James 2:3
New International Version
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”

New Living Translation
If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well,

English Standard Version
and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,”

Berean Standard Bible
If 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,”

Berean Literal Bible
and you should look upon the one wearing the splendid apparel and should say, "You sit here honorably," and to the poor should say, "You stand," or, "Sit there under my footstool,"

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,”

New American Standard Bible
and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,”

NASB 1995
and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,”

NASB 1977
and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,”

Legacy Standard Bible
and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,”

Amplified Bible
and you pay special attention to the one who wears the fine clothes, and say to him, “You sit here in this good seat,” and you tell the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down [on the floor] by my footstool,”

Christian Standard Bible
if you look with favor on the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor person, “Stand over there,” or “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or, “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,”

American Standard Version
and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool;

Contemporary English Version
You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor.

English Revised Version
and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Suppose you give special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say to him, "Please have a seat." But you say to the poor man, "Stand over there," or "Sit on the floor at my feet."

Good News Translation
If you show more respect to the well-dressed man and say to him, "Have this best seat here," but say to the poor man, "Stand over there, or sit here on the floor by my feet,"

International Standard Version
If you give special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Please take this seat," but you say to the poor man, "Stand over there" or "Sit on the floor at my feet,"

Majority Standard Bible
If 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 here under footstool,”

NET Bible
do you pay attention to the one who is finely dressed and say, "You sit here in a good place," and to the poor person, "You stand over there," or "Sit on the floor"?

New Heart English Bible
and you pay special attention to the one who wears the fine clothing, and say, "Sit here in a good place;" but you tell the poor person, "Stand there," or "Sit by my footstool."

Webster's Bible Translation
And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say to him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Weymouth New Testament
and you pay court to the one who wears the fine clothes, and say, "Sit here; this is a good place;" while to the poor man you say, "Stand there, or sit on the floor at my feet;"

World English Bible
and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing and say, “Sit here in a good place;” and you tell the poor man, “Stand there,” or “Sit by my footstool”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and you may look on him bearing the radiant clothing, and may say to him, “You—sit here well,” and may say to the poor man, “You—stand there,” or, “Sit here under my footstool,”

Berean Literal Bible
and you should look upon the one wearing the splendid apparel and should say, "You sit here honorably," and to the poor should say, "You stand," or, "Sit there under my footstool,"

Young's Literal Translation
and ye may look upon him bearing the gay raiment, and may say to him, 'Thou -- sit thou here well,' and to the poor man may say, 'Thou -- stand thou there, or, Sit thou here under my footstool,' --

Smith's Literal Translation
And ye look toward him bearing the brilliant clothing, and ye say to him, Sit thou well here; and to the beggar ye say, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And you have respect to him that is clothed with the fine apparel, and shall say to him: Sit thou here well; but say to the poor man: Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool:

Catholic Public Domain Version
and if you are then attentive to the one who is clothed in excellent apparel, so that you say to him, “You may sit in this good place,” but you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit below my footstool,”

New American Bible
and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here, please,” while you say to the poor one, “Stand there,” or “Sit at my feet,”

New Revised Standard Version
and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you should attend to the one who wears the beautiful clothing, and say to him, Sit here in a good place; and say to the poor man, Stand up there, or sit here before our footstool;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And you have regard for him wearing fine clothing, and you say to him, “Sit well here”, and you say to the poor man, “Stand over there or sit here before our footstool.”,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and you show regard to him that wears the splendid apparel, and say to him, Sit here, in an honorable place; and you say to the poor man, Do you stand there, or sit here, under my footstool;

Godbey New Testament
and you may look upon the one wearing the shining garment, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and may say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit down beneath my footstool:

Haweis New Testament
and ye fix your eyes upon him who bears the splendid robe, and say to him, Sit thou here in an honourable place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Mace New Testament
if you should respectfully say to the suit of fine cloths, sit you there, that's for quality; and to the poor man, stand thou there, or place your self at my feet:

Weymouth New Testament
and you pay court to the one who wears the fine clothes, and say, "Sit here; this is a good place;" while to the poor man you say, "Stand there, or sit on the floor at my feet;"

Worrell New Testament
and ye show regard to him who is wearing the splendid apparel, and say, "Sit here in a good place"; and say to the poor man, "Stand, or sit under my footstool";

Worsley New Testament
and ye turn your eyes toward him that weareth the fine clothes, and say to him, Sit thou here in an honorable place; and say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Warning against Favoritism
2Suppose 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,” 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?…

Cross References
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

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.

Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.

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.”

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

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.”

Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

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, ...

Proverbs 22:2
The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.

Colossians 3:11
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.

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.

Luke 20:46-47
“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. / They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”

Malachi 2:9
“So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.


Treasury of Scripture

And you have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say to him, Sit you here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand you there, or sit here under my footstool:

ye.

Jude 1:16
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

in a good place.

James 2:6
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Isaiah 65:5
Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

Luke 7:44-46
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head…

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Apparel Attention Clothes Clothing Court Fair Fine Floor Footstool Gay Good Here's Honour Pay Please Poor Position Raiment Regard Respect Seat Seated Show Sit Special Splendid Stand Weareth Wearing Wears
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Apparel Attention Clothes Clothing Court Fair Fine Floor Footstool Gay Good Here's Honour Pay Please Poor Position Raiment Regard Respect Seat Seated Show Sit Special Splendid Stand Weareth Wearing Wears
James 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.














If you lavish attention
The phrase "lavish attention" suggests an excessive or undue focus on someone, often to the detriment of others. In the Greek, the word used here implies a sense of looking upon with favor or respect. Historically, this reflects a common societal tendency to honor those of higher status or wealth, which James challenges. The early Christian community was called to counter cultural norms by valuing each person equally, reflecting the impartial love of God.

on the man in fine clothes
"Fine clothes" refers to garments that are luxurious or expensive, often indicating wealth or high social status. In the ancient world, clothing was a significant marker of one's position in society. The Greek term used here can denote bright or shining garments, symbolizing not just wealth but also the allure of worldly success. James warns against judging people based on external appearances, reminding believers that true worth is found in one's character and faith.

and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,'
The "seat of honor" is a place of distinction and respect, often reserved for those deemed important or worthy. In the context of early Christian gatherings, seating arrangements could reflect societal hierarchies. By offering a seat of honor to the wealthy, believers were inadvertently perpetuating worldly values. James calls for a radical rethinking of honor, where the kingdom of God upends societal norms, and the last are made first.

but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,'
The instruction for the poor man to "stand" highlights a lack of regard and respect. In the cultural context, standing could imply a lower status or lack of belonging. The Greek word for "poor" here denotes not just financial poverty but also a lack of influence or power. James emphasizes that such treatment is contrary to the gospel, which elevates the humble and calls for equality among believers.

or, 'Sit at my feet,'
To "sit at my feet" is a position of subservience or inferiority. In ancient times, sitting at someone's feet was often a posture of learning or submission, but in this context, it underscores a demeaning attitude towards the poor. The phrase challenges the church to examine its attitudes and actions, ensuring they align with the teachings of Christ, who consistently uplifted the marginalized and called for justice and mercy.

(3) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing (or, bright apparel).--Look on him, that is, because of his fine appearance, with undue respect and consideration.

And say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place (or, as margin, well); and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool.--The sidesman or elder in charge of the church finds a stall for the person of substantial presence, while anything does for the poor one; but--most considerate offer--he can stand; or, if he prefer it, sit under the great man's footstool, lower down, that is, on the floor beneath. We know Christ's words for those who loved of old "the chief seats in the synagogues" (Matthew 23:6), nor can there be doubt as to their full application now. What is to be urged in excuse for the special pews in churches and chapels, hired and appropriated, furnished luxuriously, and secured by bolt and lock? If in the high places sit the men and women in goodly raiment still, while the poorly clad are crowded into side benches and corners, or beneficently told to stand and wait till room be found somewhere beneath the daintier feet,--how can there be escape from condemnation on the charge which follows?--namely this--



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[If]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

you lavish attention
ἐπιβλέψητε (epiblepsēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1914: To look with favor on, regard. From epi and blepo; to gaze at.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the [man]
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in
φοροῦντα (phorounta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5409: To carry, wear, bear constantly. From phoros; to have a burden, i.e. to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment.

fine
λαμπρὰν (lampran)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2986: From the same as lampas; radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous.

clothes
ἐσθῆτα (esthēta)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2066: Clothing, raiment, vestment, robe. From hennumi; dress.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

say,
εἴπητε (eipēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Here [is]
ὧδε (hōde)
Adverb
Strong's 5602: From an adverb form of hode; in this same spot, i.e. Here or hither.

a seat
κάθου (kathou)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2521: To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.

of honor,”
καλῶς (kalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2573: Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.

[but]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

say
εἴπητε (eipēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

poor [man]
πτωχῷ (ptōchō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4434: Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad.

“You
Σὺ (Sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

must stand,”
στῆθι (stēthi)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

or,
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

“Sit
Κάθου (Kathou)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2521: To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.

at
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

feet,”
ὑποπόδιόν (hypopodion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5286: A footstool. Neuter of a compound of hupo and pous; something under the feet, i.e. A foot-rest.


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NT Letters: James 2:3 And you pay special attention to him (Ja Jas. Jam)
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