James 2:4

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

American Standard Version (1901)

do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Bible in Basic English

Is there not a division in your minds? have you not become judges with evil thoughts?

Douay-Rheims 1899

Do you not judge within yourselves, and are become judges of unjust thoughts?

Free Bible Version

haven't you discriminated and judged with bad motives?

Geneva Bible 1599

Are yee not partiall in your selues, and are become iudges of euill thoughts?

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Translation for Translators

Then you have obviously [RHQ] caused divisions in the congregation (OR, you are clearly treating one better than the others, and you are using evil motives/reasons to ◄evaluate people/decide whether people are important or not►).

Unlocked Literal Bible

are you not judging among yourselves? Have you not become judges with evil thoughts?

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

haven’t you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Young's Literal Translation

ye did not judge fully in yourselves, and did become ill-reasoning judges.

Context

A Warning against Favoritism

³If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,”⁴have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Summary

In James 2:4, the author warns against showing favoritism or partiality based on external appearances or social status. This verse highlights the importance of treating all individuals with equality and fairness, reflecting God's impartiality and love for all people. By condemning the practice of favoritism, James emphasizes the need for believers to demonstrate genuine love and respect towards others, regardless of their background or circumstances. This verse challenges Christians to uphold justice and righteousness in their interactions, mirroring the character of God who shows no partiality. Ultimately, James 2:4 calls for a spirit of humility and compassion in how we relate to others, embodying the principles of love and unity in the body of Christ.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Are ye not then partial - Ου διεκριθητε· Do ye not make a distinction, though the case has not been heard, and the law has not decided? Judges of evil thoughts? - Κριται διαλογισμων πονηρων· Judges of evil reasonings; that is, judges who reason wickedly; who, in effect, say in your hearts, we will espouse the cause of the rich, because they can befriend us; we will neglect that of the poor, because they cannot help us, nor have they power to hurt us.