James 2:9

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

But {G1161} if {G1487} ye have respect to persons {G4380}, ye commit {G2038} sin {G266}, and are convinced {G1651} of {G5259} the law {G3551} as {G5613} transgressors {G3848}.

But if you show favoritism, your actions constitute sin, since you are convicted under the Torah as transgressors.

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

but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.

Commentary

James 2:9 serves as a direct and potent condemnation of favoritism within the Christian community, building upon the apostle James's earlier exhortations regarding faith and deeds.

Context

This verse is the climax of James's argument against showing partiality, which he introduces at the beginning of the chapter. In James 2:1-4, he vividly describes a scenario where a rich man with gold rings and fine apparel is given preferential treatment over a poor man in shabby clothing within a church assembly. James questions the spiritual integrity of such judgment, calling it "evil thoughts." He then reminds his readers of God's choice to bless the poor (James 2:5) and highlights the hypocrisy of honoring the rich who often oppress them (James 2:6-7). The immediate preceding verse, James 2:8, introduces the "royal law" of loving one's neighbor as oneself, setting the stage for the declaration that favoritism violates this fundamental command.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Favoritism is Sin: The verse unequivocally states that "if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin." This makes it clear that showing partiality, discrimination, or bias based on external factors like wealth, status, or appearance is not merely poor etiquette or social awkwardness, but a direct transgression against God's will.
  • Violation of God's Law: James further explains that those who show favoritism "are convinced of the law as transgressors." This means that God's moral law, particularly the command to love your neighbor as yourself (often called the "royal law" in James 2:8), exposes and condemns such behavior. It highlights that true faith is demonstrated by impartial love and justice towards all people, reflecting God's own character.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "respect to persons" translates the Greek word prosopolemptia (προσωπολημψία) or a related concept. This compound word literally means "face-taking" or "receiving faces," signifying the act of judging or treating someone based on their outward appearance, status, or other superficial characteristics rather than their intrinsic worth or character. It's the opposite of treating everyone equally and justly, as God does. The term "transgressors" (parabates, παραβάτης) refers to someone who steps over a boundary or violates a law, emphasizing the deliberate nature of sin in this context.

Practical Application

James 2:9 carries profound implications for believers today. It challenges us to examine our attitudes and actions, ensuring we do not subtly or overtly show favoritism in our churches, workplaces, or social circles. This includes not only discrimination against the poor but also against any group based on race, gender, nationality, or social standing. The call is to embody the impartial love of God, recognizing that every individual is made in His image and worthy of dignity and respect. As Romans 2:11 reminds us, "there is no respect of persons with God." Our interactions should reflect this divine characteristic, fostering communities of genuine love and acceptance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 19:15

    Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

  • James 2:1

    ¶ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.

  • James 2:4

    Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

  • John 8:9

    And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

  • John 8:46

    Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

  • 1 John 3:4

    ¶ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

  • Romans 3:20

    Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
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