King James Version

What Does James 2:3 Mean?

James 2:3 in the King James Version says “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 th... — study this verse from James chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

James 2:3 · KJV


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

4

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? of the: or, of that


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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: Showing deference (epiblepsēte, ἐπιβλέψητε) to the well-dressed while telling the poor person to stand or sit underfoot reveals a heart enslaved to worldly honor. The commands "sit thou here" and "stand there" expose subtle yet painful marginalization.

James reveals how speech betrays partiality. Reformed ethics insist that love of neighbor is the fulfillment of the law; words assigning worth based on wealth violate the royal law.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

House churches lacked enough seating; where someone sat communicated value. In a shame-honor culture, telling someone to sit "under the footstool" was deeply insulting. James ensures diaspora believers see such practices as incompatible with the gospel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What subtle cues might communicate favoritism in your interactions?
  2. How can you cultivate speech that dignifies every believer?
  3. Who could you invite into closer fellowship despite social differences?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἐπιβλέψητε2 of 30

ye have respect

G1914

to gaze at (with favor, pity or partiality)

ἐπὶ3 of 30

to

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν4 of 30
G3588

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

φοροῦντα5 of 30

him that weareth

G5409

to have a burden, i.e., (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment

τὴν6 of 30
G3588

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

ἐσθῆτα7 of 30

clothing

G2066

dress

τὴν8 of 30
G3588

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

λαμπρὰν9 of 30

the gay

G2986

radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance)

καὶ10 of 30

And

G2532

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

εἴπητε11 of 30

say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ,12 of 30

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Σὺ13 of 30

thou

G4771

thou

κάθου14 of 30

Sit

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ὧδε15 of 30

here

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

καλῶς16 of 30

in a good place

G2573

well (usually morally)

καὶ17 of 30

And

G2532

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

τῷ18 of 30
G3588

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

πτωχῷ19 of 30

to the poor

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

εἴπητε20 of 30

say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Σὺ21 of 30

thou

G4771

thou

στῆθι22 of 30

Stand

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐκεῖ23 of 30

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

24 of 30

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

κάθου25 of 30

Sit

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ὧδε26 of 30

here

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

ὑπὸ27 of 30

under

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τὸ28 of 30
G3588

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

ὑποπόδιόν29 of 30

footstool

G5286

something under the feet, i.e., a foot-rest (figuratively)

μου30 of 30

my

G3450

of me


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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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