King James Version

What Does James 2:1 Mean?

James 2:1 in the King James Version says “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” — study this verse from James chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”

James 2:1 · KJV

Faith

Context

1

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

2

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; assembly: Gr. synagogue

3

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: in: or, well, or, seemly

Read James 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. James forbids holding the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons (prosōpolēmpsiais, προσωπολημψίαις). The gospel unites believers across status lines; showing favoritism contradicts Christ's glory. The term literally means receiving faces—valuing external appearance over spiritual reality.

Reformed theology emphasizes sola gratia: all believers are saved by grace, so partiality denies grace's leveling power. James begins chapter 2 by targeting a sin that fractures faith and works—honoring the rich while neglecting the poor.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Diaspora congregations met in homes or adapted synagogues where social seating communicated honor. Some wealthy patrons may have tried to leverage status. James, presiding over the Jerusalem council that welcomed Gentiles, insists on gospel-shaped equality. Paul's rebuke of Peter in Galatians 2 mirrors this concern.

Persecuted believers tempted to curry favor with influential outsiders needed to hear that such compromise betrays Christ's lordship.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where might you or your church show respect of persons?
  2. How does Christ's glory expose favoritism in your heart?
  3. What steps can you take to honor marginalized believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἀδελφοί1 of 15

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μου2 of 15

“My”

G3450

of me

μὴ3 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐν4 of 15

“with”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

προσωποληψίαις5 of 15

“respect of persons”

G4382

partiality, i.e., favoritism

ἔχετε6 of 15

“have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὴν7 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πίστιν8 of 15

“the faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

τοῦ9 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου10 of 15

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν11 of 15

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ12 of 15

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ13 of 15

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

τῆς14 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δόξης15 of 15

“the Lord of glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

James 2:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to James 2:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 24:23James 2:9Deuteronomy 16:19Leviticus 19:15Deuteronomy 1:17Proverbs 28:21

Test Your Knowledge

James 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJames Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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