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James 2:4

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does James 2:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
James 2:4 — American Standard Version

Context — James 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.
2For 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;
3and 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;
4Do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
5Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world [to be] rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him?
6But ye have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you, and themselves drag you before the judgment-seats?
7Do not they blaspheme the honorable name by which ye are called?
← James 2:3James 2:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Are ye not then partial in yourselves, etc.] That is, guilty of such partiality as must appear to yourselves, and your own consciences must accuse you of; or do not ye distinguish, or make a difference among yourselves, by such a conduct, towards the rich and the poor: and are become judges of evil thoughts; or “are distinguishers by evil thoughts”; that is, make a distinction between the rich and the poor, by an evil way of thinking, that one is better than the other, and to be preferred before him.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Are ye not . . . partial--literally, "Have ye not made distinctions" or "differences" (so as to prefer one to another)? So in Jde 1:22. in yourselves--in your minds, that is, according to your carnal inclination [GROTIUS]. are become judges of evil thoughts--The Greek words for "judges" and for "partial," are akin in sound and meaning. A similar translation ought therefore to be given to both. Thus, either for "judges," &c. translate, "distinguishers of (that is, according to your) evil thoughts"; or, do ye not partially judge between men, and are become evilly-thinking judges (Mar 7:21)? The "evil thoughts" are in the judges themselves; as in Luk 18:6, the Greek, "judge of injustice," is…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Are ye not then partial in yourselves? - Among yourselves. Do you not show that you are partial? And are become judges of evil thoughts - There has been considerable difference of opinion respecting this passage, yet the sense seems not to be difficult. There are two ideas in it: one is, that they showed by this conduct that they took it upon themselves to be judges, to pronounce on the character of men who were strangers, and on their claims to respect (Compare Matthew 7:1); the other is, that in doing this, they were not guided by just rules, but that they did it under the influence of improper “thoughts.” They did it not from benevolence; not from a desire to do justice to all according…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Ye distinguish not - To which the most respect is due, to the poor or to the rich. But are become evil - reasoning judges - You reason ill, and so judge wrong: for fine apparel is no proof of worth in him that wears it. James 2:5”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“partial: James 1:1-27; Job 34:19; Mal 2:9 judges: Jam 4:11; Job 21:27; Psa 58:1, Psa 82:2, Psa 109:31; Mat 7:1-5; Joh 7:24 James 2:5”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification