King James Version

What Does James 2:6 Mean?

James 2:6 in the King James Version says “But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?” — study this verse from James chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

James 2:6 · KJV

Context

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

8

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

Read James 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Yet James says, "ye have despised" (atimasate, ἠτιμάσατε) the poor. Ironically, the rich oppress (katadynasteuousin, καταδυναστεύουσιν) them and drag them (helkousin, ἕλκουσιν) into courts. Favoring abusers betrays family loyalty. The verbs evoke violence and legal exploitation common in agrarian economies.

James exposes how sinful partiality cozies up to those who harm the church. Reformed believers must discern alliances carefully lest we bless oppressors while neglecting victims.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wealthy landowners controlled courts, exploiting day laborers (cf. 5:4). Diaspora Christians often faced lawsuits and confiscations. James, writing before AD 50, highlights real incidents so churches stop idolizing the rich.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where might you unknowingly honor those who harm the vulnerable?
  2. How can you stand with the oppressed even at personal cost?
  3. What changes could your church make to protect the poor from exploitation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὑμεῖς1 of 16

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

δὲ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἠτιμάσατε3 of 16

“have despised”

G818

to render infamous, i.e., (by implication) contemn or maltreat

τὸν4 of 16
G3588

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

πτωχόν5 of 16

“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

οὐχ6 of 16

“not”

G3756

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

οἱ7 of 16
G3588

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

πλούσιοι8 of 16

“rich men”

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

καταδυναστεύουσιν9 of 16

“Do”

G2616

to exercise dominion against, i.e., oppress

ὑμῶν10 of 16

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ11 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

αὐτοὶ12 of 16

“draw”

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

ἕλκουσιν13 of 16
G1670

to drag (literally or figuratively)

ὑμᾶς14 of 16

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰς15 of 16

“before”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

κριτήρια16 of 16

“the judgment seats”

G2922

a rule of judging ("criterion"), i.e., (by implication) a tribunal

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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 17:5Proverbs 14:311 Corinthians 11:22Psalms 14:6James 2:3Ecclesiastes 5:8

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