James 2:11
What does James 2:11 mean?
A plain-English look at James 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 2:11 means
To illustrate the law’s unity, James cites two commands—against adultery and murder—and reminds readers that the same God issued both. Violating either exposes one as a transgressor. The example shows that we cannot rank divine commands to justify disobedience to some while keeping others. The Lawgiver’s authority, not our preferences, governs the whole. Applied to this context, to avoid major scandals while practicing partiality still leaves one condemned by the law. True reverence listens to God’s voice wherever He speaks and refuses to segment obedience.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For he who said, Do not be untrue in married life, is the same who said, Put no man to death. Now if you are not untrue in married life, but you put a man to death, the law is broken.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for He who is saying, `Thou mayest not commit adultery,' said also, `Thou mayest do no murder;' and if thou shalt not commit adultery, and shalt commit murder, thou hast become a transgressor of law;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he that said: Thou shalt not commit adultery, said also: Thou shalt not kill. Now if thou do not commit adultery, but shalt kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For he who said, Thou shalt not commit adultery, said also, Thou shalt not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become transgressor of [the] law.
Context
This verse completes James’s explanation of the law’s unity begun in verse 10. With the theological groundwork laid, verses 12–13 call believers to shape both speech and conduct under the “law of liberty,” alert to the coming judgment where mercy matters. The movement from example to exhortation keeps the argument practical: knowing who the Lawgiver is should change how we treat people now, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 10:19
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor thy father and mother.
- Matthew 19:18
He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
- Matthew 5:21
Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
- Psalms 130:3
If thou, Jehovah, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
- Exodus 20:13
Thou shalt not kill.
- Deuteronomy 5:17
Thou shalt not kill.
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