James 2:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καί
also
G2532
καί
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Historical Context
Jewish believers revered the Ten Commandments, yet some minimized social justice commands. James connects their favoritism to the same law forbidding murder and adultery, aligning with Jesus' Sermon on the Mount that internalizes these commands.
Questions for Reflection
- What commands do you prioritize while overlooking others?
- How does remembering the Lawgiver promote consistent obedience?
- Where do you need to bring hidden disobedience into the light?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. He who said, "Do not commit adultery" (mē moicheusēs, μὴ μοιχεύσῃς) also said, "Do not kill" (mē phoneusēs, μὴ φονεύσῃς). If you commit no adultery yet kill, you become a lawbreaker. James ties social sins to the Decalogue, showing that partiality violates the same God who gave the commandments.
Reformed theology sees the moral law as reflecting God's character; selective obedience insults the Lawgiver. James urges holistic submission to God's Word.