James 2:9

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

James 2:9 Meaning and Commentary

James 2:9

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin,
&c] This is not doing well, but is a transgression of the law, as every sin is; hence it follows,

and are convinced of the law as transgressors;
which carries on a formal process against such persons; it accuses them of sin, and charges them with it; it proves it upon them, and convicts them of it; it pronounces them guilty, and curses them for it; and passes the sentence of condemnation and death upon them; wherefore care should be taken not to commit this sin, and so fall under the convictions and reproofs of the law.

James 2:9 In-Context

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.

10 For whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles in one [point only] has become guilty of all [of it].

11 For the one who said "Do not commit adultery" also said "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

Footnotes

• [a] *Here "[and thus]" is supplied as a component of the participle ("are convicted") which is understood as result