James 2:7

7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?

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 to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?

6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?

7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?

8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

Footnotes

• [a]. Greek slander the noble name.