalt not kill.

  • Exodus 20:14

    Thou shalt not commit adultery.

  • Matthew 5:21

    Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

  • Matthew 5:28

    But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

  • Deuteronomy 5:17

    Thou shalt not kill.

  • Deuteronomy 5:18

    Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

  • Romans 13:9

    For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

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