James 2:7

7 Do they themselves not blaspheme the good name {of the one to whom you belong}?

James 2:7 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 7 Do they not blaspheme that worthy name
Of Christ, or Christians;

by the which ye are called?
and which, as before, may design either unbelieving rich men, whether among Jews, or Gentiles, who blasphemed and cursed the name of Christ, and compelled others to do so likewise; or such who professed the Christian religion, who by their supercilious and disdainful treatment of their poor brethren, and by their dragging of them to the tribunals of the Heathens, and distressing them with vexatious law suits there, caused the name of Christ, after which they were called Christians, to be blasphemed and evil spoken of, among the Gentiles.

James 2:7 In-Context

5 Listen, my dear brothers! Did not God choose the poor of the world [to be] rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?

6 But you have dishonored the poor! Are not the rich exploiting you and they themselves dragging you into the courts?

7 Do they themselves not blaspheme the good name {of the one to whom you belong}?

8 However, if you carry out the royal law according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well.

9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin, [and thus] are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "that was called over you"