King James Version
What Does James 2:10 Mean?
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
Context
8
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
10
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
11
For 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. he that: or, that law which
12
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(10) **For whosoever shall keep . . .**—Better, *have kept the whole Law, but shall have offended in one, has become guilty of all.* As a chain is snapped by failure of the weakest link, so the whole Law, in its harmony and completeness as beheld by God, is broken by one offence of one man; and the penalty falls, of its own natural weight and incidence, on the culprit.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:10 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 2:10
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge