James 2:5

KJV

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {G191}, my {G3450} beloved {G27} brethren {G80}, Hath {G1586} not {G3756} God {G2316} chosen {G1586} the poor {G4434} of this {G5127} world {G2889} rich {G4145} in {G1722} faith {G4102}, and {G2532} heirs {G2818} of the kingdom {G932} which {G3739} he hath promised {G1861} to them that love {G25} him {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen, my dear brothers, hasn’t God chosen the poor of the world to be rich in faith and to receive the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him?

Berean Standard Bible

Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?

American Standard Version

Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 2:5 serves as a profound rhetorical question, challenging the early Christian community's tendency towards partiality by reminding them of God's counter-cultural values. It asserts that God has sovereignly chosen those who are economically poor in the world to be spiritually rich in faith, designating them as heirs of His promised kingdom—a covenantal blessing reserved for those who genuinely love Him. This verse fundamentally reorients believers' perspectives on true wealth and divine favor, urging them to align their judgments with God's.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 2:5 is a pivotal verse within James's forceful argument against favoritism and partiality, which begins in [James 2:1](/james/2-1 "James 2:1 - Warning Against Partiality"). Having just presented a hypothetical scenario where a rich man is honored over a poor man in the assembly ([James 2:2-4](/james/2-2-4 "James 2:2-4 - The Sin of Partiality Illustrated")), James now provides the theological rationale for why such discrimination is sinful. This verse serves as the divine counter-argument, directly challenging the worldly wisdom that values wealth over spiritual character. It sets the stage for James's subsequent warnings about oppressing the poor ([James 2:6-7](/james/2-6-7 "James 2:6-7 - The Rich Oppress the Poor")) and his famous exposition on faith and works ([James 2:14-26](/james/2-14-26 "James 2:14-26 - Faith Without Works is Dead")), demonstrating that genuine faith is evidenced by impartial love and righteous action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, though distinct from the broader Greco-Roman society, were not immune to its prevailing social hierarchies and economic disparities. The 1st-century world placed high value on wealth, status, and patronage. The rich held significant power and influence, while the poor were often marginalized, exploited, and viewed with disdain. Within the nascent church, there was a temptation to replicate these societal norms, perhaps out of a desire for respectability or to gain favor with influential members. James's letter addresses this directly, reminding his audience that the kingdom of God operates on an entirely different set of values, where material poverty does not preclude spiritual richness or divine election. This context underscores the radical nature of God's choice and James's call for a truly counter-cultural community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in James and the broader New Testament. It highlights **God's Counter-Cultural Choice**, demonstrating His consistent pattern of choosing the humble and overlooked, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 1:27-28](/1_corinthians/1-27-28 "1 Corinthians 1:27-28 - God Chooses the Weak and Despised"). It profoundly emphasizes that **True Riches are Spiritual**, contrasting fleeting worldly wealth with enduring spiritual abundance, a concept echoed in Jesus's teachings on storing up treasures in heaven ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")). The promise of being **Heirs of the Kingdom** underscores the eschatological hope and the ultimate inheritance awaiting believers, aligning with the Beatitudes where the poor in spirit are promised the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")). Finally, the condition "to them that love him" reinforces the theme that **Love for God is the Ultimate Qualifier**, indicating that genuine devotion and obedience are the hallmarks of God's chosen people, a truth central to the covenant relationship and affirmed by Jesus in [John 14:21](/john/14-21 "John 14:21 - Love and Obedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chosen (Greek, _eklégomai'_):** This word (G1586) signifies a deliberate, divine selection or election. It is a middle voice verb, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative in calling individuals. It implies a purposeful act of God, setting apart certain people for a specific purpose or relationship, not based on human merit or worldly status, but on His divine will and grace.
* **poor (Greek, _ptōchós'_):** This term (G4434) refers to someone who is absolutely destitute, a beggar who crouches and is dependent on others. It denotes public mendicancy and extreme poverty, contrasting with merely straitened circumstances. James uses this word to highlight those at the very bottom of the socio-economic ladder, whom society typically disregards.
* **rich (Greek, _ploúsios'_):** This word (G4145) means wealthy or abounding with. When combined with "in faith," it takes on a figurative meaning, indicating an abundance of spiritual wealth. It directly contrasts the worldly definition of richness with God's spiritual economy.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This term (G4102) denotes persuasion, credence, or moral conviction of religious truth. It refers to reliance upon Christ for salvation and includes abstractly, constancy in such profession. In this context, "rich in faith" means having an abundance of trust, belief, and fidelity towards God, which is the true measure of spiritual wealth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken, my beloved brethren,"**: James begins with an earnest and affectionate appeal, using a term of endearment ("beloved brethren") to soften the rebuke that follows and to underscore the familial bond within the Christian community. "Hearken" is a call to pay close attention, indicating the critical importance of the truth he is about to declare.
* **"Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith,"**: This is a rhetorical question, designed to elicit an obvious affirmative answer. James asserts that God's divine election (His "choice") often falls upon those who are materially "poor of this world." Crucially, this worldly poverty is contrasted with their spiritual abundance: they are "rich in faith." This highlights God's inversion of human values, where spiritual wealth (faith) is prioritized over material possessions.
* **"and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?"**: The rhetorical question continues, revealing the glorious outcome of God's choice: these poor, faith-filled individuals are designated "heirs of the kingdom." This refers to the eschatological reality of God's reign, both present and future, and the inheritance of eternal life and divine blessings. The promise of this kingdom is explicitly conditioned on "them that love him," emphasizing that genuine love for God, expressed through obedience and devotion, is the defining characteristic of those who receive this divine promise.

#### Literary Devices
James employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Hath not God chosen...?"), which is not meant to be answered aloud but to provoke deep reflection and agreement from the audience, affirming a truth they should already know. This technique engages the reader directly and underscores the self-evident nature of God's ways. Secondly, there is a striking **Contrast** between "the poor of this world" and "rich in faith." This juxtaposition highlights the radical difference between human standards of value (material wealth) and divine standards (spiritual character). It reveals an **Inversion** of worldly wisdom, where those considered least by society are most esteemed by God. Finally, the phrase "heirs of the kingdom" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying believers as rightful inheritors of God's eternal reign, emphasizing their privileged status and future hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 2:5 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's character and His kingdom values. It reveals God's consistent preference for the humble and the marginalized, not as an endorsement of poverty itself, but as a demonstration that His favor is not contingent on worldly status or material wealth. This divine choice underscores the principle that true riches are spiritual, manifested in a vibrant, active faith and a genuine love for God. The promise of the kingdom as an inheritance for such individuals highlights the eschatological hope that transcends all earthly circumstances, affirming that God's economy operates on principles fundamentally different from human ones. This verse calls believers to adopt a kingdom mindset, valuing what God values and rejecting the worldly partiality that contradicts the very nature of the gospel.

* [Luke 6:20](/luke/6-20 "Luke 6:20 - Blessed are the Poor")
* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7-8 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - Hannah's Prayer of Reversal")
* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 2:5 serves as a piercing mirror for the contemporary church, challenging us to honestly assess where our true values lie. Do we, perhaps subtly, give more deference to those with wealth, influence, or social standing, rather than recognizing and honoring the deep faith and spiritual richness found in those who may be economically disadvantaged? This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our perspectives, urging us to embrace God's counter-cultural economy where spiritual wealth, demonstrated through unwavering faith and genuine love for God, is the ultimate currency. It compels us to cultivate a community where every member, regardless of their worldly status, is equally valued, respected, and uplifted as a chosen heir of God's kingdom. Practical application involves actively seeking out, welcoming, and empowering the marginalized within our congregations and communities, ensuring that our actions reflect the impartial love and justice of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my church, inadvertently show partiality based on worldly status or wealth?**
* **How does my understanding of "true riches" align with or diverge from God's perspective as revealed in James 2:5?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better value and uplift those who are "poor of this world but rich in faith" in my daily life and within my community?**
* **How does my love for God manifest in my treatment of others, particularly those society might overlook?**

### FAQ
**Does James 2:5 mean God only chooses the materially poor for salvation?**

Answer: No, James 2:5 does not teach that God exclusively chooses the materially poor for salvation, nor does it imply that wealth is inherently evil. Instead, it highlights God's consistent pattern of choosing the humble and overlooked, often those whom the world disregards, to demonstrate His grace and to confound human wisdom. The key phrase is "rich in faith," indicating that their spiritual condition, not their economic status, is the true basis of God's favor. While many of God's chosen may be poor in this world, their election is ultimately rooted in their faith and love for Him, which transcends any material condition. The Bible makes it clear that salvation is offered to all who believe, regardless of their social or economic standing, as seen in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World").

**What does it mean to be "rich in faith"?**

Answer: To be "rich in faith" means possessing an abundance of trust, conviction, and loyalty towards God. It signifies a deep, unwavering reliance on God's promises, His character, and His provision, even in the face of worldly hardship or lack. This spiritual richness is not merely intellectual assent but a vibrant, active faith that shapes one's values, priorities, and actions. It implies a life characterized by spiritual maturity, perseverance, and a profound love for God, which is far more valuable and enduring than any earthly wealth. This concept aligns with the idea of having "great faith" as commended by Jesus in [Matthew 8:10](/matthew/8-10 "Matthew 8:10 - The Centurion's Faith").

**How does God's promise of the "kingdom" relate to those who love Him?**

Answer: The "kingdom" refers to God's sovereign reign, both His present spiritual rule in the hearts of believers and His future, consummated reign in the new heavens and new earth. For those who love Him, the promise of the kingdom means they are designated as "heirs," implying a full inheritance of all the blessings and privileges associated with being God's children. This inheritance includes eternal life, fellowship with God, participation in His divine purposes, and a future glory that far surpasses any earthly possession. This promise is not merely a future hope but begins to be realized in the present as believers live under God's rule. Jesus Himself taught extensively about the kingdom, emphasizing its spiritual nature and its accessibility to those who humble themselves, as seen in [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming Like Children to Enter the Kingdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 2:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of God's counter-cultural choice, embodying both worldly humility and divine richness. Though He was "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty and Our Riches")). Jesus Himself lived a life of material poverty, ministering primarily to the marginalized, the sick, and the outcast, demonstrating God's preferential option for the poor and lowly ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission to the Poor")). His teachings consistently elevated spiritual values over material possessions, proclaiming blessings upon the "poor in spirit" and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, promising them the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 5:3-6](/matthew/5-3-6 "Matthew 5:3-6 - The Beatitudes")). As the "heir of all things" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")), Christ shares His inheritance with those who are "rich in faith" and love Him, making them co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ")). Thus, James 2:5 is not merely a moral injunction but a reflection of the very heart of God, perfectly revealed in the incarnate Son who chose humility to bring about spiritual abundance for all who believe and love Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:3

¶ Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 6:20

¶ And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed [be ye] poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Revelation 2:9

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.

1 Corinthians 1:26

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:

1 Corinthians 1:28

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Luke 12:21

So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.