Bible Strands
James 2:1
My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — James addresses his readers as "brothers" who hold faith in Jesus Christ, issuing a direct prohibition before illustrating it with the gold-ring and shabby-clothes scenario in the next verse.
The words — prosōpolēmpsiais (G4382) is a compound of prosōpon (face) and lambanō (to take), literally "face-taking," rendered "favoritism" or "partiality." The verb echete (G2192) is a present imperative, "do hold," marking an ongoing state the reader is to abandon rather than a single act.
The thread — Proverbs 24:23 calls partiality in judgment "not good"; Leviticus 19:15 commands not to show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; James 2:9 escalates the matter by stating that showing favoritism is sin and convicts one as a law-breaker.
Why it lands — The prohibition targets a habitual posture ("do hold") rooted in outward appearance, not a momentary slip. The reader is asked to stop sorting people by ring, clothing, or status and to treat all within the community as equal before the law.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 24:23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.
- James 2:9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
- Leviticus 19:15 You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.
- Deuteronomy 16:19 Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.
- Deuteronomy 1:17 Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”
- Proverbs 28:21 To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
- 2 Chronicles 19:7 And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
- Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.
- James 2:3 If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,”
- James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.