James 2:3
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:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιβλέψητε
ye have respect
G1914
ἐπιβλέψητε
ye have respect
Strong's:
G1914
Word #:
2 of 30
to gaze at (with favor, pity or partiality)
ἐπὶ
to
G1909
ἐπὶ
to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
3 of 30
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φοροῦντα
him that weareth
G5409
φοροῦντα
him that weareth
Strong's:
G5409
Word #:
5 of 30
to have a burden, i.e., (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαμπρὰν
the gay
G2986
λαμπρὰν
the gay
Strong's:
G2986
Word #:
9 of 30
radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ,
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ,
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 30
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
κάθου
Sit
G2521
κάθου
Sit
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
14 of 30
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχῷ
to the poor
G4434
πτωχῷ
to the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
19 of 30
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
στῆθι
Stand
G2476
στῆθι
Stand
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
22 of 30
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
κάθου
Sit
G2521
κάθου
Sit
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
25 of 30
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
27 of 30
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.James 2:6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?Jude 1:16These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
Historical Context
House churches lacked enough seating; where someone sat communicated value. In a shame-honor culture, telling someone to sit "under the footstool" was deeply insulting. James ensures diaspora believers see such practices as incompatible with the gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- What subtle cues might communicate favoritism in your interactions?
- How can you cultivate speech that dignifies every believer?
- Who could you invite into closer fellowship despite social differences?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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: Showing deference (epiblepsēte, ἐπιβλέψητε) to the well-dressed while telling the poor person to stand or sit underfoot reveals a heart enslaved to worldly honor. The commands "sit thou here" and "stand there" expose subtle yet painful marginalization.
James reveals how speech betrays partiality. Reformed ethics insist that love of neighbor is the fulfillment of the law; words assigning worth based on wealth violate the royal law.