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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.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/2-3.htm" title="James 2:3">◄</a> James 2:4 <a href="/james/2-5.htm" title="James 2:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/james/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/james/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/james/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/james/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />then have you not made a distinction among yourselves and have become judges <i>with</i> evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/james/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/james/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/james/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/james/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/james/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/james/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/james/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />have you not discriminated among yourselves, and become judges with wrong motives?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/james/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />haven’t you made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/james/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />haven&#8217t you discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/james/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/james/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />This is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/james/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />are ye not divided in your own mind, and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/james/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Aren't you discriminating against people and using a corrupt standard to make judgments?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/james/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />then you are guilty of creating distinctions among yourselves and of making judgments based on evil motives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/james/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />then you will have made false distinctions among yourselves and will have judged from evil motives, will you not?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/james/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/james/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If so, have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil motives?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/james/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Have you not discriminated among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/james/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />is it not plain that in your hearts you have little faith, seeing that you have become judges full of wrong thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/james/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />haven’t you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/james/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />you did not judge fully in yourselves, and became ill-reasoning judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />then have you not made a distinction among yourselves and have become judges <i>with</i> evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/james/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> ye did not judge fully in yourselves, and did become ill-reasoning judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/james/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Were ye not separated among yourselves, and become judges of evil reflections?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/james/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Do you not judge within yourselves, and are become judges of unjust thoughts? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/james/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />are you not judging within yourselves, and have you not become judges with unjust thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/james/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/james/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/james/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Are you not then showing partiality, and thereby give preference to evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Behold, are you not divided in your souls and have you not become expositors of wicked reasonings?<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/james/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />are you not partial in yourselves? and do you not judge from false principles?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/james/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />are you not condemned among yourselves, and have you not become the judges of evil reasonings?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/james/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />are you not thus partial among yourselves, and form your decision from bad reasonings?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/james/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />have not you made an arbitrary distinction, don't your judgments flow from a vicious principle?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />is it not plain that in your hearts you have little faith, seeing that you have become judges full of wrong thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/james/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />do ye not make a distinction among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/james/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />do ye not make a <i>partial</i> difference within yourselves, and become judges that reason wickedly?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/james/2-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=272" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">A Warning against Favoritism</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1252.htm" title="1252: diekrithēte (V-AIP-2P) -- From dia and krino; to separate thoroughly, i.e. to withdraw from, or oppose; figuratively, to discriminate, or hesitate.">have you not discriminated</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.">among</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautois (RefPro-DM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: egenesthe (V-AIM-2P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">become</a> <a href="/greek/2923.htm" title="2923: kritai (N-NMP) -- A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge.">judges with</a> <a href="/greek/4190.htm" title="4190: ponērōn (Adj-GMP) -- Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. ">evil</a> <a href="/greek/1261.htm" title="1261: dialogismōn (N-GMP) -- From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.">thoughts?</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>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?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1-2</a></span><br />“Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-23.htm">Proverbs 24:23</a></span><br />These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-24.htm">John 7:24</a></span><br />Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-11.htm">Romans 2:11</a></span><br />For God does not show favoritism.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Acts 10:34-35</a></span><br />Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-17.htm">Deuteronomy 1:17</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a></span><br />There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Colossians 3:25</a></span><br />Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">1 Peter 1:17</a></span><br />Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Proverbs 28:21</a></span><br />To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Malachi 2:9</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Luke 6:37</a></span><br />Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Are you not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?</p><p class="hdg">partial.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/1-1.htm">James 1:1-27</a></b></br> James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-19.htm">Job 34:19</a></b></br> <i>How much less to him</i> that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all <i>are</i> the work of his hands.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Malachi 2:9</a></b></br> Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-27.htm">Job 21:27</a></b></br> Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices <i>which</i> ye wrongfully imagine against me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/82-2.htm">Psalm 82:2</a></b></br> How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/2-6.htm">Difference</a> <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Distinctions</a> <a href="/james/1-8.htm">Division</a> <a href="/james/1-27.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Full</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-16.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">Little</a> <a href="/james/1-8.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Motives</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-10.htm">Partial</a> <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Partiality</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-9.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-5.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-7.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/james/1-22.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jude/1-22.htm">Difference</a> <a href="/james/2-9.htm">Distinctions</a> <a href="/genesis/1-4.htm">Division</a> <a href="/james/2-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/james/2-5.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/james/2-16.htm">Full</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/james/3-14.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/james/4-11.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/james/4-11.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/james/3-5.htm">Little</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/james/4-3.htm">Motives</a> <a href="/exodus/23-3.htm">Partial</a> <a href="/james/2-9.htm">Partiality</a> <a href="/1_john/2-19.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/james/2-13.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/james/2-16.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">James 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-1.htm">Do not regard the rich and despise the poor brothers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-13.htm">rather we are to be loving and merciful;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-14.htm">and not to boast of faith without deeds;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-17.htm">because faith without deeds is useless;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-19.htm">as is the faith of the demons;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-21.htm">however, Abraham displayed both faith and actions;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/2-25.htm">as did Rahab.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>have you not discriminated among yourselves</b><br>This phrase addresses the issue of partiality within the Christian community. In the context of <a href="/james/2.htm">James 2</a>, the author is confronting the tendency to favor the wealthy over the poor. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God calls His people to treat others with equity and justice, as seen in <a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a>, which instructs not to show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great. The early church, as described in Acts, was meant to be a community where social distinctions were minimized, reflecting the unity in Christ (<a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>). The use of "among yourselves" indicates that this issue was internal, affecting the integrity and witness of the church.<p><b>and become judges with evil thoughts?</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the moral and spiritual implications of favoritism. By showing partiality, believers are assuming the role of judges, which is reserved for God alone (<a href="/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12</a>). The "evil thoughts" refer to the corrupt motivations behind such judgments, often rooted in selfishness or societal values rather than God's standards. This echoes Jesus' teachings in <a href="/matthew/7.htm">Matthew 7:1-5</a> about the dangers of judging others. The term "evil" underscores the seriousness of the sin, aligning with the biblical understanding that thoughts and intentions are as significant as actions (<a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Matthew 5:28</a>). The call is to align one's heart and mind with God's righteousness, avoiding the worldly mindset that values wealth and status over character and faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a></b><br>The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes with authority and pastoral concern for the believers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine, facing trials and needing guidance on living out their faith authentically.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/partiality.htm">Partiality</a></b><br>The event or issue addressed in <a href="/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4</a>, where believers are warned against showing favoritism, particularly in the context of wealth and social status within the church community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_partiality.htm">Understanding Partiality</a></b><br>The Greek word for "partiality" implies judging based on external appearances. Believers are called to look beyond the surface and value each person as God does.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sin_of_favoritism.htm">The Sin of Favoritism</a></b><br>Showing favoritism is not just a social faux pas; it is a sin that contradicts the character of God, who shows no partiality (<a href="/romans/2-11.htm">Romans 2:11</a>).<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/equality_in_christ.htm">Equality in Christ</a></b><br>In Christ, all social and economic barriers are broken down. The church should reflect this truth by treating all members with equal respect and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_love.htm">Practical Love</a></b><br>True faith is demonstrated through actions. Avoiding favoritism is a practical way to live out the command to love your neighbor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_mercy.htm">Judgment and Mercy</a></b><br>James warns that those who judge others with partiality will themselves be judged. Instead, believers should extend mercy, reflecting God's merciful nature.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_your_faith_say_you_need.htm">Do appearances reflect true character?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_christian_walk.htm">What does 'The Word of God is living' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_you_spiritual_without_religion.htm">What does 'living and active' mean in Hebrews 4:12?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_matt_5_22_align_with_john_2_15.htm">Matthew 5:22 - How does equating anger with murder align with other biblical texts where anger seems acceptable (e.g., John 2:15)?</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>(4) <span class= "bld">Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?</span>--Or, as the sense, fully expressed, would be: "My brethren, if you acted thus, did you not doubt in yourselves, and become by such false and unfaithful discrimination judges of and in your own evil thoughts? Did you not lose the idea of brotherhood, and become contentious as to supremacy of self and place--serving yourselves while prepared for the service of Christ? The Lord Jesus thought not His equality with God a thing ever to be grasped at, if work for man could be done by self-humiliation. Therefore, although being 'equal to the Father, as touching His Godhead,' He became 'inferior . . . as touching His Manhood.' And none may turn unmoved from that picture of sublime condescension to the petty strifes of quality and position which profane the Christian sanctuary. Most sadly true is it that in making distinctions such as these between rich and poor, we 'become of the number of those who doubt respecting their faith;' for, while it abolishes such altogether in the presence of God, we set them up of our own arrogance and pride. 'We draw nigh unto Him with our mouth, and honour Him with our lips, but our heart is far from Him; and our worship therefore vain.'" (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm" title="Why the Lord said, For as much as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:">Isaiah 29:13</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm" title="And they come to you as the people comes, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their covetousness.">Ezekiel 33:31</a>; <a href="/context/matthew/15-8.htm" title="This people draws near to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.">Matthew 15:8-9</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - The copula (<span class="greek">καὶ</span>) of the Received Text is certainly spurious. It is found in K, L, but is wanting in <span class="hebrew">א</span>, A, B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, Coptic. B also omits the negative <span class="greek">οὐ</span> (so Westcott and Herr margin). If this manuscript is followed, the sentence must be read as a direct statement, and not as interrogative. But if (with most manuscripts and editions) the interrogative be retained, the translation is still doubtful. <span class="greek">Διεκρίθητε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς</span> may mean: <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> "Are ye not divided in your own mind?" so the Syriac and R.V., which would imply that this respect of persons showed that they were halting between God and the world - in fact, double-minded. <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> "Do ye not make distinctions among yourselves?" R.V. margin; this gives an excellent sense, but is wanting in authority, as there appears to be no other instance forthcoming of the passive with this meaning. <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> "Did you not doubt among yourselves?" this (doubt) is the almost invariable meaning of <span class="greek">διακρίναομαι</span> in the New Testament, and the word has already been used in this sense by St. James (<a href="/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6</a>). Hence this rendering is to be preferred. So Huther, Plumptre, and Farrar, the latter of whom explains the passage as follows: "It shows <span class="accented">doubt to</span> act as though Christ had never promised his kingdom to the poor, rich in faith; and <span class="accented">wicked reasonings</span> to argue mentally that the poor <span class="accented">must</span> be less worthy of honor than the rich." Judges of evil thoughts (<span class="greek">κριταὶ διαλογισμῶν πονηρῶν</span>); <span class="accented">sc.</span> their own (thoughts), which caused them to respect persons. Thus the phrase is equivalent to "evil-thinking judges." (On the genitive, see Winer, 'Gram. of N. T. Greek,' p. 233; and cf. <a href="/james/1-25.htm">James 1:25</a>, <span class="greek">ἀκροάτης ἐπιλησμονής</span>.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/james/2-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">have you not discriminated</span><br /><span class="grk">διεκρίθητε</span> <span class="translit">(diekrithēte)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1252.htm">Strong's 1252: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dia and krino; to separate thoroughly, i.e. to withdraw from, or oppose; figuratively, to discriminate, or hesitate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yourselves</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑαυτοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(heautois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Himself, herself, itself. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">become</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγένεσθε</span> <span class="translit">(egenesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judges [with]</span><br /><span class="grk">κριταὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kritai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2923.htm">Strong's 2923: </a> </span><span class="str2">A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="grk">πονηρῶν</span> <span class="translit">(ponērōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4190.htm">Strong's 4190: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">thoughts?</span><br /><span class="grk">διαλογισμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(dialogismōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1261.htm">Strong's 1261: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/james/2-4.htm">James 2:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/james/2-4.htm">NT Letters: James 2:4 Haven't you shown partiality among yourselves (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 2:5" /></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>