Bible Commentary

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 4. are ye not then partial in yourselves?] The verb is the same as that translated “waver” in chap. Jas 1:6 and elsewhere, as in Mat 21:21; Mar 11:23; Act 10:20; Rom 14:23 by “doubt.” Nor is any other meaning, such … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of James 2:4”

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: 3. And ye have respect to ] Better, look with respect upon. The same word is used in Luk … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of James 2:3”

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; 2. if there come unto your assembly ] Literally, into your synagogue, the old familiar name as yet, in that early stage of the Church’s life, being used … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of James 2:2”

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons. Ch. Jas 2:1-13. Respect of Persons 1. have not the faith ] Better, do not hold. The Greek for “respect of persons” (better, perhaps, acceptance of persons) is in the plural, as including all the varied … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of James 2:1”

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world. 27. Pure religion ] The word still presents the outward aspect of the devout life. Better perhaps, pure worship. undefiled ] The term seems chosen with special … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of James 1:27”

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion [is] vain. 26, 27. True and false Religion 26. If any man among you seem to be religious ] Better, If any man thinks that he is religious. The Greek adjective is one … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of James 1:26”

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein,] he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 25. But whoso looketh ] The word involves primarily the idea of stooping down and bending over that on which we look, as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of James 1:25”

For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 24. For he beholdeth himself ] The Greek gives a subtle variation in the tenses. “For he beheld himself” (the momentary act), and hath gone away (the completed departure continuing in the present), and forgat (the oblivion coming … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of James 1:24”

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 23. he is like unto a man ] The instance is chosen to illustrate the nature of the paralogism or fallacy by which the man deceived himself. It lies, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of James 1:23”

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 22 25. Doers and Hearers 22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only ] The thought is the same, though illustrated by a different similitude, as that of the closing verses of the Sermon on the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of James 1:22”