King James Version

What Does James 2:13 Mean?

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

Context

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

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

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

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.**—Better, *For unmerciful judgment shall be to him that wrought not mercy.* Here again are the clearest echoes of our Saviour’s words (Matthew 6:1-2, *et seq.*)*, *and a reference, we can hardly doubt, to His well-known parable (Matthew 18:21-35); and we must remember, further, that “the unforgiving temper, apart from all outward wrong, constitutes the sin of the unmerciful servant;” opportunity only being lacking for its full effect. The pitiless are usually cowards, and may well be moved by fear, if they will not by love: “I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). **Mercy rejoiceth against judgment.**—There can hardly be a fitter comment on this text than that which must be present in every reader’s mind—the speech of Portia in *The Merchant of Venice, * “The quality of mercy is not strained;” &c. —(Acts 4 scene 1.) But let the words of the Greek, John the Golden Mouthed, be added, for their exceeding beauty also. “Mercy is dear to God, and intercedes for the sinner, and breaks his chains, and dissipates the darkness, and quenches the fire of hell, and destroys the worm, and rescues from the gnashing of teeth. To her the gates of Heaven are opened. She is the queen of virtues, and makes men like to God, for it is written, ‘Be ye merciful as your Father also is merciful’ (Luke 6:36). She has silver wings like the dove, and feathers of gold, and soars aloft, and is clothed with divine glory, and stands by the throne of God; when we are in danger of being condemned she rises up and pleads for us, and covers us with her defence, and enfolds us in her wings. God loves mercy more than sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13).

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 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.