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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 2:12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/2-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/59_Jas_02_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 2:12 - A Warning against Favoritism" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/2-11.htm" title="James 2:11">◄</a> James 2:12 <a href="/james/2-13.htm" title="James 2:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/james/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/james/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/james/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/james/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So speak and so act as being about to be judged by <i>the</i> Law of freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/james/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/james/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/james/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by <i>the</i> law of freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/james/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/james/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by <i>the</i> law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/james/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by <i>the</i> law of freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/james/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Speak and act [consistently] as people who are going to be judged by the law of liberty [that moral law that frees obedient Christians from the bondage of sin].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/james/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/james/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/james/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/james/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Speak and act like people who will be judged by the law that sets us free. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/james/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/james/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Talk and act as people who are going to be judged by laws that bring freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/james/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Speak and act as people who will be judged by the law that sets us free. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/james/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You must make it your habit to speak and act like people who are going to be judged by the law of liberty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/james/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/james/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Speak and act as those who will be judged by a law that gives freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/james/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So speak, and so do, as those who are to be judged by a law of freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/james/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Speak and act as those should who are expecting to be judged by the Law of freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/james/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So speak and so do as men who are to be judged by the law of freedom. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/james/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />thus, speak and so act as [one] about to be judged by a law of liberty,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So speak and so act as being about to be judged by <i>the</i> Law of freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/james/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> so speak ye and so do, as about by a law of liberty to be judged,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/james/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />So speak ye, and so do, as about to be judged by the law of liberty.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/james/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So speak ye, and so do, as being to be judged by the law of liberty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/james/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So speak and act just as you are beginning to be judged, by the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/james/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So speak and so act as people who will be judged by the law of freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/james/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/james/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So speak and so act, as men who are to be judged by the law of liberty.<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 />So be speaking and acting as a person who is going to be judged by The Law of Liberty.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/james/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />So speak, and so act, as those who shall be judged by the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/james/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />So you say, and so you do, as about to be condemned by the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/james/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />So speak, and so act, as those who shall be judged by the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/james/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />speak and act as those, who are to be judged by the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Speak and act as those should who are expecting to be judged by the Law of freedom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/james/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />So speak, and so do, as those who are about to be judged by a law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/james/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/james/2-12.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=340" 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">11</span>For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: Houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows)."></a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: laleite (V-PMA-2P) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">Speak</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows)."></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poieite (V-PMA-2P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">act</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/3195.htm" title="3195: mellontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.">those who are going</a> <a href="/greek/2919.htm" title="2919: krinesthai (V-PNM/P) -- Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.">to be judged</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">the law</a> <a href="/greek/1657.htm" title="1657: eleutherias (N-GFS) -- Freedom, liberty, especially: a state of freedom from slavery. From eleutheros; freedom.">that gives freedom.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.…<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/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-12.htm">Romans 2:12-13</a></span><br />All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. / For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a></span><br />The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-5.htm">1 Peter 4:5</a></span><br />But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-48.htm">John 12:48</a></span><br />There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-10.htm">Romans 14:10-12</a></span><br />Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. / It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” / So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a></span><br />Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1-2</a></span><br />“Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">2 Corinthians 5:10</a></span><br />For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Hebrews 4:13</a></span><br />Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31-46</a></span><br />When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47-48</a></span><br />That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:14</a></span><br />For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/62-12.htm">Psalm 62:12</a></span><br />and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So speak you, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.</p><p class="hdg">speak.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a></b></br> Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things <i>are</i> honest, whatsoever things <i>are</i> just, whatsoever things <i>are</i> pure, whatsoever things <i>are</i> lovely, whatsoever things <i>are</i> of good report; if <i>there be</i> any virtue, and if <i>there be</i> any praise, think on these things.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Colossians 3:17</a></b></br> And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, <i>do</i> all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/1-4.htm">2 Peter 1:4-8</a></b></br> Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust… </p><p class="hdg">the.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8</a></b></br> If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:</p><p class="hdg">See on ch.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/1-25.htm">James 1:25</a></b></br> But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth <i>therein</i>, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Act</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-13.htm">Expecting</a> <a href="/james/1-27.htm">Free</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Freedom</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/james/2-10.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/james/2-11.htm">Law</a> <a href="/james/2-10.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/james/2-7.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/james/1-19.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">Act</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-13.htm">Expecting</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">Freedom</a> <a href="/james/4-6.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/james/2-13.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/james/4-11.htm">Law</a> <a href="/james/3-5.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/james/3-14.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/james/5-10.htm">Words</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'; 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In the biblical context, James often stresses the inseparability of faith and works (<a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-26</a>). The call to "speak and act" aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized that one's words and actions reflect the heart (<a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a>). The cultural context of the early church, which faced persecution and needed to demonstrate genuine faith, underscores the necessity of living out one's beliefs consistently.<p><b>as those who are going to be judged</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the reality of divine judgment. In the historical context of the early Christian community, there was a strong awareness of accountability before God. The concept of judgment is rooted in Jewish tradition, where God is seen as the ultimate judge (<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:14</a>). The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus and the apostles teaching about the final judgment (<a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31-46</a>, <a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">2 Corinthians 5:10</a>). This serves as a reminder to live righteously, knowing that all will be evaluated by God.<p><b>by the law that gives freedom</b><br>This phrase refers to the "law of liberty," a concept James introduces earlier in his letter (<a href="/james/1-25.htm">James 1:25</a>). It contrasts with the Old Testament law, which was often seen as burdensome due to its strict requirements (<a href="/acts/15-10.htm">Acts 15:10</a>). The "law that gives freedom" is understood as the law of Christ, which fulfills the Old Testament law through love and grace (<a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a>). This law liberates believers from the bondage of sin and empowers them to live in accordance with God's will. Theologically, it points to the transformative power of the gospel, which frees individuals to serve God and others genuinely.<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 with authority and pastoral concern for the believers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine, facing trials and needing guidance on living out their faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law_of_liberty.htm">The Law of Liberty</a></b><br>A central theme in James' teaching, referring to the perfect law of God that brings freedom through obedience and faith in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_law_that_gives_freedom.htm">The Law that Gives Freedom</a></b><br>The "law that gives freedom" is not a contradiction but a fulfillment of God's moral law through Christ. It liberates us from sin and empowers us to live righteously.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_in_speech_and_action.htm">Accountability in Speech and Action</a></b><br>Our words and deeds are significant and will be judged. We must align them with the teachings of Christ, reflecting His love and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_eternal_perspective.htm">Living with Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Understanding that we will be judged by God's standards should influence our daily decisions, encouraging us to live with integrity and purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_manifested_in_works.htm">Faith Manifested in Works</a></b><br>True faith is evidenced by actions. Our behavior should reflect our beliefs, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/grace_and_responsibility.htm">Grace and Responsibility</a></b><br>While we are saved by grace, we are called to live responsibly, using our freedom to serve others and glorify God.<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/what_is_the_law_of_liberty.htm">What is the Law of Liberty?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_it_exist_if_i_don't_understand_it.htm">What are the seven cardinal virtues?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_seven_cardinal_virtues.htm">What are the seven cardinal virtues?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_bathsheba_in_the_bible.htm">Is it right to judge others?</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>(12) <span class= "bld">So speak ye, and so do</span>.--The writer has shown how unsuspected sins lead quickly to a violation of the Law, and in concluding this part of his Epistle he returns to the warning against an unguarded tongue, with which he commenced in chap 1:26.<p><span class= "bld">The law of liberty.</span>--The term is only found here and in <a href="/james/1-25.htm" title="But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.">James 1:25</a>, and seems one of which James the Wise was peculiarly fond. What, however, did he precisely mean? Neither the ceremonial, nor the moral, most certainly; but the spiritual law of One greater than Moses. The idea, however, is in most of the New Testament writings, and particularly St. Paul's. (Comp. <a href="/john/8-32.htm" title="And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.">John 8:32</a>; <a href="/romans/8-21.htm" title="Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.">Romans 8:21</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/10-29.htm" title="Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?">1Corinthians 10:29</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/3-17.htm" title="Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.">2Corinthians 3:17</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-4.htm" title="And that because of false brothers unawares brought in, who came in privately to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:">Galatians 2:4</a>; <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm" title="Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.">Galatians 5:1</a>; <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm" title="For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.">Galatians 5:13</a>; and <a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm" title="As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.">1Peter 2:16</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 12, 13.</span> - <span class="accented">Conclusion of the subject</span>: <span class="greek">νόμος ἐλευθερίας</span> (cf. <a href="/james/1-25.htm">James 1:25</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/james/2-12.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">Speak</span><br /><span class="grk">λαλεῖτε</span> <span class="translit">(laleite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">act</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιεῖτε</span> <span class="translit">(poieite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<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">as</span><br /><span class="grk">ὡς</span> <span class="translit">(hōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who are going</span><br /><span class="grk">μέλλοντες</span> <span class="translit">(mellontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3195.htm">Strong's 3195: </a> </span><span class="str2">A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to be judged</span><br /><span class="grk">κρίνεσθαι</span> <span class="translit">(krinesthai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2919.htm">Strong's 2919: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] Law</span><br /><span class="grk">νόμου</span> <span class="translit">(nomou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that gives freedom.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐλευθερίας</span> <span class="translit">(eleutherias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1657.htm">Strong's 1657: </a> </span><span class="str2">Freedom, liberty, especially: a state of freedom from slavery. From eleutheros; freedom.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/james/2-12.htm">NT Letters: James 2:12 So speak and so do as men (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/2-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 2:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 2:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/2-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 2:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 2:13" /></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>