James 2

Authorized King James Version

Interlinear PDF

Warning Against Favoritism

1 My brethren, have not the faith of our LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. References Lord: 2 Chronicles 19:7. Parallel theme: James 2:3, 2:9, 3:17, Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 1:17, 16:19, Proverbs 24:23, 28:21, Matthew 22:16 +5

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; Parallel theme: Esther 3:10, 8:2, Luke 15:22

3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Parallel theme: James 2:6, Isaiah 65:5, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Jude 1:16

4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Judgment: James 4:11, Psalms 58:1, 82:2, John 7:24. Parallel theme: Job 34:19, Malachi 2:9

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdomKingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia). The Greek basileia (βασιλεία) means kingdom—both the realm ruled and the exercise of royal authority. The 'kingdom of God' is central to Jesus' teaching, representing God's saving rule breaking into history. which he hath promised to them that love him? Kingdom: Matthew 5:3, Luke 6:20, 12:32. References God: Luke 12:21. Love: James 1:12, 1 Corinthians 2:9. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 8:9, Hebrews 11:26, 1 Peter 1:4, Revelation 2:9 +5

6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Parallel theme: Psalms 10:14, 12:5, 14:6, Proverbs 14:31, 17:5, 22:16, Acts 8:3, 13:50, 17:6, 1 Corinthians 11:22 +5

7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? Parallel theme: Psalms 111:9, Matthew 1:23, Acts 11:26, 1 Timothy 1:13

8 If ye fulfil the royal lawLaw: νόμος (Nomos). The Greek nomos (νόμος) denotes law—particularly the Mosaic law. While believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14), Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and wrote it on believers' hearts (Hebrews 8:10). according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: Love: Leviticus 19:18, 19:34, Matthew 22:39, Galatians 5:14. Word: James 1:25, 2:12, Galatians 6:2. Parallel theme: 2 Kings 7:9, Jonah 4:4, 1 Peter 2:9 +5

9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sinSin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia). The Greek hamartia (ἁμαρτία) means sin—missing the target of God's perfection. 'All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23), requiring Christ's atoning sacrifice., and are convinced of the law as transgressors. Parallel theme: Leviticus 19:15, John 8:9

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Word: Deuteronomy 27:26, Galatians 3:10

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. Word: Romans 13:9

12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. Word: James 1:25, 2:8, Colossians 3:17. Parallel theme: Philippians 4:8

13 For he shall have judgmentJudgment: κρίσις (Krisis). The Greek krisis (κρίσις) denotes judgment—evaluation and sentence. All will stand before God's judgment seat (Romans 14:10), and Christ has been appointed Judge of the living and dead (Acts 10:42). without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. Grace: Psalms 18:25, 85:10, Micah 7:18, Matthew 5:7. Judgment: Jeremiah 9:24, Luke 6:37. Parallel theme: Genesis 42:21, Proverbs 21:13, Ezekiel 33:11, Matthew 6:15 +5

Faith Without Works Is Dead

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1)., and have not works? can faith save him? Faith: James 2:18, 2:26, Galatians 5:6, Hebrews 11:17, 2 Peter 1:5. Parallel theme: Matthew 5:20, Luke 6:49, Acts 8:21, Titus 1:16, Hebrews 13:9 +5

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, Parallel theme: James 2:5, Isaiah 58:7, 58:10, Luke 3:11

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Parallel theme: Matthew 15:32, Romans 12:9, 2 Corinthians 8:8

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Faith: James 2:14, 2:26, 1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Timothy 1:5

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Faith: James 2:14, Romans 3:28, 14:23, Galatians 5:6, 1 Timothy 1:5, Hebrews 11:6, 11:31, 11:33. Parallel theme: James 3:13, Titus 2:7 +5

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believeBelieve: πιστεύω (Pisteuo). The Greek pisteuo (πιστεύω) means to believe or trust—active reliance upon Christ. 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish' (John 3:16)., and tremble. References God: Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 44:8, 46:9, Matthew 8:29, Mark 1:24, 5:7, Luke 4:34, Acts 16:17, Galatians 3:20. Parallel theme: Zechariah 14:9 +5

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1). without works is dead? Faith: James 2:17, 2:26. Parallel theme: Proverbs 12:11, Romans 1:21

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altarAltar: θυσιαστήριον (Thusiastērion). The Greek thusiastērion (θυσιαστήριον) denotes an altar for sacrifice. Hebrews 13:10 declares 'We have an altar' from which temple priests cannot eat—referring to Christ's sacrifice outside the camp.? References Abraham: John 8:39. Righteousness: Matthew 12:37

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Faith: Galatians 5:6, 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Parallel theme: 1 John 2:5

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Faith: Genesis 15:6, Galatians 3:6. References God: 2 Chronicles 20:7. References Abraham: Isaiah 41:8. Word: Romans 11:2. Parallel theme: Exodus 33:11

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? Parallel theme: Joshua 2:1, 2:4, 2:15, 6:17, Matthew 1:5, 21:31, Hebrews 11:31 +2

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1). without works is dead also. Faith: James 2:14, 2:17, 2:20. Spirit: Ecclesiastes 12:7. Parallel theme: Psalms 104:29