Devine Scripture

James 2:13

What does James 2:13 mean?

A plain-English look at James 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 2:13 means

James states a searching principle: those who refuse to show mercy will face judgment without mercy, but mercy triumphs over judgment. Mercy is not a way to earn salvation but the fruit of a heart touched by God’s compassion. Where mercy is absent, a lifeless, self-justifying faith is exposed. Conversely, when believers extend mercy, they display the character of the God who has shown them mercy in Christ, and that mercy will boast over judgment at the last. Thus, impartial love and practical compassion are not optional extras; they reveal the reality of faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the man who has had no mercy will be judged without mercy, but mercy takes pride in overcoming judging.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for the judgment without kindness <FI>is<Fi> to him not having done kindness, and exult doth kindness over judgment.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For judgment without mercy to him that hath not done mercy. And mercy exalteth itself above judgment.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for judgment [will be] without mercy to him that has shewn no mercy. Mercy glories over judgment.

Context

This verse closes the first half of the chapter on partiality by linking present conduct with future judgment. It also prepares the reader for verses 14–26 by highlighting the necessity of merciful action as evidence of genuine faith. James will now move from the specific sin of favoritism to the broader principle that faith must be accompanied by works. The transition is natural: mercy is a work of love, and its absence exposes a dead faith.

v.12So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty.

v.13This passage

v.14What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 18:25

    With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; With the perfect man thou wilt show thyself perfect;

  • Jeremiah 9:24

    but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah who exerciseth lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah.

  • Luke 16:25

    But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish.

  • Psalms 85:10

    Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

  • Isaiah 27:11

    When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off; the women shall come, and set them on fire; for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have compassion upon them, and he that formed them will show them no favor.

  • Luke 6:37

    And judge not, and ye shall not be judged: and condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: release, and ye shall be released:

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