King James Version

What Does James 2:11 Mean?

James 2:11 in the King James Version says “For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou...” — study this verse from James chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

James 2:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 who said, "Do not commit adultery" (mē moicheusēs, μὴ μοιχεύσῃς) also said, "Do not kill" (mē phoneusēs, μὴ φονεύσῃς). If you commit no adultery yet kill, you become a lawbreaker. James ties social sins to the Decalogue, showing that partiality violates the same God who gave the commandments.

Reformed theology sees the moral law as reflecting God's character; selective obedience insults the Lawgiver. James urges holistic submission to God's Word.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish believers revered the Ten Commandments, yet some minimized social justice commands. James connects their favoritism to the same law forbidding murder and adultery, aligning with Jesus' Sermon on the Mount that internalizes these commands.

Reflection Questions

  1. What commands do you prioritize while overlooking others?
  2. How does remembering the Lawgiver promote consistent obedience?
  3. Where do you need to bring hidden disobedience into the light?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ὁ1 of 18
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 18

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἶπεν3 of 18

“he that said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Μὴ4 of 18

“not”

G3361

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

μοιχεύσεις,5 of 18

“Do”

G3431

to commit adultery

εἶπεν6 of 18

“he that said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

καί7 of 18

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Μὴ8 of 18

“not”

G3361

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

φονεύσεις9 of 18

“Do”

G5407

to be a murderer (of)

εἰ10 of 18

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δέ11 of 18

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐ12 of 18

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μοιχεύσεις,13 of 18

“Do”

G3431

to commit adultery

φονεύσεις14 of 18

“Do”

G5407

to be a murderer (of)

δέ15 of 18

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

γέγονας16 of 18

“thou art become”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

παραβάτης17 of 18

“a transgressor”

G3848

a violator

νόμου18 of 18

“of the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

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 2:11 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 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 20:13-14Matthew 5:21-28Deuteronomy 5:17-18Romans 13:9Matthew 19:18Psalms 130:3-4

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