New International Version But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. New Living Translation But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. English Standard Version But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Berean Standard Bible But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Berean Literal Bible But if you⁺ show partiality, you⁺ are working sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. King James Bible But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. New King James Version but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. New American Standard Bible But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators. NASB 1995 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. NASB 1977 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Legacy Standard Bible But if you show partiality, you are committing sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. Amplified Bible But if you show partiality [prejudice, favoritism], you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as offenders. Berean Annotated Bible But if you⁺ show favoritism, you⁺ sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Christian Standard Bible If, however, you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Holman Christian Standard Bible But if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. American Standard Version but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. Contemporary English Version But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned. English Revised Version but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. GOD'S WORD® Translation If you favor one person over another, you're sinning, and this law convicts you of being disobedient. Good News Translation But if you treat people according to their outward appearance, you are guilty of sin, and the Law condemns you as a lawbreaker. International Standard Version But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and will be convicted by the Law as violators. NET Bible But if you show prejudice, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as violators. New Heart English Bible But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. Webster's Bible Translation But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Weymouth New Testament But if you are making distinctions between one man and another, you are guilty of sin, and are convicted by the Law as offenders. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. World English Bible But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut if you favor by appearance, you work sin, being convicted by the Law as transgressors; Berean Literal Bible But if you⁺ show partiality, you⁺ are working sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. Young's Literal Translation and if ye accept persons, sin ye do work, being convicted by the law as transgressors; Smith's Literal Translation And if ye make distinction of faces, ye work sin, being convicted under the law as transgressors. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, being reproved by the law as transgressors. Catholic Public Domain Version But if you show favoritism to persons, then you commit a sin, having been convicted again by the law as transgressors. New American Bible But if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. New Revised Standard Version But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut if you discriminate among men, you commit sin and you will be condemned by the law as transgressors of the law. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But if you show partiality, you are sinning, and you are reproved by The Written Law as violators against The Written Law. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut if you show partiality for persons, you work sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Godbey New Testament But if you have respect of persons, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. Haweis New Testament but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Mace New Testament but partiality is iniquity; and the law will convict the offender of transgression. Weymouth New Testament But if you are making distinctions between one man and another, you are guilty of sin, and are convicted by the Law as offenders. Worrell New Testament but, if ye show respect to persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. Worsley New Testament But if ye partially respect persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context A Warning against Favoritism…8If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.… Cross References But if you show favoritism Leviticus 19:15 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. Deuteronomy 1:17 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.” Proverbs 24:23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good. you sin Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin, yet there is sin that does not lead to death. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. and are convicted by the law Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. / Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. Galatians 3:10 All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. as transgressors. Galatians 2:18 If I rebuild what I have already torn down, I prove myself to be a lawbreaker. Romans 4:15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression. Isaiah 53:12 Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism. Acts 10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, Galatians 2:6 But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me. Treasury of Scripture But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. if. James 2:1-4 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons… Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. are. John 8:9,46 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst… John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: transgressors. Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 7:7-13 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet… Galatians 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. Jump to Previous Accept Account Commit Committing Convicted Convinced Distinctions Evil Evil-Doers Favoritism Guilty Judged Law Making Offenders Partiality Persons Position Respect Show Sin Transgressors WorkJump to Next Accept Account Commit Committing Convicted Convinced Distinctions Evil Evil-Doers Favoritism Guilty Judged Law Making Offenders Partiality Persons Position Respect Show Sin Transgressors WorkJames 2 1. Do not regard the rich and despise the poor brothers;13. rather we are to be loving and merciful; 14. and not to boast of faith without deeds; 17. because faith without deeds is useless; 19. as is the faith of the demons; 21. however, Abraham displayed both faith and actions; 25. as did Rahab. But if you show favoritism, Favoritism gives undue preference based on wealth, status, ethnicity, or other outward distinctions. Such practices were common in the social order of the first century, but they had no place among believers, who were to regard one another as fellow image-bearers and members of Christ’s people. Lev 19:15 You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality… you sin Partiality violates the command to love one’s neighbor. It is not merely poor manners or an unfortunate social custom; it is disobedience to God. Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are convicted by the law God’s law exposes partiality for what it is and holds the offender accountable. The law does not excuse favoritism because it appears respectable or customary. Rom 3:19-20 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says… as transgressors. Those who practice favoritism stand guilty of breaking God’s command. Like every transgression, it reveals the need for forgiveness and the righteousness provided through Christ. Gal 2:18 If I rebuild what I have already torn down,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JamesThe 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. Jewish Christians The primary audience of the letter, who were familiar with the Jewish Law and its teachings on justice and impartiality. 3. The Early Church The context in which James writes, where issues of favoritism and partiality were emerging as the church grew and included people from various social and economic backgrounds. Teaching Points Understanding Favoritism as SinFavoritism is not a minor issue; it is a sin that goes against the character of God and the teachings of Scripture. The Law as a Mirror The law serves as a mirror, revealing our sins, including favoritism, and convicting us as transgressors. Impartiality Reflects God's Character As believers, we are called to reflect God's impartial nature in our interactions with others, treating everyone with equal respect and love. Practical Steps to Avoid Favoritism Evaluate personal biases and make conscious efforts to treat all individuals equally, regardless of their social or economic status. Community Accountability Encourage accountability within the church community to address and correct instances of favoritism. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of James 2:9?2. How does James 2:9 define the sin of showing favoritism among believers? 3. What practical steps can prevent favoritism in your church community? 4. How does James 2:9 connect with Leviticus 19:15 on impartiality? 5. Why is favoritism considered a violation of God's law according to James 2:9? 6. How can you personally apply the teaching of James 2:9 in daily life? 7. How does James 2:9 challenge our understanding of favoritism in the church? 8. What historical context influenced the message of James 2:9? 9. How does James 2:9 relate to the concept of sin in Christian theology? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from James 2? (9) But if ye have respect to persons . . .--Translate, But if ye respect persons, ye work sin, and are convicted by the Law (i.e., at the bar of conscience) as transgressors. The first principle has been broken, and not a mere detail. De minimis non curat lex: the laws of men cannot concern themselves with trifles; but the most secret soul may be proven and revealed by some little act of love, or the contrary: and such is the way of the Lord "that searcheth the hearts" (Romans 8:27).Verse 9. - And are convinced, etc.; better, with R.V., being convicted by the law (ἐλεγχόμενοι ὑπὸ τοῦ νόμου). The Law of Moses directly forbade all respect of persons; see Leviticus 19:15 (three verses above the passage just quoted by St. James), Οὐ λήψῃ πρόσωπον πτωχοῦ οὐδὲ μὴ θαυμάσῃς πρόσωπον δυνάστον. James 2:9 insists that favoritism is not a harmless social preference; it is sin that violates God’s impartial nature and breaches His law of love. The moment we show partiality, God’s Word convicts us as lawbreakers. Recognizing that verdict drives us to repent, treat everyone with Christlike honor, and rely afresh on the mercy extended to us at the cross. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. you show favoritism, προσωπολημπτεῖτε (prosōpolēmpteite) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4380: To favor specially, show partiality. From prosopoleptes; to favor an individual, i.e. Show partiality. you ἐργάζεσθε (ergazesthe) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 2038: To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. sin ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin. [and] are convicted ἐλεγχόμενοι (elenchomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1651: (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish. by ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. transgressors. παραβάται (parabatai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3848: A transgressor, law-breaker. From parabaino; a violator. Additonal Resources James 2:9 Blue Letter BibleJames 2:9 Bible Gateway James 2:9 Bible.com James 2:9 NIV |
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