James 2:5
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
2 of 25
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχοὺς
the poor
G4434
πτωχοὺς
the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
10 of 25
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
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
world
G2889
κόσμου
world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
12 of 25
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
πίστει
faith
G4102
πίστει
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
16 of 25
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κληρονόμους
heirs
G2818
κληρονόμους
heirs
Strong's:
G2818
Word #:
18 of 25
a sharer by lot, i.e., inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείας
of the kingdom
G932
βασιλείας
of the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
20 of 25
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
ἡς
which
G3739
ἡς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
21 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐπηγγείλατο
he hath promised
G1861
ἐπηγγείλατο
he hath promised
Strong's:
G1861
Word #:
22 of 25
to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 5:3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven.Luke 6:20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for your's is the kingdom of God.Revelation 2:9I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.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.Luke 12:21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.1 Peter 1:4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,Hebrews 11:26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.Luke 12:32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.1 Corinthians 2:9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Historical Context
Most early Christians were poor (1 Corinthians 1:26). James, leading relief efforts for famine-stricken saints (Acts 11), saw firsthand how God used poor believers mightily. His statement harmonizes with Paul's teaching that God chose the foolish and weak.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you honor and learn from the faith of materially poor saints?
- What does God's choice of the poor reveal about His kingdom values?
- How might this verse reshape your giving or relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? James reminds them that God has chosen (exelexato, ἐξελέξατο) the poor (ptōchous, πτωχούς) of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom promised to those who love Him. Divine election often favors the lowly, as seen throughout Scripture.
This does not romanticize poverty but highlights God's upside-down kingdom. Reformed soteriology rejoices that God's choice rests not on merit but mercy. Favoritism opposes God's elective purposes.