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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 2:9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/2-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/59_Jas_02_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 2:9 - A Warning against Favoritism" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/2-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/2-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.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/2-8.htm" title="James 2:8">◄</a> James 2:9 <a href="/james/2-10.htm" title="James 2:10">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/james/2.htm">New International Version</a> But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. <a href="/nlt/james/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. <a href="/esv/james/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if you show partiality, you are committing sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/kjv/james/2.htm">King James Bible</a> But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. <a href="/nkjv/james/2.htm">New King James Version</a> but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/nasb_/james/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators. <a href="/nasb/james/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/nasb77/james/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/lsb/james/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if you show partiality, you are committing sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/amp/james/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But if you show partiality [prejudice, favoritism], you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as offenders. <a href="/csb/james/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If, however, you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/hcsb/james/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/asv/james/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/cev/james/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned. <a href="/erv/james/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/gwt/james/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If you favor one person over another, you're sinning, and this law convicts you of being disobedient. <a href="/gnt/james/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if you treat people according to their outward appearance, you are guilty of sin, and the Law condemns you as a lawbreaker. <a href="/isv/james/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and will be convicted by the Law as violators. <a href="/msb/james/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/net/james/2.htm">NET Bible</a> But if you show prejudice, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as violators. <a href="/nheb/james/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/wbt/james/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if you are making distinctions between one man and another, you are guilty of sin, and are convicted by the Law as offenders. <a href="/web/james/2.htm">World English Bible</a> But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but if you favor by appearance, you work sin, being convicted by the Law as transgressors; <a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if you show partiality, you are committing sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/ylt/james/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if ye accept persons, sin ye do work, being convicted by the law as transgressors; <a href="/slt/james/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if ye make distinction of faces, ye work sin, being convicted under the law as transgressors.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, being reproved by the law as transgressors. <a href="/cpdv/james/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if you show favoritism to persons, then you commit a sin, having been convicted again by the law as transgressors. <a href="/nabre/james/2.htm">New American Bible</a> But if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/nrsvce/james/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But if you discriminate among men, you commit sin and you will be condemned by the law as transgressors of the law. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But if you show partiality, you are sinning, and you are reproved by The Written Law as violators against The Written Law.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But if you show partiality for persons, you work sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.<CM> <a href="/godbey/james/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But if you have respect of persons, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/haweis/james/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/mace/james/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but partiality is iniquity; and the law will convict the offender of transgression. <a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if you are making distinctions between one man and another, you are guilty of sin, and are convicted by the Law as offenders. <a href="/worrell/james/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but, if ye show respect to persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/worsley/james/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But if ye partially respect persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. <a href="/parallel/james/2-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=312" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">A Warning against Favoritism</a> …8If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/4380.htm" title="4380: prosōpolēmpteite (V-PIA-2P) -- To favor specially, show partiality. From prosopoleptes; to favor an individual, i.e. Show partiality.">you show favoritism,</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazesthe (V-PIM/P-2P) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">you</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartian (N-AFS) -- From hamartano; a sin.">sin</a> <a href="/greek/1651.htm" title="1651: elenchomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish.">and are convicted</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</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.">law</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/3848.htm" title="3848: parabatai (N-NMP) -- A transgressor, law-breaker. From parabaino; a violator.">transgressors.</a> 10Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a> 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. <a href="/deuteronomy/1-17.htm">Deuteronomy 1:17</a> 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.” <a href="/proverbs/24-23.htm">Proverbs 24:23</a> These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good. <a href="/matthew/22-16.htm">Matthew 22:16</a> 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. <a href="/romans/2-11.htm">Romans 2:11</a> For God does not show favoritism. <a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Acts 10:34</a> Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, <a href="/galatians/2-6.htm">Galatians 2:6</a> But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me. <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Ephesians 6:9</a> And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. <a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Colossians 3:25</a> Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">1 Peter 1:17</a> Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners. <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a> 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. <a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Proverbs 28:21</a> To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Malachi 2:9</a> “So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.” <a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1-2</a> “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. <a href="/luke/20-21.htm">Luke 20:21</a> “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.if.<a href="/james/2-1.htm">James 2:1-4</a> My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons… <a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a> Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.are.<a href="/john/8-9.htm">John 8:9,46</a> And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst… <a href="/john/16-8.htm">John 16:8</a> And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:<a href="/1_corinthians/14-24.htm">1 Corinthians 14:24</a> But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:transgressors.<a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a> Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.<a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Romans 7:7-13</a> What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet… <a href="/galatians/2-19.htm">Galatians 2:19</a> For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/1-21.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Account</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-6.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-2.htm">Committing</a> <a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Convicted</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-9.htm">Convinced</a> <a href="/james/2-4.htm">Distinctions</a> <a href="/james/2-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Favoritism</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-21.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/james/2-8.htm">Law</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-11.htm">Making</a> <a href="/luke/13-4.htm">Offenders</a> <a href="/james/2-4.htm">Partiality</a> <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/james/2-3.htm">Position</a> <a href="/james/2-3.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/james/2-3.htm">Show</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/luke/22-37.htm">Transgressors</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/5-9.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/james/2-23.htm">Account</a> <a href="/james/2-11.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/1_john/5-16.htm">Committing</a> <a href="/john/8-9.htm">Convicted</a> <a href="/genesis/45-28.htm">Convinced</a> <a href="/luke/20-21.htm">Distinctions</a> <a href="/james/2-19.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/james/4-8.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/exodus/23-3.htm">Favoritism</a> <a href="/james/2-10.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/james/2-10.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/james/2-10.htm">Law</a> <a href="/james/3-6.htm">Making</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-21.htm">Offenders</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Partiality</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/james/2-18.htm">Show</a> <a href="/james/4-17.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/psalms/37-38.htm">Transgressors</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">James 2</div>1. <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Do not regard the rich and despise the poor brothers;</a> 13. <a href="/james/2-13.htm">rather we are to be loving and merciful;</a> 14. <a href="/james/2-14.htm">and not to boast of faith without deeds;</a> 17. <a href="/james/2-17.htm">because faith without deeds is useless;</a> 19. <a href="/james/2-19.htm">as is the faith of the demons;</a> 21. <a href="/james/2-21.htm">however, Abraham displayed both faith and actions;</a> 25. <a href="/james/2-25.htm">as did Rahab.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>But if you show favoritism Favoritism, or partiality, is the act of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another. In the biblical context, this is often seen as contrary to God's nature, who is described as impartial (<a href="/deuteronomy/10-17.htm">Deuteronomy 10:17</a>, <a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Acts 10:34</a>). The early church faced challenges with favoritism, particularly between Jews and Gentiles, and between the rich and the poor. James addresses this issue directly, emphasizing that favoritism contradicts the command to love one's neighbor as oneself (<a href="/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8</a>). The cultural context of the time often saw social hierarchies and class distinctions, which the early Christian community was called to transcend.you sin Sin, in biblical terms, is any action, thought, or attitude that goes against God's will and His laws. The Bible consistently teaches that sin separates humanity from God (<a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a>) and that all have sinned (<a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a>). By showing favoritism, believers are not merely making a social faux pas but are committing a moral and spiritual offense. This underscores the seriousness with which God views partiality, equating it with other sins that violate His commandments.and are convicted by the law The law here refers to the moral law of God, as revealed in the Scriptures. In the Jewish tradition, the law was given through Moses and included commandments that governed ethical and religious life. James, writing to a primarily Jewish-Christian audience, emphasizes that the law serves as a standard by which actions are judged. The conviction by the law implies that the law exposes sin and holds individuals accountable. This reflects the broader biblical theme that the law reveals human sinfulness and the need for divine grace (<a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Romans 7:7</a>).as transgressors A transgressor is someone who violates a command or law. In the biblical sense, transgression is a willful act of disobedience against God's commands. By showing favoritism, believers are not only sinning but are also breaking the law, thus becoming transgressors. This highlights the gravity of favoritism, placing it on the same level as other acts of disobedience. The term "transgressor" connects to the broader biblical narrative of humanity's rebellion against God and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and offers forgiveness for all transgressions (<a href="/colossians/2-13.htm">Colossians 2:13-14</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> 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. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jewish_christians.htm">Jewish Christians</a> The primary audience of the letter, who were familiar with the Jewish Law and its teachings on justice and impartiality. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The context in which James writes, where issues of favoritism and partiality were emerging as the church grew and included people from various social and economic backgrounds.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_favoritism_as_sin.htm">Understanding Favoritism as Sin</a> Favoritism is not a minor issue; it is a sin that goes against the character of God and the teachings of Scripture. <a href="/topical/t/the_law_as_a_mirror.htm">The Law as a Mirror</a> The law serves as a mirror, revealing our sins, including favoritism, and convicting us as transgressors. <a href="/topical/i/impartiality_reflects_god's_character.htm">Impartiality Reflects God's Character</a> As believers, we are called to reflect God's impartial nature in our interactions with others, treating everyone with equal respect and love. <a href="/topical/p/practical_steps_to_avoid_favoritism.htm">Practical Steps to Avoid Favoritism</a> Evaluate personal biases and make conscious efforts to treat all individuals equally, regardless of their social or economic status. <a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a> Encourage accountability within the church community to address and correct instances of favoritism.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 2</a> <a href="/q/define_white_privilege..htm">What is the definition of white privilege?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'sinning_willfully'_mean.htm">Are white supremacists considered Christian?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_nepotism.htm">What is the Bible's stance on nepotism?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_inequality.htm">What is the Bible's stance on inequality?</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>(9) But if ye have respect to persons . . .--Translate, But if ye respect persons, ye work sin, and are convicted by the Law (i.e., at the bar of conscience) as transgressors. The first principle has been broken, and not a mere detail. De minimis non curat lex: the laws of men cannot concern themselves with trifles; but the most secret soul may be proven and revealed by some little act of love, or the contrary: and such is the way of the Lord "that searcheth the hearts" (<a href="/romans/8-27.htm" title="And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.">Romans 8:27</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - And are convinced, etc.; better, with R.V., being convicted by the law (ἐλεγχόμενοι ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου). The Law of Moses directly forbade all respect of persons; see <a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a> (three verses above the passage just quoted by St. James), Οὐ λήψῃ πρόσωπον πτωχοῦ οὐδὲ μὴ θαυμάσῃς πρόσωπον δυνάστον. <a href="/commentaries/james/2-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. you show favoritism, προσωπολημπτεῖτε (prosōpolēmpteite) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4380.htm">Strong's 4380: </a> To favor specially, show partiality. From prosopoleptes; to favor an individual, i.e. Show partiality. you ἐργάζεσθε (ergazesthe) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. sin ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. [and] are convicted ἐλεγχόμενοι (elenchomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1651.htm">Strong's 1651: </a> (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish. by ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. transgressors. παραβάται (parabatai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3848.htm">Strong's 3848: </a> A transgressor, law-breaker. From parabaino; a violator. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/2-9.htm">James 2:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/2-9.htm">NT Letters: James 2:9 But if you show partiality you commit (Ja Jas. 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