Bible Strands
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,”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — James addresses a local assembly, describing a hypothetical gathering where members show preferential treatment to a wealthy visitor while marginalizing a poor attendee.
The words — ἐπιβλέψητε (epiblepsēte) literally means "you may look upon" or "lavish attention," and φοροῦντα (phorounta) means "wearing," directly modifying the man in fine apparel.
The thread — This pattern of economic discrimination appears in James 2:6, where the poor are dishonored, and parallels the hospitality failures in Luke 7:44 and the self-emptying grace described in 2 Corinthians 8:9.
Why it lands — The text commands impartial treatment by forbidding the assignment of seats or exclusion based on clothing or wealth, requiring readers to reject discriminatory judgment.
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
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:
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
- James 2:6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?
- Luke 7:44 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
- Isaiah 65:5 They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long.
- Jude 1:16 These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.