James 2:8

Howbeit (mentoi). Probably not adversative here, but simply confirmatory, "if now," "if indeed," "if really." Common in Xenophon in this sense. See the contrast (de) in verse Acts 9 . If ye fulfil (ei teleite). Condition of first class, assumed as true with ei and present active indicative of telew, old verb, to bring to completion, occurring in Romans 2:27 also with nomo (law). Jesus used plhrow in Matthew 4:17 . James has threw in James 2:10 . The royal law (nomon basilikon). Old adjective for royal, regal (from basileu king), as of an officer ( John 4:46 ). But why applied to nomo? The Romans had a phrase, lex regia, which came from the king when they had kings. The absence of the article is common with nomo ( John 4:11 ). It can mean a law fit to guide a king, or such as a king would choose, or even the king of laws. Jesus had said that on the law of love hang all the law and the prophets ( Matthew 22:40 ), and he had given the Golden Rule as the substance of the Law and the prophets ( Matthew 7:12 ). This is probably the royal law which is violated by partiality ( James 2:3 ). It is in accord with the Scripture quoted here ( Leviticus 19:18 ) and ratified by Jesus ( Luke 10:28 ).