James 2:1
What does James 2:1 mean?
A plain-English look at James 2:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 2:1 means
James opens with a clear command: believers must not combine faith in “our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory” with favoritism. The glory of Christ cannot be rightly confessed while we value people by outward status. To honor the Lord means to take our cues from His character, not from worldly rankings. Respect of persons treats human worth as something measured by wealth, fashion, or influence. Such partiality contradicts the gospel, which exalts the humble and brings all to the same cross. When Jesus is truly honored as Lord, His people see others through His eyes and refuse to seat some higher and push others lower based on appearances.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lordof glory, with respect of persons.
KJV
King James Version · 1611My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lordof glory, with respect of persons.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My brothers, if you have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory, do not take a man's position into account.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862My brethren, hold not, in respect of persons, the faith of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory, with respect of persons.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My brethren, do not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [Lord] of glory, with respect of persons:
Context
This verse launches the first half of the chapter, confronting partiality in the congregation. James immediately frames the issue in Christ-centered terms so that what follows is not mere social advice but obedience to the Lord. Verses 2–4 present a vivid scenario of unequal treatment to expose the sin. Verses 5–7 then show why such favoritism contradicts God’s ways. Keeping this opening command in view helps the reader evaluate the example, the diagnosis, and the theological reasons that follow.
v.1This passage
v.2For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Chronicles 19:7
Now therefore let the fear of Jehovah be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Jehovah our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.
- Deuteronomy 16:19
Thou shalt not wrest justice: thou shalt not respect persons; neither shalt thou take a bribe; for a bribe doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
- Hebrews 1:3
who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
- Titus 2:13
looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
- Revelation 14:12
Here is the patience of the saints, they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
- 1 Corinthians 2:8
which none of the rulers of this world hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory:
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