James 2:4
Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διεκρίθητε
Are ye
G1252
διεκρίθητε
Are ye
Strong's:
G1252
Word #:
3 of 10
to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,
ἑαυτοῖς
yourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
yourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
5 of 10
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένεσθε
are become
G1096
ἐγένεσθε
are become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
7 of 10
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
John 7:24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.Job 34:19How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.James 4:11Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.Psalms 82:2How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.Psalms 58:1Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?Malachi 2:9Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.
Historical Context
Diaspora believers already faced judicial corruption from wealthy landowners (2:6). James warns that replicating such injustice inside the church makes them like the oppressors. Paul's admonition in 1 Corinthians 6 about lawsuits among believers echoes the need for righteous judging.
Questions for Reflection
- How does favoritism reveal distorted thinking in you?
- What steps can leaders take to ensure impartial decisions?
- Where do you need to repent of acting as an unjust judge?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? By acting this way, believers become judges (kritai, κριταί) with evil thoughts (dialogismōn ponērōn, διαλογισμῶν πονηρῶν). The verb "are ye not divided" (diakrithēte, διεκρίθητε) indicates wavering between God's standards and the world's. Partiality is a theological judgment, not mere etiquette.
James insists that sinful discrimination flows from corrupted reasoning. Reformed thought underscores that the renewed mind must align with God's impartial character; favoritism reveals double-mindedness.