James 2:6
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
Original Language Analysis
ἠτιμάσατε
have despised
G818
ἠτιμάσατε
have despised
Strong's:
G818
Word #:
3 of 16
to render infamous, i.e., (by implication) contemn or maltreat
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχόν
the poor
G4434
πτωχόν
the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
5 of 16
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὶ
draw
G846
αὐτοὶ
draw
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 16
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
Cross References
Proverbs 17:5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.1 Corinthians 11:22What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.Psalms 14:6Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.Acts 13:50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.Acts 8:3As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.Acts 17:6And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;Psalms 10:14Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.Psalms 12:5For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.Proverbs 22:16He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Historical Context
Wealthy landowners controlled courts, exploiting day laborers (cf. 5:4). Diaspora Christians often faced lawsuits and confiscations. James, writing before AD 50, highlights real incidents so churches stop idolizing the rich.
Questions for Reflection
- Where might you unknowingly honor those who harm the vulnerable?
- How can you stand with the oppressed even at personal cost?
- What changes could your church make to protect the poor from exploitation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Yet James says, "ye have despised" (atimasate, ἠτιμάσατε) the poor. Ironically, the rich oppress (katadynasteuousin, καταδυναστεύουσιν) them and drag them (helkousin, ἕλκουσιν) into courts. Favoring abusers betrays family loyalty. The verbs evoke violence and legal exploitation common in agrarian economies.
James exposes how sinful partiality cozies up to those who harm the church. Reformed believers must discern alliances carefully lest we bless oppressors while neglecting victims.