James 2:8-13

2:8 But if you fulfill the royal law as expressed in this scripture, ¹  “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” ²  you are doing well. 2:9 But if you show prejudice, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as violators. ³  2:10 For the one who obeys the whole law but fails ⁴  in one point has become guilty of all of it. ⁵  2:11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” ⁶  also said, “Do not murder.” ⁷  Now if you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a violator of the law. 2:12 Speak and act as those who will be judged by a law that gives freedom. ⁸  2:13 For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over ⁹  judgment.

[2:8]  ¹ tn Grk “according to the scripture.”

[2:8]  ² sn A quotation from Lev 19:18 (also quoted in Matt 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14).

[2:9]  ³ tn Or “transgressors.”

[2:10]  ⁴ tn Or “stumbles.”

[2:10]  ⁵ tn Grk “guilty of all.”

[2:11]  ⁶ sn A quotation from Exod 20:14 and Deut 5:18.

[2:11]  ⁷ sn A quotation from Exod 20:13 and Deut 5:17.

[2:12]  ⁸ tn Grk “a law of freedom.”

[2:13]  ⁹ tn Grk “boasts against, exults over,” in victory.