James 2:13
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κρίσεως
he shall have judgment
G2920
κρίσεως
he shall have judgment
Strong's:
G2920
Word #:
3 of 12
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ποιήσαντι
that hath shewed
G4160
ποιήσαντι
that hath shewed
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
7 of 12
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 5:7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.Matthew 6:15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.Proverbs 21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.Luke 6:37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:Psalms 18:25With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;Psalms 85:10Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.Micah 7:18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.Jeremiah 9:24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.Genesis 42:21And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.Ezekiel 33:11Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Historical Context
Jewish law emphasized mercy to the poor, yet diaspora believers faced temptation to align with oppressors. James assures them that God will vindicate the merciful and judge the cruel, echoing Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:7. Paul's exhortations to forgive as Christ forgave (Ephesians 4:32) share this emphasis.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you struggle to show mercy, and why?
- How does God's mercy toward you empower mercy toward others?
- What merciful action can you take this week to reflect the gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. Judgment without mercy (krisis aneleos, κρίσις ἀνέλεος) will be shown to the merciless; mercy triumphs (katakauchaetai, κατακαυχᾶται) over judgment. Those who refuse to show mercy betray that they have not grasped God's mercy. Conversely, mercy displayed evidences genuine faith.
This reflects Jesus' beatitude and parable of the unforgiving servant. Reformed theology teaches that while justification is by grace, the justified will manifest mercy; lack of mercy reveals an unchanged heart.