Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. New Living Translation For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. English Standard Version For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, Berean Standard Bible Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. Berean Literal Bible For if a man might come into your assembly in splendid apparel with gold rings, and a poor man in shabby apparel also might come in, King James Bible 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; New King James Version For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, New American Standard Bible For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and is dressed in bright clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in, NASB 1995 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, NASB 1977 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, Legacy Standard Bible For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in bright clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, Amplified Bible For if a man comes into your meeting place wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in, Christian Standard Bible For if someone comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor person dressed in filthy clothes also comes in, Holman Christian Standard Bible For example, a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty clothes also comes in. American Standard Version For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing; Contemporary English Version Suppose a rich person wearing fancy clothes and a gold ring comes to one of your meetings. And suppose a poor person dressed in worn-out clothes also comes. English Revised Version For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing; GOD'S WORD® Translation For example, two men come to your worship service. One man is wearing gold rings and fine clothes; the other man, who is poor, is wearing shabby clothes. Good News Translation Suppose a rich man wearing a gold ring and fine clothes comes to your meeting, and a poor man in ragged clothes also comes. International Standard Version Suppose a man wearing gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in. Majority Standard Bible Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. NET Bible For if someone comes into your assembly wearing a gold ring and fine clothing, and a poor person enters in filthy clothes, New Heart English Bible For if someone with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor person in filthy clothing also comes in; Webster's Bible Translation For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; Weymouth New Testament For suppose a man comes into one of your meetings wearing gold rings and fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man wearing shabby clothes, World English Bible For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor if there may come into your synagogue a man with gold ring, in radiant clothing, and there may also come in a poor man in vile clothing, Berean Literal Bible For if a man might come into your assembly in splendid apparel with gold rings, and a poor man in shabby apparel also might come in, Young's Literal Translation for if there may come into your synagogue a man with gold ring, in gay raiment, and there may come in also a poor man in vile raiment, Smith's Literal Translation For if there come into your synagogue a man wearing gold rings on is fingers, in brilliant clothing, and there come in also a beggar in filthy clothing; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor if there shall come into your assembly a man having a golden ring, in fine apparel, and there shall come in also a poor man in mean attire, Catholic Public Domain Version For if a man has entered your assembly having a gold ring and splendid apparel, and if a poor man has also entered, in dirty clothing, New American Bible For if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, New Revised Standard Version For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor if there should enter into your synagogue a man with gold rings and costly garments, and there should also enter a poor man in soiled clothing; Aramaic Bible in Plain English For if a man will enter your assembly with a gold ring or fine clothing and a poor man enters in dirty clothing, NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor if there comes into your assembly a man in splendid apparel, and with gold rings on his fingers, and there comes in also a poor man, in mean clothing, Godbey New Testament For if a gold-ringed man may come into your synagogue, in shining apparel, and a poor man may also come in with soiled clothing; Haweis New Testament For if there come into your congregation a man with a gold ring, and in splendid apparel, and there come in also a poor man in a sordid garb; Mace New Testament when any one, adorn'd with a gold ring, and a splendid dress, enters into your assembly; and a poor man comes in meanly habited: Weymouth New Testament For suppose a man comes into one of your meetings wearing gold rings and fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man wearing shabby clothes, Worrell New Testament For, if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in splendid apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile apparel; Worsley New Testament For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring in fine clothes, and there come in also a poor man in a mean habit; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Warning against Favoritism1My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 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,”… Cross References Matthew 5:3-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. / Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ... Matthew 23:6-7 They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed. Luke 14:7-11 When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable: / “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited. / Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. ... 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. / But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, ... 1 Corinthians 11:22 Don’t you have your own homes in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What can I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? No, I will not! Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. 1 John 3:17-18 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. Leviticus 19:15 You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly. Deuteronomy 1:17 Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.” Deuteronomy 16:19 Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Job 34:19 who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. Treasury of Scripture For if there come to your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; assembly. Esther 3:10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy. Esther 8:2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: goodly. Genesis 27:15 And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son: Matthew 11:8,9 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses… in vile. Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Zechariah 3:3,4 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel… Jump to Previous Apparel Assembly Clothes Clothing Dirty Dressed Fair Filthy Fine Gay Gold Goodly Meeting Meetings Poor Raiment Ring Rings Splendid Suppose Synagogue Vile WearingJump to Next Apparel Assembly Clothes Clothing Dirty Dressed Fair Filthy Fine Gay Gold Goodly Meeting Meetings Poor Raiment Ring Rings Splendid Suppose Synagogue Vile WearingJames 2 1. Do not regard the rich and despise the poor brothers;13. rather we are to be loving and merciful; 14. and not to boast of faith without deeds; 17. because faith without deeds is useless; 19. as is the faith of the demons; 21. however, Abraham displayed both faith and actions; 25. as did Rahab. Suppose a man comes into your meeting The phrase "Suppose a man comes into your meeting" sets the stage for a hypothetical scenario that James uses to illustrate a broader spiritual truth. The Greek word for "meeting" here is "συναγωγή" (synagōgē), which can refer to a gathering or assembly, often used for Jewish synagogue meetings. This indicates that James is addressing a community of believers who gather for worship and teaching, emphasizing the importance of how they treat one another within these sacred assemblies. Historically, early Christian gatherings were often informal and took place in homes, yet the principles of respect and equality were paramount. wearing a gold ring and fine clothes and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in Persons / Places / Events 1. JamesThe author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations. 2. Rich Man Represents individuals who are wealthy, as indicated by the gold ring and fine clothes. In the context of the early church, such individuals might have been given preferential treatment. 3. Poor Man Represents individuals who are economically disadvantaged, as indicated by shabby clothes. The early church was called to treat such individuals with dignity and equality. 4. Meeting Refers to the assembly or gathering of believers, likely a house church setting where worship and teaching occurred. 5. Early Church The community of believers in the first century, navigating issues of social status and equality within the body of Christ. Teaching Points Impartiality in the ChurchThe church is called to reflect God's impartial nature, treating all individuals with equal respect and love, regardless of their economic status. True Value and Worth Believers are encouraged to look beyond outward appearances and recognize the intrinsic worth of every person as created in the image of God. Counter-Cultural Community The church should be a counter-cultural community that challenges societal norms of favoritism and discrimination, embodying the values of the kingdom of God. Practical Love and Hospitality Demonstrating love and hospitality to all, especially the marginalized, is a practical outworking of faith and a testimony to the world. Self-Examination Believers are called to examine their own hearts and attitudes towards others, ensuring they align with the teachings of Christ and the apostles.(2) For if there come unto your assembly (literally, synagogue).--This is the only place in the New Testament where the Jewish word is used for a Christian congregation. A man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel.--Better, a man golden-ringed, in bright apparel. Roman satirists had much to say upon the fops and dandies of their time, with "all their fingers laden with rings"; some, if we may trust the sneer of Martial, having six on each; and others with heavy gold or light, according to the oppressiveness of the season; no doubt, the fashions set in Rome extended to Jerusalem. "Goodly apparel" is, rather, gorgeous--splendid in colour or ornament; the same two words are translated "gay clothing" in the following verse. And there come in also a poor man in vile raiment.--Squalid, even dirty, as from work and wear--the exact opposite of the idle over-dressed exquisite. Verses 2-4. - Proof that they were guilty of respect of persons. Observe the insight which this passage gives us into the cha-racier of the assemblies of the early Christians, showing(1) that the entrance of a rich man was not entirely unknown, but (2) that it was probably exceptional, because so much was made of him. Notice (3) συναγωγή used here, and here only in the New Testament, of a Christian assembly for worship (cf. Ignatius, 'Ad Polye.,' c. 4, Πυκνότερον συναγωγαὶ γινέσθωσαν). (On the distinction between συναγωγὴ and ἔκκλησία, and the history of the terms and their use, see an interesting section in Trench's ' Synonyms,' p. 1.) Verse 2. - A man with a gold ring (ἀνὴρ χρυσοδακτύλιος). The word is found here only. The English Versions (both A.V. and R.V.) needlessly limit its meaning. The man was probably bedecked with a number of rings, and had not one only. In goodly apparel. The same phrase is rendering "gay clothing" in ver. 3. The variation is quite unnecessary, the Greek being identical in both places, and rightly rendered by R.V. "fine clothing." It is curious to find a similar needless variation in the Vulgate, which has in veste candida in ver. 2, and veste proeclara in ver. 3. Greek SupposeἘὰν (Ean) Conjunction Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. a man ἀνὴρ (anēr) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man. comes εἰσέλθῃ (eiselthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. into εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. meeting συναγωγὴν (synagōgēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 4864: From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue'; by analogy, a Christian church. [wearing] a gold ring χρυσοδακτύλιος (chrysodaktylios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5554: Adorned with a gold ring. From chrusos and daktulios; gold-ringed, i.e. Wearing a golden finger-ring or similar jewelry. [and] ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. fine λαμπρᾷ (lampra) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 2986: From the same as lampas; radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous. clothes, ἐσθῆτι (esthēti) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 2066: Clothing, raiment, vestment, robe. From hennumi; dress. and δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. a poor [man] πτωχὸς (ptōchos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4434: Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. shabby ῥυπαρᾷ (rhypara) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 4508: Filthy, defiled, dirty. From rhupos; dirty, i.e. cheap or shabby; morally, wicked. clothes ἐσθῆτι (esthēti) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 2066: Clothing, raiment, vestment, robe. From hennumi; dress. also καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. comes in. εἰσέλθῃ (eiselthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. Links James 2:2 NIVJames 2:2 NLT James 2:2 ESV James 2:2 NASB James 2:2 KJV James 2:2 BibleApps.com James 2:2 Biblia Paralela James 2:2 Chinese Bible James 2:2 French Bible James 2:2 Catholic Bible NT Letters: James 2:2 For if a man with a gold (Ja Jas. Jam) |
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