James 2:9

9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

James 2:9 in Other Translations

KJV
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
ESV
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
NLT
9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.
MSG
9 But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it.
CSB
9 But if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:9 Meaning and Commentary

James 2:9

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin,
&c] This is not doing well, but is a transgression of the law, as every sin is; hence it follows,

and are convinced of the law as transgressors;
which carries on a formal process against such persons; it accuses them of sin, and charges them with it; it proves it upon them, and convicts them of it; it pronounces them guilty, and curses them for it; and passes the sentence of condemnation and death upon them; wherefore care should be taken not to commit this sin, and so fall under the convictions and reproofs of the law.

James 2:9 In-Context

7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

Cross References 2

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