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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 2:13 For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/2-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/59_Jas_02_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 2:13 - A Warning against Favoritism" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. 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Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/james/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/james/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy <i>will be</i> to the <i>one</i> not having shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/james/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/james/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/james/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For judgment <i>will be</i> merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/james/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/james/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For judgment <i>will be</i> merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/james/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For judgment <i>will be</i> merciless to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/james/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For judgment <i>will be</i> merciless to one who has shown no mercy; but [to the one who has shown mercy] mercy triumphs [victoriously] over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/james/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For judgment is without mercy to the one who has not shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/james/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For judgment is without mercy to the one who hasn&#8217t shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/james/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/james/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do this, because on the day of judgment there will be no pity for those who have not had pity on others. But even in judgment, God is merciful! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/james/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For judgment is without mercy to him that hath shewed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/james/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />No mercy will be shown to those who show no mercy to others. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/james/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For God will not show mercy when he judges the person who has not been merciful; but mercy triumphs over judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/james/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For the one who has shown no mercy will be judged without mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/james/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/james/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/james/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/james/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For he shall have judgment without mercy that hath shown no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For he who shows no mercy will have judgement given against him without mercy; but mercy triumphs over judgement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/james/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/james/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for the judgment without mercy [is] to him having not done mercy, and mercy exults over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy <i>will be</i> to the <i>one</i> not having shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/james/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for the judgment without kindness is to him not having done kindness, and exult doth kindness over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/james/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For unpropitiated judgment to him not doing mercy; and mercy boasteth against judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/james/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy to him that hath not done mercy. And mercy exalteth itself above judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/james/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For judgment is without mercy toward him who has not shown mercy. But mercy exalts itself above judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/james/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For the judgment is merciless to one who has not shown mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/james/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/james/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For a judgment without mercy will be on him, who does not show mercy; for you exalt yourselves by having mercy over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />The judgment is without mercy against him who does not practice mercy, but with mercy, you have dominion over judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/james/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For he shall have judgment without mercy, who has shown no mercy. Mercy glories over judgment.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/james/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For judgment is without mercy to him that shows no mercy; but mercy glorieth against judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/james/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy shall be on him who shewed no mercy, and mercy glorieth against judgment.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/james/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for he that has not shewed mercy, shall be condemn'd without mercy: while the merciful shall triumph at his trial.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For he who shows no mercy will have judgement given against him without mercy; but mercy triumphs over judgement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/james/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For the judgment is without mercy to him who showed no mercy: mercy exults over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/james/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For he shall have judgement without mercy, that hath not shewn mercy: but mercy triumpheth over judgement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/james/2-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=346" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">A Warning against Favoritism</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2920.htm" title="2920: krisis (N-NFS) -- Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.">judgment</a> <a href="/greek/448.htm" title="448: aneleos (Adj-NFS) -- Without mercy, merciless. Inexorable.">without mercy will be shown to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">anyone who</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsanti (V-APA-DMS) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">has not been merciful.</a> <a href="/greek/1656.htm" title="1656: eleos (N-ANS) -- Pity, mercy, compassion. Of uncertain affinity; compassion."></a> <a href="/greek/1656.htm" title="1656: eleos (N-NNS) -- Pity, mercy, compassion. Of uncertain affinity; compassion.">Mercy</a> <a href="/greek/2620.htm" title="2620: katakauchatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To boast against, exult over. From kata and kauchaomai; to exult against.">triumphs over</a> <a href="/greek/2920.htm" title="2920: kriseōs (N-GFS) -- Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.">judgment.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">14</span>What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a></span><br />For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Matthew 18:33</a></span><br />Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-36.htm">Luke 6:36</a></span><br />Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-47.htm">Luke 7:47</a></span><br />Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-37.htm">Luke 10:37</a></span><br />“The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-15.htm">Romans 9:15-16</a></span><br />For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” / So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-30.htm">Romans 11:30-32</a></span><br />Just as you who formerly disobeyed God have now received mercy through their disobedience, / so they too have now disobeyed, in order that they too may now receive mercy through the mercy shown to you. / For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Ephesians 2:4-5</a></span><br />But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, / made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a></span><br />Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Hebrews 4:16</a></span><br />Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">1 Peter 3:8-9</a></span><br />Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. / Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13</a></span><br />Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17</a></span><br />A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-21.htm">Proverbs 14:21</a></span><br />He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For he shall have judgment without mercy, that has showed no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment.</p><p class="hdg">he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/5-4.htm">James 5:4</a></b></br> Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21</a></b></br> And they said one to another, We <i>are</i> verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/1-7.htm">Judges 1:7</a></b></br> And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered <i>their meat</i> under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.</p><p class="hdg">and.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/85-10.htm">Psalm 85:10</a></b></br> Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed <i>each other</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/9-24.htm">Jeremiah 9:24</a></b></br> But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I <i>am</i> the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these <i>things</i> I delight, saith the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-11.htm">Ezekiel 33:11</a></b></br> Say unto them, <i>As</i> I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?</p><p class="hdg">rejoiceth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/5-11.htm">Exult</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-17.htm">Glorieth</a> <a href="/james/2-12.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-27.htm">Judgement</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-26.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/james/2-6.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-12.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-14.htm">Merciless</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/exodus/32-18.htm">Overcoming</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-6.htm">Rejoiceth</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-5.htm">Shewed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-1.htm">Shewn</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-34.htm">Showed</a> <a href="/james/2-4.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-8.htm">Shows</a> <a href="/luke/1-47.htm">Triumphs</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">Exult</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-24.htm">Glorieth</a> <a href="/james/2-21.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Judgement</a> <a href="/james/4-11.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/jude/1-22.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-9.htm">Merciless</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/1_john/5-5.htm">Overcoming</a> <a href="/james/3-14.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/exodus/18-9.htm">Rejoiceth</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-14.htm">Shewed</a> <a href="/genesis/32-10.htm">Shewn</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-14.htm">Showed</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-49.htm">Shows</a> <a href="/judges/5-11.htm">Triumphs</a><div class="vheading2">James 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-1.htm">Do not regard the rich and despise the poor brothers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-13.htm">rather we are to be loving and merciful;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-14.htm">and not to boast of faith without deeds;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-17.htm">because faith without deeds is useless;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-19.htm">as is the faith of the demons;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-21.htm">however, Abraham displayed both faith and actions;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-25.htm">as did Rahab.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For judgment without mercy will be shown</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the principle of divine justice. In biblical context, judgment refers to God's righteous assessment of human actions. The concept of judgment without mercy is rooted in the Old Testament, where God's justice is often depicted as strict and uncompromising (e.g., <a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a>). The idea is that God's judgment is fair and impartial, reflecting His holy nature. This phrase serves as a warning that those who do not show mercy to others will face a similar lack of mercy from God. It echoes the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, particularly in the parable of the unforgiving servant (<a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-35</a>), where the servant who refused to forgive was judged harshly.<p><b>to anyone who has not been merciful.</b><br>Mercy is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. In the cultural context of the Bible, mercy involves compassion and forgiveness towards others, even when they do not deserve it. This phrase highlights the reciprocal nature of mercy; those who fail to show mercy to others cannot expect to receive it themselves. This is consistent with Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (<a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a>). The expectation of mercy is not just a New Testament concept but is also found in the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility before God.<p><b>Mercy triumphs over judgment.</b><br>This concluding phrase offers hope and emphasizes the supremacy of mercy in God's economy. The triumph of mercy over judgment reflects the heart of the Gospel message, where God's mercy through Christ's sacrifice on the cross overcomes the judgment that humanity deserves due to sin. This is a profound theological statement that aligns with the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as the ultimate expression of God's mercy (<a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Ephesians 2:4-5</a>). The triumph of mercy is also seen in the prophetic writings, such as <a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a>, where God desires mercy rather than sacrifice. This phrase encourages believers to prioritize mercy in their interactions with others, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a></b><br>The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations, addressing practical aspects of living out their faith.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jewish_christians.htm">Jewish Christians</a></b><br>The primary audience of the letter, who were facing trials and needed guidance on living a life that reflects their faith in Christ.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_church.htm">Early Church</a></b><br>The context in which James writes, where believers were learning to live out the teachings of Jesus in a diverse and often hostile environment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_mercy.htm">The Nature of Mercy</a></b><br>Mercy is a fundamental attribute of God and a key aspect of Christian character. It involves compassion and forgiveness, even when judgment is deserved.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_mercy.htm">Judgment and Mercy</a></b><br>While judgment is a reality, James emphasizes that mercy should be our guiding principle. This reflects God's own character, as He is merciful to us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_mercy.htm">Practical Mercy</a></b><br>Demonstrating mercy in our daily interactions is a tangible expression of our faith. This includes forgiving others, helping those in need, and showing kindness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mercy_as_triumph.htm">Mercy as Triumph</a></b><br>Mercy is not a sign of weakness but a powerful force that overcomes judgment. It reflects the victory of love and grace in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_mercy.htm">Living Out Mercy</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to embody mercy in our communities, reflecting the mercy we have received from God through Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_lead_to_prosperity.htm">How can we show mercy to others daily?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_this_align_with_biblical_justice.htm">How do we reconcile this practice with biblical teachings about justice and mercy elsewhere? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/will_the_merciful_receive_mercy.htm">Will the merciful receive mercy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_were_the_salem_witch_trials.htm">What were the Salem Witch Trials?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">For unmerciful judgment shall be to him that wrought not mercy.</span> Here again are the clearest echoes of our Saviour's words (<a href="/context/matthew/6-1.htm" title="Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.">Matthew 6:1-2</a>, <span class= "ital">et seq.</span>)<span class= "ital">, </span>and a reference, we can hardly doubt, to His well-known parable (<a href="/context/matthew/18-21.htm" title="Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?">Matthew 18:21-35</a>); and we must remember, further, that "the unforgiving temper, apart from all outward wrong, constitutes the sin of the unmerciful servant;" opportunity only being lacking for its full effect. The pitiless are usually cowards, and may well be moved by fear, if they will not by love: "I will repay, saith the Lord" (<a href="/romans/12-19.htm" title="Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, said the Lord.">Romans 12:19</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Mercy rejoiceth against judgment.</span>--There can hardly be a fitter comment on this text than that which must be present in every reader's mind--the speech of Portia in <span class= "ital">The Merchant of Venice, </span><p>"The quality of mercy is not strained;" &c.<p>--(Acts 4 scene 1.)<p>But let the words of the Greek, John the Golden Mouthed, be added, for their exceeding beauty also. "Mercy is dear to God, and intercedes for the sinner, and breaks his chains, and dissipates the darkness, and quenches the fire of hell, and destroys the worm, and rescues from the gnashing of teeth. To her the gates of Heaven are opened. She is the queen of virtues, and makes men like to God, for it is written, 'Be ye merciful as your Father also is merciful' (<a href="/luke/6-36.htm" title="Be you therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.">Luke 6:36</a>). She has silver wings like the dove, and feathers of gold, and soars aloft, and is clothed with divine glory, and stands by the throne of God; when we are in danger of being condemned she rises up and pleads for us, and covers us with her defence, and enfolds us in her wings. God loves mercy more than sacrifice" (<a href="/matthew/9-13.htm" title="But go you and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.">Matthew 9:13</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - A clear reminiscence of our Lord's teaching in the sermon on the mount (<a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1</a>, etc.; Matthew 5:7): <span class="greek">Μακάριοι οἱ ἐλεήμονες</span> <span class="greek">ὅτι αὐτοὶ ἐλεηθήσονται</span>. <span class="greek">Ἀνέλεος</span> is certainly the right form of the word (<span class="hebrew">א</span>, A, B, C, K), not <span class="greek">ἀνιλέως</span> (Receptus with L), and the <span class="greek">καὶ</span> of the Textus Receptus is entirely wanting in manuscript authority, and should be deleted. The subject is ended by the abrupt declaration, almost like a cry of triumph, "Mercy glorieth against judgment." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/james/2-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judgment</span><br /><span class="grk">κρίσις</span> <span class="translit">(krisis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2920.htm">Strong's 2920: </a> </span><span class="str2">Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without mercy [ will be shown to ]</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνέλεος</span> <span class="translit">(aneleos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_448.htm">Strong's 448: </a> </span><span class="str2">Without mercy, merciless. Inexorable.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anyone who</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has not been merciful.</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιήσαντι</span> <span class="translit">(poiēsanti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Mercy</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔλεος</span> <span class="translit">(eleos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1656.htm">Strong's 1656: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pity, mercy, compassion. Of uncertain affinity; compassion.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">triumphs over</span><br /><span class="grk">κατακαυχᾶται</span> <span class="translit">(katakauchatai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2620.htm">Strong's 2620: </a> </span><span class="str2">To boast against, exult over. From kata and kauchaomai; to exult against.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judgment.</span><br /><span class="grk">κρίσεως</span> <span class="translit">(kriseōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2920.htm">Strong's 2920: </a> </span><span class="str2">Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/james/2-13.htm">NT Letters: James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to him (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/2-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 2:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 2:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/2-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 2:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 2:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>