James 2:10
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Original Language Analysis
ὅστις
whosoever
G3748
ὅστις
whosoever
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
1 of 13
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅλον
the whole
G3650
ὅλον
the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
3 of 13
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
law
G3551
νόμον
law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
5 of 13
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τηρήσει,
shall keep
G5083
τηρήσει,
shall keep
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
6 of 13
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
πταίσει
offend
G4417
πταίσει
offend
Strong's:
G4417
Word #:
7 of 13
to trip, i.e., (figuratively) to err, sin, fail (of salvation)
Cross References
Galatians 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.Deuteronomy 27:26Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Historical Context
Jewish teachers sometimes categorized laws by weight; James insists that the moral law stands as a whole. This resonates with Paul's teaching in Galatians 3 that failing at one point puts us under a curse apart from Christ. Diaspora believers tempted to minimize certain sins needed this warning.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you excuse selective obedience in your life?
- How does the unity of God's law point you to Christ?
- What area of obedience have you neglected because you excel elsewhere?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles (ptaiē, πταίῃ) in one point is guilty of all. The law is a unified expression of God's character; breaking part violates the whole. This undercuts self-justification that tolerates favoritism while boasting in other virtues.
Reformed theology affirms the law's spiritual unity and our inability to keep it perfectly. James reminds believers that selective obedience is hypocrisy; we need mercy and must extend it to others.