James 2:2

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

For {G1063} if {G1437} there come {G1525} unto {G1519} your {G5216} assembly {G4864} a man {G435} with a gold ring {G5554}, in {G1722} goodly {G2986} apparel {G2066}, and {G1161} there come in {G1525} also {G2532} a poor man {G4434} in {G1722} vile {G4508} raiment {G2066};

Suppose a man comes into your synagogue wearing gold rings and fancy clothes, and also a poor man comes in dressed in rags.

Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.

For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing;

Commentary

James 2:2 presents a vivid hypothetical scenario to illustrate the problem of partiality within the early Christian assembly. The Apostle James uses this example to set the stage for his strong rebuke of discrimination based on wealth and social status.

Context

The Epistle of James emphasizes practical faith, urging believers to live out their convictions. In this chapter, James addresses a serious issue prevalent in many societies, including the early church: the tendency to show favoritism towards the wealthy and neglect the poor. This verse describes a common situation where two individuals of vastly different social standing enter a Christian gathering, setting up the dilemma that James will then expose as contrary to the spirit of Christ. It directly follows James' exhortation in James 2:1 to not hold the faith of Christ with partiality.

Key Themes

  • Favoritism and Partiality: The core message is a condemnation of judging individuals based on their external appearance or material possessions. The "gold ring" and "goodly apparel" signify wealth and status, while "vile raiment" indicates poverty and low esteem.
  • Equality in Christ: James implies that all believers, regardless of their worldly status, are equal before God and should be treated with equal respect and dignity within the Christian community. This principle is foundational to Christian unity and brotherhood.
  • Authentic Faith: True faith in Christ demands a love that transcends social distinctions, demonstrating genuine compassion and justice, not merely outward religious observance.

Linguistic Insights

The term for "assembly" in this verse is the Greek word synagōgē (συναγωγή), which is the same word used for a Jewish synagogue. This suggests that early Christian gatherings might have been held in or resembled these Jewish meeting places, and perhaps some of the social dynamics of the synagogue were carried over. The contrast between "goodly apparel" (Greek: lampros esthēs, meaning "splendid" or "bright clothing") and "vile raiment" (Greek: ryparos esthēs, meaning "filthy," "shabby," or "squalid clothing") vividly paints the picture of extreme social disparity.

Related Scriptures

This verse introduces the scenario that James immediately condemns as "judging with evil thoughts" in James 2:4. James further emphasizes God's perspective by stating that He has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith in James 2:5. The underlying principle is the "royal law" of loving your neighbor as yourself, a command foundational to both Old and New Testaments (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39).

Practical Application

James 2:2 serves as a powerful and timeless warning against any form of prejudice or discrimination within the church and in society. It challenges believers to examine their own biases and to extend genuine love and hospitality to all people, regardless of their socioeconomic status, background, or outward appearance. The true measure of Christian community is how it treats its most vulnerable members, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ, who welcomed all.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 15:22 (4 votes)

    But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet:

  • Esther 8:2 (3 votes)

    And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

  • Esther 3:10 (3 votes)

    And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.

  • Matthew 11:8 (2 votes)

    But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft [clothing] are in kings' houses.

  • Matthew 11:9 (2 votes)

    But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

  • Zechariah 3:3 (2 votes)

    Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

  • Zechariah 3:4 (2 votes)

    And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.