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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 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/2-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/59_Jas_02_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 2:8 - A Warning against Favoritism" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well." /><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'; 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<a href="/nasb_/james/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well. <a href="/nasb/james/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, &#8220YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,&#8221 you are doing well. <a href="/nasb77/james/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law, according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well. <a href="/lsb/james/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well. <a href="/amp/james/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If, however, you are [really] fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, if you have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit]” you are doing well. <a href="/csb/james/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Indeed, if you fulfill the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. <a href="/hcsb/james/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Indeed, if you keep the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. <a href="/asv/james/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Howbeit if ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: <a href="/cev/james/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You will do all right, if you obey the most important law in the Scriptures. It is the law that commands us to love others as much as we love ourselves. <a href="/erv/james/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Howbeit if ye fulfill the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: <a href="/gwt/james/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You are doing right if you obey this law from the highest authority: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." <a href="/gnt/james/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> You will be doing the right thing if you obey the law of the Kingdom, which is found in the scripture, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." <a href="/isv/james/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Nevertheless, you are doing the right thing if you obey the royal Law in keeping with the Scripture, "You must love your neighbor as yourself." <a href="/msb/james/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, ?Love your neighbor as yourself,? you are doing well. <a href="/net/james/2.htm">NET Bible</a> But if you fulfill the royal law as expressed in this scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. <a href="/nheb/james/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> However, if you fulfill the royal law, according to the Scripture, "You are to love your neighbor as yourself," you do well. <a href="/wbt/james/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: <a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If, however, you are keeping the Law as supreme, in obedience to the Commandment which says "You are to love your fellow man just as you love yourself," you are acting rightly. <a href="/web/james/2.htm">World English Bible</a> However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> If, indeed, you fulfill royal law, according to the Writing: “You will love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; <a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> If indeed you keep the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. <a href="/ylt/james/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> If, indeed, royal law ye complete, according to the Writing, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,' -- ye do well; <a href="/slt/james/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If yet ye complete the royal law according to the writing, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If then you fulfil the royal law, according to the scriptures, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; you do well. <a href="/cpdv/james/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So if you perfect the regal law, according to the Scriptures, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” then you do well. <a href="/nabre/james/2.htm">New American Bible</a> However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. <a href="/nrsvce/james/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If you fulfil the law of God by this, as it is written, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, you do well: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And if you fulfill The Written Law of God in this, as it is written: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, you are doing well.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> If, however, you fulfill the law of highest excellence, according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well. <a href="/godbey/james/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> If indeed you keep the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor with divine love as thyself, you do well. <a href="/haweis/james/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> If indeed ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: <a href="/mace/james/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> If, agreeably to the scriptures, you observe that royal law, "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self," you do well. <a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If, however, you are keeping the Law as supreme, in obedience to the Commandment which says "You are to love your fellow man just as you love yourself," you are acting rightly. <a href="/worrell/james/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> If, however, ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," ye do well; <a href="/worsley/james/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> If ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, which saith, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well. <a href="/parallel/james/2-8.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=304" 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> …7Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called? 8<a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/3305.htm" title="3305: mentoi (Conj) -- (a) indeed, really, (b) yet, however, nevertheless. From Not Used and toi; indeed though, i.e. However."></a> <a href="/greek/5055.htm" title="5055: teleite (V-PIA-2P) -- (a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay. From telos; to end, i.e. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge.">you really fulfill</a> <a href="/greek/937.htm" title="937: basilikon (Adj-AMS) -- From basileus; regal, i.e. belonging to the sovereign, or preeminent.">the royal</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomon (N-AMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">law</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">stated in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1124.htm" title="1124: graphēn (N-AFS) -- (a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.">Scripture,</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: Agapēseis (V-FIA-2S) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">“Love</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4139.htm" title="4139: plēsion (Adv) -- Near, nearby, a neighbor. Neuter of a derivative of pelas; close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. Fellow.">neighbor</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/4572.htm" title="4572: seauton (PPro-AM2S) -- Of yourself. ">yourself,”</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poieite (V-PIA-2P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">you are doing</a> <a href="/greek/2573.htm" title="2573: kalōs (Adv) -- Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.">well.</a> 9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.…<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="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a> Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ... <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a> The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8-10</a> Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a> A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” <a href="/mark/12-29.htm">Mark 12:29-31</a> Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. / Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ / The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” <a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-28</a> One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” / “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” / He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ... <a href="/1_john/4-21.htm">1 John 4:21</a> And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well. <a href="/1_john/3-23.htm">1 John 3:23</a> And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us. <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a> Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. <a href="/1_john/2-10.htm">1 John 2:10</a> Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. <a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a> In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a> And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4-7</a> Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ... <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Proverbs 10:12</a> Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well:the royal.<a href="/james/2-12.htm">James 2:12</a> So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.<a href="/james/1-25.htm">James 1:25</a> But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.<a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Thou.<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18,34</a> Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD… <a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39</a> And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.<a href="/mark/12-31.htm">Mark 12:31-33</a> And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these… ye do.<a href="/james/2-19.htm">James 2:19</a> Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.<a href="/1_kings/8-18.htm">1 Kings 8:18</a> And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.<a href="/2_kings/7-9.htm">2 Kings 7:9</a> Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/12-7.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-23.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/james/1-4.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-3.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Found</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-5.htm">Fulfil</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-5.htm">Fulfill</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-11.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/james/2-7.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-16.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">However</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Law</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-11.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-11.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm">Really</a> <a href="/james/1-16.htm">Right</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/acts/12-21.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">Scripture</a> <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Supreme</a> <a href="/philemon/1-19.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-16.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/james/2-22.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">Found</a> <a href="/revelation/17-17.htm">Fulfil</a> <a href="/revelation/17-17.htm">Fulfill</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/james/2-23.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/genesis/48-19.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/james/4-17.htm">However</a> <a href="/james/4-11.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/james/2-9.htm">Law</a> <a href="/james/4-12.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/james/4-12.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/james/2-17.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/1_john/2-8.htm">Really</a> <a href="/james/2-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/genesis/27-36.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/james/2-23.htm">Scripture</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">Supreme</a> <a href="/genesis/6-14.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/james/2-23.htm">Writing</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>If you really fulfill the royal law The term "royal law" signifies a command of utmost importance, often associated with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who is considered the King in Christian theology. This law is called "royal" because it is central to the kingdom of God. In the context of James, fulfilling this law means living in accordance with the teachings of Christ, who emphasized love as the greatest commandment (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a>). The use of "really" suggests a genuine, heartfelt adherence, not merely a superficial compliance.stated in Scripture This phrase underscores the authority of the Bible as the source of divine law. The reference to Scripture highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, as the command to love one's neighbor originates from <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>. It reflects the Jewish heritage of the early Christian community, which revered the Hebrew Scriptures as God's revealed word.“Love your neighbor as yourself,” This command is a direct quotation from <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> and is reiterated by Jesus in the Gospels (<a href="/mark/12-31.htm">Mark 12:31</a>). It encapsulates the ethical teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing empathy and selflessness. In the cultural context of the time, "neighbor" would have been understood as fellow Israelites, but Jesus expanded this definition to include all people, as seen in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-37</a>). This command challenges believers to transcend social, ethnic, and religious boundaries.you are doing well. This phrase offers affirmation and encouragement to those who live by this command. It suggests that fulfilling the royal law is not only a moral obligation but also a path to spiritual well-being and alignment with God's will. The use of "doing well" implies that such behavior is commendable and aligns with the teachings of Christ, who emphasized love as the fulfillment of the law (<a href="/romans/13-10.htm">Romans 13:10</a>). It serves as a reminder that true faith is demonstrated through actions that reflect God's love.<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/r/recipients_of_the_epistle.htm">Recipients of the Epistle</a> Jewish Christians who were dispersed outside of Israel, facing trials and needing guidance on living out their faith practically. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_royal_law.htm">The Royal Law</a> Refers to the commandment to "Love your neighbor as yourself," which is central to Christian ethics and is considered a summary of the law. 4. <a href="/topical/s/scripture.htm">Scripture</a> The Old Testament, particularly the Law of Moses, which is being referenced here to highlight the continuity of God's moral law. 5. <a href="/topical/n/neighbor.htm">Neighbor</a> In the context of this passage, it refers to fellow human beings, emphasizing the call to love others without partiality.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_royal_law's_supremacy.htm">The Royal Law's Supremacy</a> The term "royal law" signifies its supreme importance in the Christian life. It is the law of the King, Jesus, and should govern our interactions with others. <a href="/topical/l/love_as_the_fulfillment_of_the_law.htm">Love as the Fulfillment of the Law</a> Loving your neighbor as yourself encapsulates the essence of the law. It is not merely a command but a lifestyle that reflects God's character. <a href="/topical/p/practical_love_in_action.htm">Practical Love in Action</a> This love is not theoretical but practical, requiring us to act justly, show mercy, and walk humbly with God in our relationships. <a href="/topical/i/impartiality_in_love.htm">Impartiality in Love</a> James emphasizes that true love does not show favoritism. We are called to love all people equally, regardless of status or background. <a href="/topical/s/self-reflection_and_growth.htm">Self-Reflection and Growth</a> Loving others as ourselves requires self-reflection and growth in humility, empathy, and understanding.<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/what_is_the_law_of_liberty.htm">What is the Law of Liberty?</a> <a href="/q/key_themes_in_the_book_of_james.htm">What are the key themes in the Book of James?</a> <a href="/q/is_littering_considered_a_sin.htm">Who qualifies as my neighbor?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_critical_race_theory.htm">What defines Critical Race Theory?</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>(8) If ye fulfil the royal law.--Better paraphrased thus, If, however, ye are fulfilling the Law, as ye imagine and profess ye are doing, the royal law, according to the Scripture, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye are doing well; but . . . . Mark the touch of irony in the defence which St. James puts into the mouths of his hearers. It were certainly a sweet proof of neighbourly affection, that exemplified in <a href="/james/2-3.htm" title="And you have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say to him, Sit you here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand you there, or sit here under my footstool:">James 2:3</a>. The "royal," or "kingly law," is, of course, God's, in its highest utterance; and may be taken as an illustration of what a law really consists: viz., a command from a superior, a duty from an inferior, and a sanction or vindication of its authority. There is much confusion of thought, both scientific and theological, with regard to this; were it not so we should hear less of the "laws of nature," and divers other imaginary codes which the greatest legist of modern times has called "fustian." The sovereign law of love, thus expressed by the Apostle, is one so plain that the simplest mind may be made its interpreter; and the violation of it is at once clear to the offender.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8 - What is the connection with the foregoing? Μέντοι is ignored altogether by the A.V. Translate, with R.V., howbeit if ye fulfill, etc.; Vulgate, tamen. According to Huther, St. James here meets the attempt which his readers might, perhaps, make to justify their conduct towards the rich with the law of love; whilst he grants to them that the fulfillment of that law is something excellent, he designates προσωποληπτεῖν directly as a transgression of the law. Alford thinks that the apostle is simply guarding his own argument from misconstruction - a view which is simpler and perhaps more natural. The royal law. Why is the law of love thus styled? (The Syriac has simply "the law of God.") (1) As being the most excellent of all laws; as we might call it the sovereign principle of our conduct (cf. Plato 'Min.,' p. 317, c, Τὸ ὀρθὸν νόμος ἐστὶ βασιλικός). Such an expression is natural enough in a Greek writer; but it is strange in a Jew like St. James (in the LXX. βασιλικός is always used in its literal meaning); and as the "kingdom" has been spoken of just before (ver. 5), it is better (2) to take the expression as literal here - "the law of the kingdom" (cf. Plumptre, in loc.). Thou shalt love, etc. (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>). The law had received the sanction of the King himself (<a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39</a>; <a href="/luke/10-26.htm">Luke 10:26-28</a>). <a href="/commentaries/james/2-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>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 really keep τελεῖτε (teleite) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5055.htm">Strong's 5055: </a> (a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay. From telos; to end, i.e. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge. [the] royal βασιλικὸν (basilikon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_937.htm">Strong's 937: </a> From basileus; regal, i.e. belonging to the sovereign, or preeminent. law νόμον (nomon) Noun - Accusative 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. stated in κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). Scripture, γραφήν (graphēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1124.htm">Strong's 1124: </a> (a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ. “Love Ἀγαπήσεις (Agapēseis) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_25.htm">Strong's 25: </a> To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. neighbor πλησίον (plēsion) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4139.htm">Strong's 4139: </a> Near, nearby, a neighbor. Neuter of a derivative of pelas; close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. Fellow. 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. yourself,” σεαυτόν (seauton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4572.htm">Strong's 4572: </a> Of yourself. you are doing ποιεῖτε (poieite) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. well. καλῶς (kalōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2573.htm">Strong's 2573: </a> Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/2-8.htm">NT Letters: James 2:8 However if you fulfill the royal law (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/2-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 2:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 2:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/2-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 2:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 2:9" /></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>