King James Version

What Does James 2:5 Mean?

James 2:5 in the King James Version says “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which h...” — study this verse from James chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

James 2:5 · King James Version


Context

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

6

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

7

Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? blaspheme: or, revile, or, slander


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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? James reminds them that God has chosen (exelexato, ἐξελέξατο) the poor (ptōchous, πτωχούς) of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom promised to those who love Him. Divine election often favors the lowly, as seen throughout Scripture.

This does not romanticize poverty but highlights God's upside-down kingdom. Reformed soteriology rejoices that God's choice rests not on merit but mercy. Favoritism opposes God's elective purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Most early Christians were poor (1 Corinthians 1:26). James, leading relief efforts for famine-stricken saints (Acts 11), saw firsthand how God used poor believers mightily. His statement harmonizes with Paul's teaching that God chose the foolish and weak.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you honor and learn from the faith of materially poor saints?
  2. What does God's choice of the poor reveal about His kingdom values?
  3. How might this verse reshape your giving or relationships?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Ἀκούσατε1 of 25

“Hearken”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἀδελφοί2 of 25

“brethren”

G80

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

μου3 of 25

“my”

G3450

of me

ἀγαπητοί·4 of 25

“beloved”

G27

beloved

οὐχ5 of 25

“not”

G3756

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

ὁ6 of 25
G3588

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

θεὸς7 of 25

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐξελέξατο8 of 25

“Hath”

G1586

to select

τοὺς9 of 25
G3588

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

πτωχοὺς10 of 25

“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

τοῦ11 of 25
G3588

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

κόσμου12 of 25

“world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

τούτου,13 of 25

“of this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

πλουσίους14 of 25

“rich”

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

ἐν15 of 25

“in”

G1722

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

πίστει16 of 25

“faith”

G4102

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

καὶ17 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

κληρονόμους18 of 25

“heirs”

G2818

a sharer by lot, i.e., inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor

τῆς19 of 25
G3588

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

βασιλείας20 of 25

“of the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

ἡς21 of 25

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐπηγγείλατο22 of 25

“he hath promised”

G1861

to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself

τοῖς23 of 25
G3588

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

ἀγαπῶσιν24 of 25

“to them that love”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

αὐτόν25 of 25

“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


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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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