James 2:5

Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — James addresses his "beloved brothers" immediately after condemning partiality and evil judgments within their assembly. The moment occurs during a direct rebuke of favoring the wealthy over the poor in their gatherings.

The words — The Greek imperative ἀκούσατε (akousate) commands "do listen," while ἐξελέξατο (exelexato) states God "has chosen." These terms frame the verse as a direct challenge to the listeners' perception of divine selection.

The thread — This theme appears in Matthew 5:3, Luke 6:20, and Revelation 2:9. Each reference contrasts worldly poverty or affliction with spiritual richness or kingdom inheritance.

Why it lands — The text demands readers examine whether their treatment of people reflects God's actual criteria for honor. It requires abandoning favoritism by recognizing that faith, not status, determines inheritance.

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

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?

Cross-references

Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 6:20 Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Revelation 2:9 I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan.
1 Corinthians 1:26 Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.
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.
Luke 12:21 This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”
Hebrews 11:26 He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.
Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
1 Peter 1:4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.