James 2:1
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
Ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
1 of 15
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχετε
have
G2192
ἔχετε
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστιν
the faith
G4102
πίστιν
the faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
8 of 15
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Cross References
Proverbs 24:23These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.James 2:9But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.Deuteronomy 16:19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.Leviticus 19:15Ye 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.Deuteronomy 1:17Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.Proverbs 28:21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.Matthew 22:16And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.2 Chronicles 19:7Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.James 2:3And 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:
Historical Context
Diaspora congregations met in homes or adapted synagogues where social seating communicated honor. Some wealthy patrons may have tried to leverage status. James, presiding over the Jerusalem council that welcomed Gentiles, insists on gospel-shaped equality. Paul's rebuke of Peter in Galatians 2 mirrors this concern.
Persecuted believers tempted to curry favor with influential outsiders needed to hear that such compromise betrays Christ's lordship.
Questions for Reflection
- Where might you or your church show respect of persons?
- How does Christ's glory expose favoritism in your heart?
- What steps can you take to honor marginalized believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. James forbids holding the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons (prosōpolēmpsiais, προσωπολημψίαις). The gospel unites believers across status lines; showing favoritism contradicts Christ's glory. The term literally means receiving faces—valuing external appearance over spiritual reality.
Reformed theology emphasizes sola gratia: all believers are saved by grace, so partiality denies grace's leveling power. James begins chapter 2 by targeting a sin that fractures faith and works—honoring the rich while neglecting the poor.