CINXE.COM

<!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 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/2-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/59_Jas_02_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 2:5 - A Warning against Favoritism" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?" /><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/2-5.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/2-5.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 5</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="/ad5.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/2-4.htm" title="James 2:4">◄</a> James 2:5 <a href="/james/2-6.htm" title="James 2:6">►</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> Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? <a href="/nlt/james/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? <a href="/esv/james/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? <a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? <a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He promised to those loving Him? <a href="/kjv/james/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? <a href="/nkjv/james/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? <a href="/nasb_/james/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? <a href="/nasb/james/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? <a href="/nasb77/james/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? <a href="/lsb/james/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Listen, my beloved brothers: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? <a href="/amp/james/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and [as believers to be] heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? <a href="/csb/james/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? <a href="/hcsb/james/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Listen, my dear brothers: Didn&#8217t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him? <a href="/asv/james/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him? <a href="/cev/james/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> My dear friends, pay attention. God has given a lot of faith to the poor people in this world. God has also promised them a share in his kingdom that he will give to everyone who loves him. <a href="/erv/james/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him? <a href="/gwt/james/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Didn't God choose poor people in the world to become rich in faith and to receive the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? <a href="/gnt/james/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him. <a href="/isv/james/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Listen, my dear brothers! God has chosen the poor in the world to become rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who keep on loving him, has he not? <a href="/msb/james/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? <a href="/net/james/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Did not God choose the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? <a href="/nheb/james/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Listen, my beloved brothers. Did not God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him? <a href="/wbt/james/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? <a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Listen, my dearly-loved brethren. Has not God chosen those whom the world regards as poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He has promised to those that love Him? <a href="/web/james/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn’t God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Listen, my beloved brothers, did God not choose the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom that He promised to those loving Him? <a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He promised to those loving Him? <a href="/ylt/james/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Hearken, my brethren beloved, did not God choose the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the reign that He promised to those loving Him? <a href="/slt/james/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Hear, my dearly beloved brethren, Has not God chosen the beggars of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them loving him?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Hearken, my dearest brethren: hath not God chosen the poor in this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him? <a href="/cpdv/james/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> My most beloved brothers, listen. Has not God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that God has promised to those who love him? <a href="/nabre/james/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Listen, my beloved brothers. Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? <a href="/nrsvce/james/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Hear this, my beloved brethren, Has not God chosen the poor of the world who are rich in faith, to be heirs of the kingdom which God has promised to those who love him? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Hear, my beloved brethren: Is it not the poor of this world, however, who are rich in faith? God has chosen them to be the heirs in that Kingdom which God has promised to those who love him.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Hear, my beloved brethren: Has not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God has promised to those who love him? <a href="/godbey/james/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Hear, my beloved brethren. Has not God chosen the poor in the world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him with divine love? <a href="/haweis/james/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Hear me, my beloved brethren. Hath not God elected the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God hath promised to those who love him; <a href="/mace/james/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> consider, my dear brethren, has not God chose the poor of this world to be rich by faith, and to inherit the kingdom he has promised to those who love him? <a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Listen, my dearly-loved brethren. Has not God chosen those whom the world regards as poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He has promised to those that love Him? <a href="/worrell/james/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Hearken, my beloved brethren, did not God choose the poor of the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love Him? <a href="/worsley/james/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Hear, my beloved brethren; hath not God chosen the poor of this world who are rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which He hath promised to them that love Him? but ye have slighted the poor. <a href="/parallel/james/2-5.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=278" 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> …4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5<a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: Akousate (V-AMA-2P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">Listen,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: agapētoi (Adj-VMP) -- From agapao; beloved.">beloved</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers:</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">Has not</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/1586.htm" title="1586: exelexato (V-AIM-3S) -- To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select.">chosen</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- 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/4434.htm" title="4434: ptōchous (Adj-AMP) -- Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. ">poor</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmō (N-DMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">of this world</a> <a href="/greek/4145.htm" title="4145: plousious (Adj-AMP) -- Rich, abounding in, wealthy; subst: a rich man. From ploutos; wealthy; figuratively, abounding with.">to be rich</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistei (N-DFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2818.htm" title="2818: klēronomous (N-AMP) -- From kleros and the base of nomos (reflexively) getting by apportionment); a sharer by lot, i.e. Inheritor; by implication, a possessor.">to inherit</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- 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/932.htm" title="932: basileias (N-GFS) -- From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.">kingdom</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēs (RelPro-GFS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/1861.htm" title="1861: epēngeilato (V-AIM-3S) -- From epi and the base of aggelos; to announce upon, i.e. to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself.">He promised</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: agapōsin (V-PPA-DMP) -- 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/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him?</a> 6But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?…<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/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a> “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26-29</a> Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. / But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, ... <a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Luke 6:20</a> Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. <a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Matthew 11:5</a> The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. <a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a> The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Proverbs 19:1</a> Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse. <a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52-53</a> He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. / He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Matthew 19:23-24</a> Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. / Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” <a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a> And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">1 Peter 1:4</a> and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/revelation/2-9.htm">Revelation 2:9</a> I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan. <a href="/psalms/37-11.htm">Psalm 37:11</a> But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity. <a href="/psalms/113-7.htm">Psalm 113:7-8</a> He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump / to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Listen, my beloved brothers, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him?Hearken.<a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Judges 9:7</a> And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.<a href="/1_kings/22-28.htm">1 Kings 22:28</a> And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.<a href="/job/34-10.htm">Job 34:10</a> Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.Hath not.<a href="/james/1-9.htm">James 1:9</a> Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:<a href="/isaiah/14-32.htm">Isaiah 14:32</a> What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.<a href="/isaiah/29-19.htm">Isaiah 29:19</a> The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.rich.<a href="/proverbs/8-17.htm">Proverbs 8:17-21</a> I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me… <a href="/luke/12-21.htm">Luke 12:21</a> So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-21.htm">1 Corinthians 3:21-23</a> Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; … heirs.<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a> Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<a href="/matthew/25-34.htm">Matthew 25:34</a> Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:<a href="/luke/12-32.htm">Luke 12:32</a> Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.the.<a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a> Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.<a href="/exodus/20-6.htm">Exodus 20:6</a> And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.<a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm">1 Samuel 2:30</a> Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/1-19.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/james/1-19.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/james/1-19.htm">Dearly-Loved</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/james/1-27.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/james/2-4.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/james/1-19.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-9.htm">Heirs</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/james/1-1.htm">Love</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/james/2-3.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/james/1-12.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/james/1-20.htm">Regards</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/james/1-10.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/james/1-27.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">Choose</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-1.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-17.htm">Dearly-Loved</a> <a href="/1_john/4-5.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/james/4-10.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/james/2-14.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-18.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/genesis/4-23.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">Heirs</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-11.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">Love</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/james/2-6.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-4.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-6.htm">Regards</a> <a href="/james/2-6.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/james/2-6.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/james/3-6.htm">World</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>Listen, my beloved brothers: This phrase indicates a call to attention and affection. The term "beloved brothers" suggests a familial bond among believers, emphasizing unity and love within the Christian community. This reflects the early church's emphasis on community and mutual care, as seen in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-47</a>, where believers shared everything in common.Has not God chosen the poor of this world: This highlights God's preference for the humble and lowly, aligning with Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a>). The "poor" here can be understood both materially and spiritually, indicating those who recognize their need for God. This choice reflects God's upside-down kingdom values, where the last are first (<a href="/matthew/20-16.htm">Matthew 20:16</a>).to be rich in faith: The richness in faith contrasts with material poverty, suggesting that true wealth is found in spiritual abundance. This echoes Jesus' teaching in <a href="/luke/12-21.htm">Luke 12:21</a> about being rich toward God. Faith is portrayed as a treasure that surpasses earthly wealth, aligning with <a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7</a>, where faith is more precious than gold.and to inherit the kingdom He promised: The concept of inheritance is significant in biblical theology, often associated with the promises made to Abraham and his descendants (<a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a>). The kingdom here refers to God's reign, both present and future, as seen in Jesus' parables about the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13). This inheritance is a gift of grace, not earned by human effort.those who love Him: Love for God is a central theme in Scripture, encapsulated in the greatest commandment (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37</a>). This love is not merely emotional but demonstrated through obedience and faithfulness (<a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a>). The promise of the kingdom is thus linked to a relationship with God, characterized by love and devotion.<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 with authority and pastoral concern. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_poor.htm">The Poor</a> Refers to those who are economically disadvantaged, yet chosen by God to be rich in faith. The Greek word used here is (pt?chos), which implies not just financial poverty but also humility and dependence on God. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom.htm">The Kingdom</a> Represents the reign and rule of God, both in the present spiritual sense and the future fulfillment. It is the inheritance promised to those who love God. 4. <a href="/topical/b/beloved_brothers.htm">Beloved Brothers</a> Indicates the recipients of the letter, fellow believers in Christ, whom James addresses with affection and urgency. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god's_promise.htm">God's Promise</a> Refers to the divine assurance of the kingdom to those who love Him, highlighting God's faithfulness and the value He places on love and faith over worldly wealth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_value_system.htm">God's Value System</a> God values faith and love over material wealth. Believers should align their values with God's, prioritizing spiritual richness. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith.htm">The Role of Faith</a> Faith is the currency of God's kingdom. The poor, often more reliant on God, exemplify the kind of faith that pleases Him. <a href="/topical/l/love_as_a_criterion.htm">Love as a Criterion</a> The promise of the kingdom is to those who love God. Love for God should be the driving force behind our actions and decisions. <a href="/topical/e/equality_in_the_kingdom.htm">Equality in the Kingdom</a> In God's kingdom, social and economic status are irrelevant. All believers are equal heirs to His promises. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_for_the_disadvantaged.htm">Encouragement for the Disadvantaged</a> Those who are poor or marginalized can find hope and purpose in God's special choice and promise to them.<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_does_'poor_in_spirit'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of being poor in spirit?</a> <a href="/q/rich_and_poor__what_after_death.htm">What happens to the rich and poor after death?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_share_good_news_with_the_poor.htm">How can we share the Good News with the poor?</a> <a href="/q/who_finds_joy_in_humility_and_virtue.htm">Who finds true happiness in humility and righteousness?</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>(5) Hearken, my beloved brethren.--With complete change of manner the Apostle writes now as if he were speaking, in brief quivering sentences, appealing to the hearts which his stronger words may not compel.Hath not God chosen . . .?--There is, then, an election on the part of God. It were folly to deny it. But this passage, like so many others, gives the reason for that choice. "The poor of this world" are His chosen; not merely for their poverty, although it may have been the air, so to speak, in which the virtues which endeared them to Him have flourished most. And these are rich for present and for future. They know Him "now by faith," and "after this life have the fruition of His glorious Godhead." "Blessed be ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (<a href="/luke/6-20.htm" title="And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be you poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.">Luke 6:20</a>). The way thereto for them is nearer and less cumbered than for the rich, if only they fulfil the Scripture (comp. <a href="/matthew/6-3.htm" title="But when you do alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does:">Matthew 6:3</a>), and be poor "in spirit:" then, indeed, are they "heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him." The world must always measure by its own standard, and consider poverty a curse, just as it looks on pain and trouble as evil. But the teaching of God, declared most eloquently in the life of His blessed Son, is the direct opposite to this. In a worship which demands of its votaries costly gifts and offerings--and every religion tends downwards to such desires--the rich man has a golden pavement to his future bliss. No wonder, therefore, that again and again the voice of the Spirit of God has pointed out the narrow way, and the eternal excellency of truth, and faith, and love, the riches easiest of acquisition by the poor.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 5-9. - Proof of the sinfulness of respect of persons. Verse 5. - Hearken (ἀκούσατε). This has been noticed as a coincidence with the speech of St. James in <a href="/acts/15-13.htm">Acts 15:13</a>. It is, however, too slight to be worth much (cf. <a href="/acts/7-2.htm">Acts 7:2</a>; <a href="/acts/13-16.htm">Acts 13:16</a>; <a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1</a>). For τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, read τῷ κόσμῳ (א, A, B, C), "poor as to the world;" perhaps "in the estimation of the world." These God chose (to be) rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, etc. The kingdom; mentioned here only by St. James (and even here, א, A read ἐπαγγελίας); cf. νόμον βασιλικόν in ver. 8. Which he hath promised. As Dean Plumptre has pointed out, "it is scarcely possible to exclude a direct reference to the words of Christ, as in <a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Luke 6:20</a>; <a href="/luke/12-31.htm">Luke 12:31, 32</a>; and so we get indirect proof of a current knowledge, at the early period at which St. James wrote, of teaching which was afterwards recorded in the written Gospels." <a href="/commentaries/james/2-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Listen, Ἀκούσατε (Akousate) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. beloved ἀγαπητοί (agapētoi) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> From agapao; beloved. brothers: ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. {Has} not οὐχ (ouch) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. chosen ἐξελέξατο (exelexato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1586.htm">Strong's 1586: </a> To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <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. poor πτωχοὺς (ptōchous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4434.htm">Strong's 4434: </a> Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. of this world κόσμῳ (kosmō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). [to be] rich πλουσίους (plousious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4145.htm">Strong's 4145: </a> Rich, abounding in, wealthy; subst: a rich man. From ploutos; wealthy; figuratively, abounding with. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. faith πίστει (pistei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to inherit κληρονόμους (klēronomous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2818.htm">Strong's 2818: </a> From kleros and the base of nomos (reflexively) getting by apportionment); a sharer by lot, i.e. Inheritor; by implication, a possessor. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine 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. kingdom βασιλείας (basileias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm. He promised ἐπηγγείλατο (epēngeilato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1861.htm">Strong's 1861: </a> From epi and the base of aggelos; to announce upon, i.e. to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself. those who τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <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. love ἀγαπῶσιν (agapōsin) Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural <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. Him? αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/2-5.htm">NT Letters: James 2:5 Listen my beloved brothers (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/2-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 2:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 2:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/2-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 2:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 2:6" /></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>